Pulitzer Prize winner Percival Everett to visit Lenoir-Rhyne University Jan. 21

Lenoir-Rhyne University’s Visiting Writers Series will welcome Pulitzer Prize-winning author Percival Everett on Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026, for a public conversation about his acclaimed novel “James.” The event will take place from 7 – 8 p.m. in P.E. Monroe Auditorium and is free and open to the public. Tickets are limited and can be reserved at tickets.lr.edu.

“James,” which earned the 2025 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, is a bold and critically acclaimed reimagining of “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” told from the perspective of the enslaved Jim. Critics have praised the novel for its insight, originality and emotional depth, calling it one of the most significant works of contemporary American literature.

During his visit, Everett will discuss the novel’s themes of freedom, language and storytelling, as well as his broader body of work and creative process. His appearance concludes Lenoir-Rhyne’s 2025 – 2026 Visiting Writers Series, which brings nationally recognized authors to campus for conversations with students and the community.

Everett is the author of more than 30 novels, story collections and works of nonfiction, and is regarded as one of the most innovative voices in contemporary American literature. In addition to the Pulitzer Prize, “James” received the National Book Award and rose to the top of the New York Times bestseller list. The novel was also shortlisted for the Booker Prize and is currently in development as a feature film.

Everett’s visit is made possible through the support of Arts Culture Catawba, with funding provided through the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. The grant supports Lenoir-Rhyne’s Visiting Writers Series and helps make high-caliber literary events accessible to the broader community.

The Visiting Writers Series at Lenoir-Rhyne University has a long-standing tradition of fostering a love of literature and offering audiences meaningful engagement with accomplished authors. Tickets for the Jan. 21 event are free but required and are available at tickets.lr.edu.