Percival Everett is the author of the genre-defying novel The Trees – a biting, razor-sharp meditation on American racism, justice and history wrapped in the form of a darkly comic detective thriller. Both profound and provocative, Percival masterfully weaves satire, violence, and truth through this unforgettable story.
For Service95, Percival has shared his list of books that echo the world of The Trees to continue your reading, plus a playlist to soundtrack your own exploration of his novel, which we’ve unpacked below...
The Books That Inspired Percival Everett’s Writing
Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain
A foundational American novel that tackles race and identity through the unlikely friendship of Huck and Jim as they travel down the Mississippi. Twain’s wit, irony, and critical eye on society echo through Percival’s own storytelling.
Cotton Comes to Harlem by Chester Himes
A gritty, fast-paced crime novel set in Harlem featuring detectives Grave Digger Jones and Coffin Ed Johnson. Himes’s blend of hardboiled noir with social commentary influenced Percival’s balance of genre and message.
Wide Sargasso Sea by Jean Rhys
A haunting prequel to Jane Eyre, this novel reimagines the story of Bertha Mason, the “madwoman in the attic,” examining colonialism, identity, and displacement – recurring themes in Percival’s own work.
The Souls Of Black Folk by W.E.B. Du Bois
A seminal work of African American literature and philosophy, this collection of essays lays bare the realities of racism in post-Civil War America. Percival draws on Du Bois’ intellectual depth and clarity of vision to inform the cultural undercurrents of The Trees.
The Playlist To Soundtrack Your Reading Of The Trees
Want to amplify your reading of The Trees? Percival Everett’s playlist spans jazz, blues, folk, and protest music – a sonic reflection of the novel’s moods, themes, and historical resonance...
The Trees by Percival Everett is Dua’s Monthly Read For September – discover her full conversation with the author and more with the Service95 Book Club...
WATCH Dua’s interview with the author, Percival Everett
LISTEN to the interview on the go with the new Service95 Book Club podcast
READ the story of Emmett Till and how his murder launched a movement
DISCOVER what to read next in Percival Everett’s back catalogue
