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Percival Everett's novel "James" unexpectedly won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction. While initially not a top contender among the jury's three finalists ("Headshot," "Mice 1961," and "The Unicorn Woman"), the Pulitzer board's inability to reach a consensus led to "James" being selected. This outcome highlights a procedural mechanism allowing the board to choose from a broader selection when a jury deadlock occurs. Everett's novel, a reimagining of "Huckleberry Finn," had already received significant critical praise.

Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.