"One of the Greatest Works of American Literature"?

I am, personally, intrigued by the controversy that arises when Mark Twain or Huckleberry Finn's name arises. Twain's writting can be read to be very racist and it can also be read to be supportive of anti-racism. To me, what I find most interesting is the fact that no where in his book does he directly say, show or prove which side he is on. One could easily think that he is racist after reading this book. I think that this is exactly his intent. He seems to like being vague and leaving his reader on a cliff-hanger, to finish and sum up main ideas for themselves. I was searching for articles in the Chicago Tribune (a reliable source, or course) when I came accross this one (link below) which states that The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is "One of the Greatest Works of American Literature" (Chicago Tribune, 2002). This article really highlights praises the book for its anti-slavery and anti-racist message. I do not think that the book necessarily does have a message against discrimination in slavery. I believe that it could go either way but I do believe that it is one of the greatest works of American literature. I have never read a book before like this one where interpretations can vary so widely. I think that the fact that Twain does not specify his opinions on the subject of his narrative is a message in and of itself. Maybe he is trying to show us that even when we think we are being anti-descriminatory, it can still be seen as to be quite the opposite.

*I found this article through New Trier's databases so you might have to log into your NT account to access this article if you do not already have a subscription to Chicago Tribune online. http://ntesx01-lic.nths.net:2056/pqdwebindex=7&did=100161769&SrchMode=1&sid=3&Fmt=3&VInst=PROD&VType=PQD&RQT=309&VName=PQD&TS=1233532046&clientId=160