Ernest J. Gaines
Paperback | Pages: 256 pages Rating: 3.95 | 49754 Users | 3270 Reviews
Particularize Books As A Lesson Before Dying
| Original Title: | A Lesson Before Dying |
| ISBN: | 0375702709 (ISBN13: 9780375702709) |
| Edition Language: | English |
| Setting: | Louisiana(United States) |
| Literary Awards: | National Book Critics Circle Award for Fiction (1993) |
Relation To Books A Lesson Before Dying
A Lesson Before Dying is set in a small Cajun community in the late 1940s. Jefferson, a young black man, is an unwitting party to a liquor store shoot out in which three men are killed; the only survivor, he is convicted of murder and sentenced to death. Grant Wiggins, who left his hometown for the university, has returned to the plantation school to teach. As he struggles with his decision whether to stay or escape to another state, his aunt and Jefferson's godmother persuade him to visit Jefferson in his cell and impart his learning and his pride to Jefferson before his death. In the end, the two men forge a bond as they both come to understand the simple heroism of resisting and defying the expected. Ernest J. Gaines brings to this novel the same rich sense of place, the same deep understanding of the human psyche, and the same compassion for a people and their struggle that have informed his previous, highly praised works of fiction.Be Specific About About Books A Lesson Before Dying
| Title | : | A Lesson Before Dying |
| Author | : | Ernest J. Gaines |
| Book Format | : | Paperback |
| Book Edition | : | Anniversary Edition |
| Pages | : | Pages: 256 pages |
| Published | : | September 28th 1997 by Vintage (first published December 1st 1993) |
| Categories | : | Fiction. Classics. Historical. Historical Fiction. Cultural. African American. Academic. School. Literature. Adult Fiction |
Rating About Books A Lesson Before Dying
Ratings: 3.95 From 49754 Users | 3270 ReviewsWrite-Up About Books A Lesson Before Dying
This is one of the best books I have ever read. I especially liked the development of Grant. I like the fact that he questions the problems and situations around him. He's not content to stay where he is in life and within himself.An incredibly powerful novel that peels back the curtain of injustice, laying bare human pride and prejudice, rooted in fear, and how one person can be the fertile ground for positive change. And each of us are potentially the "one." This novel, though centered around a man sentenced to die in the electric chair for a crime he most likely didn't commit, it is more of a story about executing the sin of pride which causes all humans to stumble.
A very difficult book to rate. I didn't enjoy reading it; I didn't feel particularly connected to or drawn in by the characters, I found the writing somewhat flat. And yet, like many other reviewers, I found myself in tears at the last chapter. And now I find myself wanting to read more of Gaines' work.Don't tell me to believe. Don't tell me to believe in the same God or laws that men believe in who commit these murders. Don't tell me to believe that God can bless this country and that men are
"I was crying"I finished this novel a few minutes ago. I haven't uttered a word yet. Can't. This is as close as I can come to tears. Tears shedded for beauty, tears shedded for sadness, and tears for hope.... I think I will linger in silence a little while longer....
What a powerful story. This goes to my classics shelf immediately. This is the kind of great book that makes you wonder how you could have passed it over for so long. Instant respect for Ernest Gaines.
I still think about this book, even after reading it months ago. Its a very simple story about two African-American men in 1940s Louisiana; one is a teacher and the other is a uneducated man waiting to be executed for a murder he witnessed, but didnt commit. Both of them have given up hope for their lives, and for humanity in general. They live by the rules of the white majority, and both face a bleak future thats beyond their ability to change. They are forced to spend time together, and
This is an exceptional book. My Gosh....I might consider reading it again myself. (I had just noticed a GR's friend is currently reading it).
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