A Lesson Before Dying Book Summary

Set in the racially charged South of the 1940s, 'A Lesson Before Dying' follows the profound journey of Grant Wiggins, a disillusioned teacher who grapples with his role in a society rife with injustice. When his childhood friend, Jefferson, is wrongfully sentenced to death, Grant is compelled to help the broken man reclaim his dignity before his execution. As he forms an unlikely bond with Jefferson, Grant confronts his own beliefs about identity, fate, and the power of humanity. The story explores themes of isolation, resilience, and the quest for redemption, urging readers to reflect on the social constructs that define us. Will Grant's efforts transform not only Jefferson's fate but also his own understanding of grace and purpose?

By Ernest J. Gaines

Published: 1997

"'I want you to be a man. But I want you to be a man with a heart.'"

A Lesson Before DyingBook binding

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Book Review of A Lesson Before Dying

NATIONAL BOOK CRITICS CIRCLE AWARD WINNER • A deep and compassionate novel about a young man who returns to 1940s Cajun country to visit a black youth on death row for a crime he didn't commit. Together they come to understand the heroism of resisting. A “majestic, moving novel ... an instant classic, a book that will be read, discussed and taught beyond the rest of our lives" (Chicago Tribune), from the critically acclaimed author of A Gathering of Old Men and The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman.

Book Overview of A Lesson Before Dying

About the Book Author

E

Ernest J. Gaines

Ernest J. Gaines is an acclaimed American author known for his profound exploration of African American life in the rural South. Born on January 15, 1933, in Louisiana, Gaines's works often delve into themes of resilience, identity, and the complexities of racial dynamics. His notable works include 'A Lesson Before Dying,' which received critical acclaim and was nominated for the National Book Critics Circle Award, and 'The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman,' which was adapted into an award-winning television film. Gaines's writing style is characterized by rich, evocative prose and deeply developed characters, reflecting his commitment to portraying the human experience with authenticity and compassion. His literature has garnered numerous awards, solidifying his legacy as a vital voice in American literature.

Book Details

Key information about the book.

Authors
Ernest J. Gaines
Published
September 1997
Publisher
Vintage
ISBN
0375702709
Language
English
Pages
272
Genres
Modern LiteratureSocial CommentaryFiction

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'I want you to be a man. But I want you to be a man with a heart.'

A Lesson Before Dying

By Ernest J. Gaines

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