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.'"
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.
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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
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.
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.
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