A Lesson Before Dying (Oprah's Book Club) by Ernest J. Gaines
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Book Reviews of A Lesson Before Dying (Oprah's Book Club)
Book Review: A Touching, Must Read Book
Summary: 5 Stars
A Lesson Before Dying by Ernest J. Gaines is an excellent, touching book. The story is set in the late 1940's in a Cajun neighborhood in the South with racism still very much present. The main character, Grant Higgins, faces what seems to be an insurmountable task in teaching Jefferson, a wrongfully accused black man on death row, that he is a man and not a 'hog.' Although Grant is a teacher, he must go beyond letters and arithmetic to help Jefferson gain self-worth and pride before he is put to death. Gaines takes this background and adds struggles and roadblocks that make the story enthralling. The elements of anger and frustration help the reader relate to what Grant is dealing with.
The message of opression for blacks and supremacy for whites is what leads Grant to realize how important Jefferson is, to not only Jefferson's ill godmother, but as a symbol of the whole African American race. Grant says, " To them, you're nothing but another nigger--no dignity, no heart, no love for your people. You can prove them wrong...Because we need you to be and want you to be." This line, one of many emotional and heartfelt speeches by Grant, really exposes his anger and disgust with the way things are and how his future is dependent on Jefferson believing in himself or not.
Other reviews commented on the fact that A Lesson Before Dying is long and drawn out. Although there is a lack of action in the middle, these pages are used for developing the plot and adding more tension to the characters and their relationships. Overall, the book is an incredible emotional ride that will elicit feelings out of anyone. This story is an excellent "pick up" and read book recommended for anyone.
Book Review: The best book I've read in a long time.
Summary: 5 Stars
Mr. Gaines did a wonderful job of bringing this book to life. When I first decided to read this book I thought it may be a little depressing, but before I even finished Chapter 1 I knew I wouldn't be able to put this book down. It was very simple and very easy to get into. I think it was something that everyone could relate to in some way or another. Grant Wiggins really brought tears to my eyes at the end of this story. I think the reason he cried when he heard that Jefferson had died like a man was because (1) he didn't understand why he was even helping him because he was going to die anyway and (2) I think he cried because he finally received salvation. Anytime someone receives a spiritual revelation it always brings joy even in the midst of a bad situation. Although Jefferson was executed, there were three events that brought me joy: Jefferson's belief in God, Grant's determination to really help Jefferson in the end, and Grant's own belief and acceptance of God. I think he really believed in himself for the first time.
I am looking forward in reading more books by Mr. Gaines. I recommend anyone with any type of spiritual appetite to read this book, it will definitely fill you up.
This book makes dying not seem so bad. The irony of it all, was that Jefferson was the person to be executed and when his day came, he ws the only "man" in the room. The deputies and the sheriff didn't really look like "men" themselves because of what they were about to do. The sheriff seemed so macho in this book and kind of tough, but according to the deputy, Jefferson was the only "man" in that room during the electrocution. I really love this book!!
Book Review: A fantistic novel
Summary: 5 Stars
A Lesson Before Dying by Ernest Gaines is a true American Classic. This is one of those books which you are continuously on the edge of your seat unable to lay the book down for a moments rest. It demonstrates the racism and segregation that took place in the 1940s, almost 75 years after the end of the Civil War.
Gaines writes an emotionally powerful novel about a young, black man whom happens to be in the wrong place at the wrong time which cost him his life. In an unfair trial, a jury of all white men convict Jefferson of being guilty for murder and sentence him to the electric chair. However, if that wasn't bad enough he is also called a hog during the trial in front of everyone he knew. In order to help him for the last time Jefferson's godmother and Grant's aunt quickly look to Grant, a local school teacher, to help teach Jefferson how to be a man.
After debating and talking to others about the positives and negatives of his decision he choosing to go along with their wishes. He soon realized that Jefferson and him weren't as different as he had thought. Jefferson was trapped by four walls and barred windows in a prison, while Grant was trapped in his own "prison" he had created from work and society. As the final months of Jefferson's life seem to quickly pass Grant does his best to teach him everything possible. In the end, Jefferson is able to walk to the chair with his honor.
This is a touching novel which is easy to follow and well developed. I would highly recommended this to anyone and everyone. It is one of those books that everyone needs to read sometime in their lives and if you don't then you are missing out.
Book Review: A Lesson Before Dying
Summary: 5 Stars
A Lesson Before Dying sets in a segregated Cajun plantation quarter community, in the late 1940s. The novel is narrated by Grant Wiggins a black teacher who lives with his Tante Lou. Miss Emma, Tante Lous best friend, is the godmother of Jefferson, who is convicted of attempted robbery and murder. When Jeffersons attorney calls him a hog, his godmother is filled with sadness because she doesnt want Jefferson to die thinking and believing that he is a hog. This leads her to asking Grant Wiggins to teach her godson that he is a man before he dies. But first she must obtain permission from the local Sheriff Sam Guidrey to allow Mr. Wiggins to teach Jefferson. Event though Mr. Wiggins is skeptical at first because he believes that education is tainted with prejudice, he grants Miss Emma her wish. The local Sheriff thinks that what Miss Emma has in mind is a waste of time, yet he allows Mr. Wiggins to visit Jefferson and talk to him. In the meantime, Grant Wiggins has always wanted to leave the quarter, but Vivian Baptiste, his love interest, is the reason he is still there. Grant and Vivian have a meeting at the Rainbow Café, they discuss Jeffersons progress. Wiggins divulges to her that Jefferson has begun to open up to him. As time progresses Jefferson and Wiggins relationship begin to flourish. Jefferson dies with dignity believing he is a man. Wiggins also learns a lesson from it all. First he learns to care for Jefferson and that he cant escape from his commitments making him as well a man. Overall, the lesson before dying is that we cannot evade our obligations especially the ties to those who love us.Book Review: well written and good food for thought
Summary: 5 Stars
I read the cover of this book and decided to read it based on the fact that it is regarded as a classic and seemed interesting. Since this book is fairly well known and the editorial review gives a good synopsis of it, I won't get too much into the details of the story. Instead I'll just focus on what I got out of this powerful novel.It has been said many times that living as a black man even in a highly racist society is easy. If one wishes to fight the white supremist establishment however, it will be hard. Sometimes the hard way is the best way though. In the time period depicted in this book, if a black man stepped out of his place and wanted to be something other than subhuman, then he found much opposition.
Grant Wiggins, a school teacher was one of a few blacks from a small cajun community in the late 1940s who found empowerment through resisting the white power establishment. Grant Wiggins grew up around mostly uneducated people none of whom encouraged him to go the college and become a teacher. He did however have people discourage him and tell him that he will always be nothing more than what the white man wants him to be. Wiggins aunt (Jefferson's godmother) encourages him to visit Jefferson in prison and make him a man. After a certain point in the story, the best that Jefferson could do was to become something that none of the whites thought he was or could ever become.
The main message I got out of the book is the importance of standing up and being who you really are regardless of the situation. Applying this in our everyday lives sends a very powerful message others who wish to break our spirit.