allisonmarie223's review against another edition
4.0
I debated giving this book 5 stars, but I think 4 is the right choice. Jefferson is a black man who has been sentenced to death after a robbery ends in murder. The defense argues that he is essentially too stupid, too naïve, and too animalistic to really be guilty. And because of this, his nannan asks the local teacher to teach him to be a man. This book was a poignant story of what it means to be educated and black. The characters care deeply for each other and despite a terrible situation, there is genuine love throughout the novel.
bookishquilter's review against another edition
5.0
There are so many worthwhile questions and answers in this book I don’t even know where to start. I will be ruminating over this book for a very long time. This is a very worthwhile book to read if you have ever wanted to ponder death, racial inequality and its generational impact, manhood, and faith.
sara_evaney's review against another edition
4.0
I‘m so glad I didn’t have to read this book in school, because that ruins books for me. I know some people like to study books and stuff, but I hated it! I want to enjoy the story, not pick it apart! And I did enjoy this story. It reminded me so much of Curtis Flowers and it was devastating to read. I’m glad we got a sorta „happy“ ending, if you can say that. It was very sad, but also good.
The only thing that annoyed me we’re the characters, which I basically all didn’t like, except Paul. But I suppose that was on purpose.
And then I just don’t like reading the language the black people spoke. I know that’s how people talk. It’s just so exhausting to read. I want real words, where I don’t have to imagine half the letters of the words. The worst was in Jefferson‘a diary. But even though I didn’t like it, I completely understand why it had to be like this and that otherwise it would’ve been way less realistic!
So over all a really good book!
The only thing that annoyed me we’re the characters, which I basically all didn’t like, except Paul. But I suppose that was on purpose.
And then I just don’t like reading the language the black people spoke. I know that’s how people talk. It’s just so exhausting to read. I want real words, where I don’t have to imagine half the letters of the words. The worst was in Jefferson‘a diary. But even though I didn’t like it, I completely understand why it had to be like this and that otherwise it would’ve been way less realistic!
So over all a really good book!
the_magic_bookstar's review against another edition
3.0
The book was okay but the ending so so good and emotional I sobbed for like 5 minutes
astoldby_cece's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
sam_malaika's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism and Racial slurs
sarah_dietrich's review against another edition
3.0
Ernest Gaines's A Lesson Before Dying is the story of an African-American man sentenced to death in 1940's Louisiana. When you get a bit deeper you realise that the story isn't just about Jefferson, who ended up in the wrong page at the wrong time & was wrongly convicted. The story is also about Wiggins, the local teacher & the only tertiary-educated African-American man in the community. Wiggins & Jefferson come together, with Wiggins regularly visiting Jefferson in the time leading up to his execution, and they are both transformed.
This story has a great message that is let down by flat writing. Gaines's characters don't have much depth, this would have been a much better read if some key characters had been fleshed out more.
This story has a great message that is let down by flat writing. Gaines's characters don't have much depth, this would have been a much better read if some key characters had been fleshed out more.
joelafond's review against another edition
4.0
I took off a star only because the experience of reading this book was a little slow and dull at times.
Besides that, though, this was a big dose of perspective and a great read for Black History Month. The story about a black man's responsibility to his community (in general) and having to choose to stand up and "take it like a man" in the face of deeply ingrained, systematic oppression was heartbreaking, eye-opening, and inspiring.
Besides that, though, this was a big dose of perspective and a great read for Black History Month. The story about a black man's responsibility to his community (in general) and having to choose to stand up and "take it like a man" in the face of deeply ingrained, systematic oppression was heartbreaking, eye-opening, and inspiring.
clutch0364's review against another edition
5.0
I had been told for a long time to read this book and when I finally picked it up I realized why.
edonovan00's review against another edition
dark
emotional
informative
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5