A review by bubothereader
A Lesson Before Dying by Ernest J. Gaines

dark emotional inspiring tense
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

  • Gaines pointed out the utter absurdity of saying "god is with you" when you've been falsely accused of murder, then get killed for it.
  • Accurate display of the 40s US South.
  • This book is more about Grant's transformation, than Jefferson's.
  • Heart-wrenching, but ended the way it should to depict the injustice faced in the USA. You regret it just as much as everyone else.
  • Characters outside of Grant were weak.
  • This book is Black Lives Matter before BLM existed.
  • It's methodical on purpose; I really loved his take on god and bravery. 

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