A Lesson Before Dying
by Ernest J. Gaines
A Lesson Before Dying by Ernest J. Gaines holds a well received rating of 3.93 out of 5, based on 40.7K reader ratings. First published in 1993. The book spans 256 pages.
About A Lesson Before Dying
A Lesson Before Dying is set in a small Cajun community in the late 1940s. Jefferson, a young black man, is an unwitting party to a liquor store shoot out in which three men are killed; the only survivor, he is convicted of murder and sentenced to death. Grant Wiggins, who left his hometown for the university, has returned to the plantation school to teach. As he struggles with his decision whether to stay or escape to another state, his aunt and Jefferson's godmother persuade him to visit Jefferson in his cell and impart his learning and his pride to Jefferson before his death. In the end, the two men forge a bond as they both come to understand the simple heroism of resisting and defying the expected. Ernest J. Gaines brings to this novel the same rich sense of place, the same deep understanding of the human psyche, and the same compassion for a people and their struggle that have informed his previous, highly praised works of fiction.
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Author | Ernest J. Gaines |
| Published | 1993 |
| Pages | 256 |
| Genres | Fiction, Classics, Historical Fiction |
| Average Rating | 3.93 / 5.00 |
| Total Ratings | 40,651 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What genre is A Lesson Before Dying?
A Lesson Before Dying is categorized as Fiction, Classics, Historical Fiction. Its primary genre classification is Historical Fiction.
Is A Lesson Before Dying worth reading?
Based on 40.7K reader ratings, A Lesson Before Dying has an average score of 3.93 out of 5.00, which is considered "Well Received."
How many pages is A Lesson Before Dying?
A Lesson Before Dying has 256 pages.
Who wrote A Lesson Before Dying?
A Lesson Before Dying was written by Ernest J. Gaines. It was first published in 1993.
What is the ISBN for A Lesson Before Dying?
The ISBN-13 for A Lesson Before Dying is 9780375702710.0.
Data sourced from community book ratings and reviews. Last updated: April 15, 2026
