A Lesson Before Dying

by Romulus Linney

Book by Romulus Linney, Ernest J Gaines

Genres: Plays, Fiction

56 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 1998

Reviews

[Taury · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Lesson Before Dying is a play by Romulus Linney, adapted from Ernest J. Gaines' novel of the same name. This drama is set in the rural South in the 1940s, explores the themes of racial injustice, human dignity, and redemption. This is an excellent adaptation. I will certainly read the full novel. It is hard to give a higher rating to something that was so short.

[Tara Engel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extremely sad and still feels relevant. The last 3 minutes really got me. Shed tears.

[Nicole Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought I was checking out the novel by Ernest J Gaines and found this gem instead. I still plan to read the novel, but I thought this play was very powerful. I listened to a recording made before an audience for the Voice of America in Washington D.C. made for broadcast on national public radio.

Here are a few of the most powerful lines, in my perspective:

• “Good.”
“Not understanding is good?”
“Knowing that you don’t is.”
• “I keep on looking deep in me?”
“Yes.”
“And that will make my writing better?”
“It will. B+ is good work, that A can’t be far off.”
“I’ll get it. You tried hard Mr. Wiggins makin’ me think I’m somebody.”
“You are somebody.”
• “Jefferson, do you know what a hero is? That is a man who does something for other people. Something other people can’t do.”
• “A hero would do anything for the people he loves, to make their lives better. And a black hero has to face white people. Not all of them hate us, but a lot of them do. … the last thing they want to see in a black man is the same good things that are in all men and all women.”
• “Look at me Jefferson, we need you more than you need us. I’m a man who doesn’t know what to do. I need a hero to tell me what to do and what kind of man to be. I need you to teach me that. You can do that for all of us.”
• “You askin’ lots of me.”
“That’s what people do of heroes.”
• “How?”
“I don’t know how, I just know you can.”
“You do?”
“You do.”
• “Tell the children he was the bravest man in the room. I’m his witness.”
“Maybe you’ll come back and tell them yourself.”
“It would be an honor.”

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to the stage production of this play on a short road trip. I was getting pretty emotional at the end of the production and paused the tape because I was making a side stop for an appointment at a professional office. But I couldn't wait for the ending, so turned it back on. Big mistake. I cried. A lot. Needed to pull myself together before sitting down for my appointment, and apologized to my financial advisor because I wasn't completely composed. ANYWAY, this book/play really moved me. Perhaps the printed book wouldn't have had the same effect as this stage production. Regardless, it was quite emotional and very sad. I wonder if the same thing could happen today, or if the case would have resulted in a new trial after the details that were discovered. This was my first experience of an audiobook that was a stage production. Quite effective. Makes me want to track down the "War of the Worlds" that I've broadcast that I've always been a bit curious about.

[Pinky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tragic stage production about a young man falsely accused of murder and sentenced to death. The young man’s godmother enlists the plantation school teacher to help him learn how to die with dignity. What does it mean to accept your fate with grace even when the fates have not smiled upon you?

[Louise Andrews · Rating 3 out of 5]

A heart wrenching play about a wrongly condemned man waiting for the electric chair. A teacher is asked to support him in the time leading up to his death so he can go to the chair as a ‘man’, despite his innocence.

[Gladwyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short story on a condemned black man who learns to walk tall to the electric chair through the gauntlet of southern racism. Nice portrait of his family and teacher- W. E. B. DuBois would be proud.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to the acting edition and I cried at the end.

[LINDA MORALES]

Very very good.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent interpretation! But painful.

[danielle · Rating 3 out of 5]

abridged play version

[Sara Sprinkle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ernest J Gaines, A Lesson Before Dying. Published in 1993, this was in my daughter's discard pile. I was compelled to read it, even though I avoid books set in the southeast because they are usually dark and depressing. I finished it two days later.

Wow. This was a lesson I needed to hear. I have been struggling with depression, lack if purpose, loss of hope and joy. This book illustrates what is important, how continuity, responsibility, and kindness provide the courage needed to survive the human condition.

No matter how hopeless life may seem, there is always someone else who needs encouragement more.

Mr. Gaines paints a detailed picture that brings the scene vividly before the reader. Well worth reading. I hope to read more of his work.

[Brooke (i blog 4 books) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good one-time read (er, listen). This dramatic performance tells the story of a young boy who has been sentenced for execution ... for a crime he didn't commit. Set amid vast racial tensions in Louisiana, this was an interesting story. It took me a little while to really get into the story, but the end was very powerful and memorable. There's a lot to learn from this story. [3 stars]

[Jennifer Schmidt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Listened to it on CD while on long trip. is on son's high school summer reading list. Many of the choices on the list are inappropriate for an LD kid so audio works for us. it was a good listen but the "lesson" is a little abstract. my take is - even if an issue isn't your problem, it can still be your responsibility to do something about it.

[Emily · Rating 2 out of 5]

short play.

[Alisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful interpretation of the novella. Voice of America's depiction is spot on - will check this one out again!

[Jack · Rating 5 out of 5]

L.A. Theater Sound Production