Reviews with content warning for Racial slurs - A Lesson Before Dying

This was difficult for me to rate. While it did have poignant moments and messages, much of the book was dull to read. I would give the last few chapters alone 5 stars and the rest maybe 2-3 stars. Jefferson's scenes were compelling, and the journal scene toward the end was touching (even though the writing style was hard to read). The rest of the book focused on Grant while exploring different aspects of Black life in 1940s Louisiana, including everyday discrimination, how they were expected to act toward White people, colorism, religion and even the food.

I would've liked the book more had it been trimmed by at least a third. It was repetitive and unnecessarily over-detailed at times. Some scenes could've been removed without affecting the story or diminishing the overall message. Also, the writing was underwhelming and most characters were flat. I didn't like Grant's selfishness and when he took his anger out on the students.

His decision not to show up at Jefferson's execution when given the chance low-key pissed me off.

I didn't care for the romance between Grant and Vivian either, and felt it was there for the sake of having one. I feel the author wrote this book to be adapted into a play or movie, given his focus on details like the color of each character's clothes or the way he wrote dialogue.

Content-wise this was a tough and depressing read. Even though I already knew what will happen to Jefferson, seeing his development and eventually opening up to Grant made me at times not want to reach the ending.

Content Warnings

sam_malaika's review against another edition

Go to review page

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

aublyn105's review against another edition

Go to review page

challenging dark emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective sad tense slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

4.5 stars.
This novel was incredible, slightly slow at times for me, I don't know if that's because I read it for school or not. Gaines is an amazing writer and I want to read more of his work soon. Amazing ending, I loved the characters.

Content Warnings

morrisimo's review against another edition

Go to review page

challenging emotional reflective sad fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

Jesus Christ this book was so sad. Very well written and paced, accessible, powerfully emotional. Deftly deals with race relations in 1948 Louisiana, questions of duty, purpose, believe, and humanity. Complex main characters and well written and interesting secondary characters. Descriptive and engaging. Devastating. Maybe a 4.75??? Not to devalue my 4.5 books, but this one really got to me.

Content Warnings

someonelikeblue's review against another edition

Go to review page

challenging reflective sad slow-paced

Content Warnings

nini3l's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

read this book for school and really liked it. it showed many layers of racism and although it is set in the 40’s, most topics are still present as of today. the ending showed the reality that blpocs have to face and didn’t spread unnecessary positivity, when it wasn’t needed

Content Warnings

erikaboyerkern's review against another edition

Go to review page

challenging dark hopeful inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

Content Warnings

parmtootz's review against another edition

Go to review page

challenging dark informative reflective sad tense slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? N/A
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

Content Warnings

More...