A Lesson Before Dying is a novel by Ernest J. Gaines that follows the lives of two African-American men during the 1950s in the fictional town of Bayonne, Louisiana. The main characters are Grant Wiggins, a school teacher, and Jefferson, a young man who is set to be executed for his involvement in a murder. The most prominent theme of the novel is redemption in death. The novel heavily references the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, and there are multiple similarities between Christ the man and Jefferson the prisoner. The novel is one that influences the reader to question their own purpose in life, and whether they’re willing to face reality and make a positive change. The novel is available for purchase on amazon in either electronic or hard copy format. Happy Reading!
