Let's Talk About It - A Lesson Before Dying

By Ernest J. Gaines

Discussion led by scholar Margaret Bauer                                     Join us Thursday, Feb 8th @ 6:00 pm for discussion!

A Lesson Before Dying is Ernest Gaines's eight novel. Jefferson, a young black man, is an unwitting party to a liquor store shoot out in which three men are killed. He is convicted of murder and sentenced to death. A strange bond is created between Jefferson and Grant Williams, a teacher who is struggling with his place and purpose, when he is convinced by relatives to visit Jefferson in prison. As the friendship grows between Jefferson and Williams, the characters struggle with the question of death, dignity, and living life the fullest in the time you have.
The character Jefferson is based on the true story of Willie Francis, who was sentenced to death by the electric chair twice in Louisiana, in 1945 and 1947.

If you are interested in finding out more about Willie Francis click on the link below:
http://murderpedia.org/male.F/f/francis-willie.htm

Let's Talk About It 2018 Schedule

Thursdays from 6 pm to 8 pm

For February, March and April, the book club will be participating in the “Let’s Talk About It” book reading and discussion series instead of the regular scheduled times. The “Let’s Talk About It” book  begins Feb. 8 with Ernest J. Gaines’ “A Lesson Before Dying.”

This library discussion series brings scholars and community members together to explore how selected books illuminate a particular theme. The theme of Law and Literature invites readers to ponder the difference between what is established and what is just by examining a selection of writers who demonstrate the powerful interaction of law and human affairs.

The Havelock-Craven County Public Library and Lifetime Learning Center are partners in presenting the Thursday night programs, during which we’ll read five books and interact with five visiting scholars over 10 weeks, to learn more about the authors and discuss each book.

• Feb. 8 – A Lesson Before Dying, Ernest J. Gaines
• Feb. 22 – Billy Budd, Sailor, Herman Melville
• Mar. 8 – Snow Falling on Cedars, David Guterson
• Mar. 22 – The Emperor of Ocean Park, Stephen L. Carter
• Apr. 12 – The Tragedy of Pudd’nhead Wilson, Mark Twain

The five meeting dates for this year’s programs are all on Thursdays and take place at the Havelock-Craven County Public Library from 6 to 8 p.m. The program is free and books are provided on loan. Please call the library at (252) 447-7509 to register.

*This program is sponsored in part by a grant from the NC Humanities Council in cooperation with the North Carolina Center for the Book.