On the Southern Literary Trail discussion

Comments on this board should be written with the assumption that readers have finished the book. If you haven't finished and don't want any spoilers, you may want to wait before reading these posts.

Once I started this novel, I remembered that I had watchednthe movie when it was broadcast on television way back.

Quotes.
Mat tells some truth.

That’s right,” I said, looking up the road, not at her. “Anytime we say we go’n stand up for something, they say we crazy. You right, we all gone crazy."
. . . . .

“He works in mysterious ways,” I told her. “Give a old nigger like me one more chance to do something with his life. He gived me that chance, and I’m taking it, I’m going to Marshall. Even if I have to die at Marshall. I know I’m old, maybe even crazy, but I’m going anyhow."

Those are excellent quotes Cynda. I bet this made a great movie. It’s interesting that Gaines chose to tell the story through the perspective of a different character each chapter.

Loved this book. I had no idea what to expect & enjoyed every moment of it.

Just finished watching the movie also. Highly recommend it. Thanks for the mention, Cynda!

Yes the movie is also good. I will rewatch it.

Lori, there's a backstory from Gaines' life :
https://www.ebsco.com/research-starte...

Glad Charlie found freedom.
Quote:
Life’s so sweet when you know you ain’t no more coward.

"You don't see what I don't see." The dialogue in that scene was worth five stars to me,

A snippet from My full review

Their stories are simply but eloquently told. Oppression lasting for generations. Men who will not take it any longer. Their decision to stand up for what is right and against those who would continue the sins of the past has been coming for a long time and they are united and steadfast in their determination to see this through. And that includes NOT allowing some white woman, however well-intentioned, to “save” them. No, they will save themselves, or die trying.

I thought the pacing of this novel was so satisfying. Gaines never rushed the story but then had that super tense climax followed by classic falling action and resolution. But nothing felt formulaic.

I almost didn’t read this because I felt like A Lesson Before Dying should be my first Gaines read, but I am glad that I read it.

Jayne, any Gaines at any time is perfect.