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« A myth is an old lie that people believe in. White people believe that they’re better than anyone else on earth – and that’s a myth. The last thing they ever want is to see a black man stand, and think and show that common humanity that is in us all. It would destroy their myth. » quotation of Grant, the teacher.

I would like to introduce you the book A lesson before dying written by Ernest J. Gaines in 1993 because I really enjoyed to read it. Moreover, I think it could be intersting for you because I found that it’s easy-reading even if you don’t have the habit of reading in english and so gripping.

The story takes place at the time of the racial segregation, in the US. It’s the story of a black man who has been sentenced to death for a murder he did not commit. This man is completely dehumanized. However, a teacher is going to try to restore his esteem and teach him that he is not a « hog » as people want him to believe but a human.

It’s a really good lesson of life. And it’s really philosophical because we can see the reaction of a man who is obbligated to cope with the death. It’s an interesting book, beacause in addition to this gripping story we can discover the condition at this time. It makes us question ourselves.

And you have you already read this book ? If you have not, I hope I make you feel like reading it.

« This is a fine and decent book that lives in memory for its elegance and sadness… like the best country songs, straight and true, unafraid of sentiment and written for people it depicts, not simply about them. » The Independent.