Good
Copy c6cce3d8c62
Condition notes
Aged but good condition, Whitcoulls Sticker on rear
Sold out
Skip to product information
Grade guide
$8.00
A Lesson Before Dying
$8.00
Brief description
A Lesson Before Dying is set in a small Cajun community in the late 1940s. Jefferson, a young black man, is an unwitting party to a liquor store shoot out in which three men are killed; the only survivor, he is convicted of murder and sentenced to death. Grant Wiggins, who left his hometown for...
Read full description- Paperback
- Published 1998
- Pre-owned
Every copy is individually graded
Choose your condition
Each option is one physical pre-owned copy. Condition notes describe the copy you will receive.
About this book
Description
A Lesson Before Dying is set in a small Cajun community in the late 1940s. Jefferson, a young black man, is an unwitting party to a liquor store shoot out in which three men are killed; the only survivor, he is convicted of murder and sentenced to death. Grant Wiggins, who left his hometown for the university, has returned to the plantation school to teach. As he struggles with his decision whether to stay or escape to another state, his aunt and Jefferson's godmother persuade him to visit Jefferson in his cell and impart his learning and his pride to Jefferson before his death. In the end, the two men forge a bond as they both come to understand the simple heroism of resisting and defying the expected. Ernest J. Gaines brings to this novel the same rich sense of place, the same deep understanding of the human psyche, and the same compassion for a people and their struggle that have informed his previous, highly praised works of fiction.
Buying pre-owned books
Frequently asked questions
How do I know what condition my book is in?
Every physical copy has a grade and its own condition note. Choose the copy you want on the product page and read that note before adding it to your cart.
What do the book grades mean?
Our grades run from As New through to Binding Copy. They provide a quick overall guide, while the condition note records the wear or damage specific to that copy.
Can I return a second-hand book?
Because our books are pre-owned, sales are generally final. If your book arrives in a condition that is significantly different from its description, please contact us so we can help.
How much does shipping cost?
New Zealand orders of $40 or more receive free shipping. For smaller orders, Christchurch delivery to postcodes beginning with 8 is $5, metro New Zealand delivery is $9, and rural New Zealand delivery is $14.
If your address is rural, please choose the rural delivery option at checkout.
Do you ship outside New Zealand?
We currently ship to Australia for a flat rate of $37. We do not currently ship to other countries.
Can I collect my order?
Yes. Choose local pickup at checkout and collect from 9 Penbury St, Waltham, Christchurch 8023. Pickup orders are usually ready within 24 hours, and we will email you when your order is ready.
Check our current store hours before visiting.
When will my order arrive?
We ship with NZ Post. Standard delivery usually takes 3–5 working days, with rural delivery sometimes taking a little longer. We will email your tracking number after dispatch.