Award-winning author holds court

African-American author Ernest Gaines discussed and read from his newest novel, A Lesson Before Dying, last Thursday and Friday at the Annenberg Center. Assistant English professor Herman Beavers introduced Gaines as an author who "has spent his career telling his stories." Gaines, who is best known for The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman, generally writes about the American south. He explained that his novels deal with "the search for dignity amidst oppression." Gaines has received several awards for his work. Most recently, the Southern Book Festival chose A Lesson Before Dying as the "Best Southern Fiction Novel." Gaines read the first four chapters of his latest work to about 25 students and several faculty members on Thursday. The novel traces the relationship between an insecure school teacher and a young black man convicted of murder and sentenced to death. The two men help one another in a search for manhood and identity. After the reading, Gaines entertained several questions from the audience. He said many of his scenes come directly from his own memories. "I know the road, I know the river, I know the town," he explained, "so it's easy writing." He said he chose the theme of A Lesson Before Dying because, "I've always been fascinated by how people face death and, at the same time, are horrified by it." Gaines also held a book-signing, where University students and faculty met and talked with him. Those who attended the program found Gaines inspiring and powerful. "He allows you to visualize and feel his writing ? with real emotion," College senior Ayinde Stewart said. The Afro-American Studies Department sponsored the event. Each year, the department holds an artist-in-residence program which brings an African-American artist to the University in the fall, and a scholar in the spring. "We look for someone who affects the African-American community in more than one way," Assistant Director of the African American Studies Department Selina Roberts said. "Gaines is both historically and literarily important." "He speaks for people who may not have the clout or influence to speak for themselves," Roberts added.