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A Gathering of Old Men  By  cover art

A Gathering of Old Men

By: Sally Darling, Ernest J. Gaines
Narrated by: Peter Francis James, Michelle-Denise Woods
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Publisher's summary

Stirring, heroic, and wonderfully laced with the musical languages of the Bayou, Ernest J. Gaines - the foremost voice in contemporary African American literature - adds another breathtaking saga to his canon with A Gathering of Old Men.

When Sheriff Mapes is summoned to a sugarcane plantation to find a dead Cajun farmer, he knows who committed the crime. Mapes finds himself powerless, however, when nearly 20 elderly black men confess to the murder. Can justice be served, or will the dead man's brutish father pass judgment his way?

Building to a climax that is as stunning as it is inevitable, A Gathering of Old Men powerfully describes the racial tensions in 1970s Louisiana. Narrators Peter Francis James, Michelle-Denise Woods, Sally Darling, Graham Brown, Murphy Guyer, Tom Stechschulte, and Mark Hammer bring Gaines' masterful prose to vivid life.

©1992 Ernest J. Gaines (P)1996 Recorded Books

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What listeners say about A Gathering of Old Men

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Complex and engaging.

Ernest Gaines' true narrative tale is wonderfully engaging as told by any number of its cast of characters. As such, it lends itself perfectly to actual narration which is beautifully handled by the cast of narrators here! There is much to ponder and learn in this surprisingly complex mystery tale, so share this with an intelligent friend or two.

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Well done

Although I feel everyone should read and experience this book, I especially think black men should read this book. This touches on the experience of every black man on planet earth.

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1 person found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

One of My Favorites

I am listening this book that I read many years ago and it is on of my favorites. The Old Men reminded me of relatives and friends of my dear father and desire to do something meaningful in their lives was such a powerful illustration. The narrators were excellent and I found myself often laughing out! It is interesting that after all these years our country is still dealing with injustice and violence against BLACK MEN. Thank you Mr. Gaines for a classic and thank you Colin Kaepernick for bringing attention to reoccurring problem that we must deal with!!!!

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    5 out of 5 stars

Not as well known as it should be.

Lots of Faulkner vibes. If you like an author who doesn’t think you’re stupid, you might like this book.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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The Narrators

The narration was powerful and drove this masterful plot straight into the heart of the listener. An excellent book expertly delivered.

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  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars

Boring and racists

This book was boring with the exception of the first two chapters. It was also, too racists as opposed to a Southern Culture story.

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  • E.
  • 07-29-23

Wonderful storytelling

Loved it!
You will enjoy it also. A variety of voices to add to the experience.

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    5 out of 5 stars

A Gripping Story

I would not listen to this around young children as the language is strong, but this is a very worthy listen. Gaines employs great skill as a writer as we move from one person's perspective to another's, all while advancing the story. Truly brilliant and worthy of study. The performances are also fantastic and pulls no punches.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Great Story!

What a great story with so much to think about. It challenges you in a nice way. Felt great after reading it.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Sad but True

I grew up in this part of the country in this part of the century. This story recreated all the memories; good and bad. It made me laugh and cry and is a reminder that some of what happened then, led to what is happening today. The various narrators were great and spot on. Have your older teenagers listen with you. There are things here that they need to know.

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