A Lesson Before Dying Audiobook Chapter 14
Okay, let's talk A Lesson Before Dying. Specifically, Chapter 14. Now, I know this book is, like, a classic. And I know everyone's all about the deep themes and profound messages.
But am I the only one who finds parts of it, well, a little... tedious? Bear with me!
Chapter 14: The Visiting Schedule (or Lack Thereof)
Chapter 14 focuses on Grant Wiggins' attempts to visit Jefferson. Remember, Jefferson is the guy wrongly accused of murder.
It's all about getting permission and dealing with Sheriff Guidry. Honestly, it felt like watching paint dry.
The Sheriff's Shuffle
Seriously, this sheriff is the WORST. He’s all about power and control.
Every request is met with suspicion and delays. You just want to scream, "LET THE MAN SEE HIS FRIEND!"
The whole chapter felt like one giant bureaucratic hurdle. We get it, the sheriff is a jerk.
Visiting Hours? More Like Visiting Minutes
When Grant *finally* gets to see Jefferson, it's so brief. Barely enough time to say hello.
It's frustrating because you want to see some progress. You want to see Jefferson start to understand.
Instead, you get a few mumbled words and a whole lot of disappointment. Can we please get some development in Jefferson's character already?!
The Stakes Are High, But the Pace is Slow
I understand the tension is building. We're supposed to feel the injustice and the desperation.
But sometimes, it felt like the story was moving in slow motion. Like a snail trying to win a race.
I'm not saying it's *bad* writing. Just that it wasn't exactly a page-turner for me. Sorry, not sorry.
Unpopular Opinion Alert!
Okay, here's where I might lose some of you. I think Chapter 14 could have been shorter.
Maybe condensed a bit. Trimmed the fat, so to speak.
Did we really need *that* much back-and-forth with the sheriff? I mean, we already established he was a pain in the butt.
The Waiting Game... is Boring
A lot of the chapter is Grant waiting. Waiting for permission, waiting for the sheriff, waiting for *something* to happen.
And while I appreciate the realism, it's not exactly riveting reading. My attention span started to wander.
I found myself thinking about what I was going to have for dinner. Or whether my laundry was done.
Focus, People, Focus!
I wanted more interaction between Grant and Jefferson. I wanted to see Grant actually teaching.
All the bureaucratic stuff just felt like a distraction. Get to the heart of the story already!
Perhaps that makes me a bad reader. But I am just being honest.
Final Thoughts (and Confessions)
Look, I know this is a powerful book. And I respect its message about dignity and hope.
But some parts are just a little… slow. Chapter 14 being a prime example.
Don't hate me. I still think A Lesson Before Dying is important. I just might skim Chapter 14 on my next read. Please forgive me, Ernest J. Gaines!
