Anais' Annotations

"A Gathering of Old Men" by Ernest J. Gaines

When thinking about the deep South, you may find yourself imagining trees draped in Spanish moss, or lightning bugs flickering in and out in the dark or even the wide-open country roads that provide a beautiful backdrop. This is the beautiful side of the South, a place that many authors have chosen to encapsulate over the years. However, author Ernest J. Gaines takes a more critical look at some serious issues in Southern culture in his novel, “A Gathering of Old Men” (1984). 

“A Gathering of Old Men” tells the story of all the men– both young and old, despite the implications of the title– who band together to fight for not only their friend but also their personal honor. After the murder of Beau, a wealthy, white plantation owner, the Black men of this Louisiana Parish must change the course of their lives, even as the South’s dark history of racial injustice haunts the narrative. 

I am especially fond of how this work is written, wherein each point-of-view character is identified first by their legal name, then by their nickname. This kind of trust in sharing the nickname gives the implication of a sort of bond between the speaking characters and the reader. That said, be aware this novel contains a vast array of characters, and almost all of them get at least one point-of-view chapter. It can get a little bit confusing because some of the nicknames are so similar. 

The character who kicks everything off, Candy, a white woman who is desperate to protect Mathu, her father figure and mentor, was a character I could not make up my mind about. Initially, it appeared Candy was a good person who genuinely wanted to help the Black community through this challenge. However, as the story goes on, Candy becomes tense about her power over the situation, and she resorts to threatening the people she supposedly wants to protect. I want to like Candy, but it seems she is too bogged down in her personal prejudices to truly care about anyone except maybe Mathu. 

Not to give any spoilers, but if you are someone who likes a twist, give this book a read. I spent the entire story trying to figure out if Mathu actually committed the crime he is taking a Spartacus-like stand about, and if not him, then who? It was not until very late in the story that I figured it out, and even then, I was still on the fence about my decision right up to the moment it was revealed. 

Rating: 10/10

The ending of this novel was simply perfect. Readers find out at the very end the entire work is meant to mimic court transcripts surrounding the case that starts the story. I think this is such a unique method of crafting a narrative. It sets a stage that is always driving towards a specific end while also allowing for creative freedom as the characters ramble and get onto tangents, just like anyone would as they speak. 

Gaines is a talented author who found a way to weave humor, culture and the serious implications of racial prejudices all into “A Gathering of Old Men.” I think this is a powerful read for anyone, but it is especially impactful for those who call the South home. I confidently give this novel a 10 out of 10, and I would recommend it to anyone and everyone.