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Book Reviews of Death in the Family

Death in the Family
Death in the Family
Author: James Agee
ISBN-13: 9780448011134
ISBN-10: 0448011131
Publication Date: 6/1/1967
Rating:
  • Currently 5/5 Stars.
 1

5 stars, based on 1 rating
Publisher: Putnam Pub Group (T)
Book Type: Hardcover
Reviews: Amazon | Write a Review

5 Book Reviews submitted by our Members...sorted by voted most helpful

anoisblue avatar reviewed Death in the Family on + 12 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
I've always loved reading and writing and hated literature classes. A Death in the Family was assigned in one of those classes and is the only book I remember. It is an amazing, thought-provoking and poignant classic.
reviewed Death in the Family on + 1450 more book reviews
This is a read to share. The author takes the first portion of the novel to acquaint us with the family and the closeness with which they interact with one another. The parents sing to their children as they deal with their fears and experiences. This reader felt transported into the room as Jay sings to his son, Rufus, when he is afraid to fall asleep. And, the scenes when both parents sing is so well written that once again I could envision the scene with its tenderness and love.

When Jay dies suddenly in an accident the children have trouble understanding his absence while his wife tries to find solace in her religion but the priest is insensitive and cruel. I think he missed his calling when he chose the priesthood. His crass approach mades the reader cringe.

Sometimes I have felt that an author milks a scene for more than he should but not this time. This read is about love, caring, sensitivity, and understanding. The characters are skillfully drawn and their interactions appropriate. I remember our youngest asking why her grandfather didn't wake up at the funeral, similar to the daughter's reactions. I cannot recommend this book enough because so many of us goes through grief that is devastating. Certainly, the novel is deserving of the Pulitzer Prize.
reviewed Death in the Family on + 38 more book reviews
great book...trip of emotions
fab4fan avatar reviewed Death in the Family on + 19 more book reviews
Interesting book.Focuses on how one family deals with death.
reviewed Death in the Family on + 471 more book reviews
On a sultry night in 1915, Jay Follet leaves his house in Knoxville, Tennessee, to tend to his father, whom he believes is dying. The summons turns out to be a false alarm, but on his way back to his family, he has a car accident and is killed instantly. Dancing back and forth in time and braiding the viewpoints of Jay's wife, brother,and young son, Rufus, Agee creates an overwhelmingly powerful novel of innocence, tenderness, and loss that should be read aloud for the sheer music of its prose.