On the Southern Literary Trail discussion

This is an autobiographical novel by James Agee, whose father was killed in an automobile accident returning from checking on his father who had a heart attack. The novel was unfinished at the time of Agee's death and was completed by his editor. Agee was awarded the Pulitzer posthumously in 1958.

In 1961 it was adapted as a play All the Way Home by Tad Mosel. In 1963, David Susskind produced the film "All the Way Home." It was a combination of the novel and the play. It was filmed in the Knoxville, Tennessee, neighborhood in which Agee grew up.

In 2007, the novel was republished by University of Tennessee professor Michael Lofaro, who tracked down Agee's original Manuscripts. I am in search of the restored text.

Composer Samuel Barber wrote "Knoxville: Summer of 1915."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Un7l-C...
Dawn Upshaw performs the piece here.


A Death in the Family was named one of Time Magazine's best 100 novels in the English Language written between 1923-2005. Thanks to member Chelsea for pointing out that 1923 marked the first appearance of Time Magazine.

I loved this book! It was just such a beautiful story even though it was so sad. It really made me appreciate every minute you have with your loved ones even the ones that seem not that exciting. LOL I got this from my library but really feel it may have to be one for the personal collection. Beautifully written. I also have spent many weekends in Knoxville several years ago and I just really loved that city and the people I met who lived there. It was a great town that didn't seem like it was on the surface; so it was kind of a plus to me that the book took place there.

Hi, I'm new. Anyway... enough about that.

I'm just beginning the novel, and I'm already taken back by the gorgeous imagery of the commonly mundane.

To describe the water hoses,"...The short still arch of the separate big drops, silent as a held breath, and the slapped grass at the fall of each big drop."

I coudn't help be reminded of Harper Lee's image of Mr. Avery and his peeing, "closer inspection revealed an arc of water descending from the leaves and splashing in the yellow circle of the street light, some ten feet from the source of the earth."

If you've not heardSamuel Barber's Knoxville: Summer of 1915 it's worth a listen as you read. Its a beautiful setting of Agee. (He did art songs with agee's text too, of course. But start with Knoxville).

Here is the music Sarah K. refers to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Un7l-C...

I really appreciated it, thanks Sarah!

What a heart wrenchingly sad book. There is so much to discuss in this book - the crutches that people need/use to survive when their heart is breaking - the role of family in the death of a loved one, but what I found most moving was the children’s perspective of death and lose. I think above all else this book is really about the death of innocence – childhood. That is really the most tragic “death in the family.”

I haven't finished it yet (I'm at 72%) but I TOTALLY agree with you on the death of childhood idea. I just find it so interesting that Rufus's memories highlight his being betrayed or having his naivety taken in someway or another.

1. The boys lying and asking his name over and over. 2. The grandmother who we think is joyful to see him, but then it ends she might have just been reacting to her urination.
3.Uncle Ted's teasing about the cheese.
4. Obviously the death of his father being one of the last ones discussed in the book.

I think there's a sense of betrayal in the role of the catholic religion in his mother's life. All through the book we get the family members differing views on their belief or disbelief in God or an afterlife. The priest who performed the funeral ceremony certainly contributed to that sense of betrayal. Even though Rufus is only 8 at the time of his father's death, he is having a hard time understanding the adults around him. I liked the way Agee used the different points of view to explore death and religious belief. This was a masterfully written novel.

This was an awesome book read. I read it in college many many years ago. It still had the same sensitivity and heart wrenching moments and in depth look at life and death. This is a must read for anyone or any family dealing with loss!
Definitely worth 5 stars. No wonder it is a Pulitzer Prize Winner!

I have read A Death in the Family twice. I'm late to the party. However, I checked out my copy from the library on Tuesday. I'll still have a week to re-read this magnificent work when I'm out of my play on March 25th. I've enjoyed our member posts on this book.

Frankly, the book did not have the impact on me until I witnessed the effect of my grandfather's death on my son. He was six. Not only was I extremely close to my grandfather, my son loved him beyond any level capable of measurement. So this novel hit me in the gut upon my second read. I imagine it will have an equal impact upon my third trip through this novel, having watched my mother die following a lingering illness. Following her death, my wife and I having been her caregivers for almost a year, I would wake in the morning questioning myself, "Now, what do I do?" I remained at loose ends, living in a cave for nearly a year. In fact, in searching for anything to occupy my mind other than my mother's absence led me to found this group. I cannot tell you the value your participation has brought to me. From here, I have branched out into volunteering at our local library and have once again become active in community theatre and support local non-profits. The books my mother and grandparents gave me through the years are gentle reminders of their love and, thus, they live on, in my memory.

Mike
"Lawyer Stevens"

What's that song? "Getting to know you. Getting to know everything about you ***"? The very best of luck to you and your family Mike. I think the pleasure is truly ours.

Mike wrote: "I have read A Death in the Family twice. I'm late to the party. However, I checked out my copy from the library on Tuesday. I'll still have a week to re-read this magnificent work when I'm out o..."

Mike, your honesty about your life and your feelings make you a truly special leader of this group. I feel like we're all a big family of book lovers who can amicably discuss our opinions even when we disagree. You are responsible for creating that atmosphere, and I thank you.

Diane wrote: "Mike wrote: "I have read A Death in the Family twice. I'm late to the party. However, I checked out my copy from the library on Tuesday. I'll still have a week to re-read this magnificent work w..."

I'd like to second Diane's and John's comments. The pleasure is truly ours.

Kaye wrote: "Diane wrote: "Mike wrote: "I have read A Death in the Family twice. I'm late to the party. However, I checked out my copy from the library on Tuesday. I'll still have a week to re-read this magn..."

Not to be redundant but I also have to third the above comments. I am new to this group but find it to be a very enjoyable group so far and great book suggestions too. So thanks!

I have just begun the book and am struck by the quality of the writing.

Mike, I'm also stuck by your sharing about your life and inspirations. Thank you. You've created a marvelous group full of sharing and caring people.

I'm reminded of when my father died--he was young, only 63 (I'm now 64). My nice who was 4 or 5 at the time declared she would not believe it until she saw his chair and he wasn't sitting in it. I haven't thought of this in many years.

I lost my mother 2 years ago and I understand that feeling that something is wrong with the day, that new things need to be shared with THE person who is no longer there. So I speak to her anyway (she was 102 when she died so I was lucky in the time I had).

But a child doesn't have that, can't ever have that, as close as they may be to a parent. It's so sad.

Mike wrote: "I have read A Death in the Family twice. I'm late to the party. However, I checked out my copy from the library on Tuesday. I'll still have a week to re-read this magnificent work when I'm out o..."

Mike, I agree with you that this book can have more impact on the reader after having experienced the death of a very special person and especially those deaths that affect children. My only sister died unexpectedly at the young age of 34. At that time my children were 10 and 7 years of age and she was their only aunt. Agee describes all of the varied emotions of grief and anger over the death of a loved one in this novel and I believe I have experienced every emotion that each character in the novel exhibits at one time or another. I normally keep my personal feelings very private but your comments made me feel more comfortable in expressing exactly how I feel about A Death in the Family. I gave it 5 stars and I am so glad that I read this book but I am not sure that I have the emotional endurance to read it a second time. Thank you for all the wonderful and beneficial comments you have made to our group.

I just finished reading the book this evening. I had some conflicting thoughts but mostly was extremely awed by it. I wrote up some of them in my review of the book here: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

On another note, I was thinking about the presence of Southernness in the book; the presentation of death and loss and grief recalls the Southern tradition of the grotesque, but at the same time, it is not presented as an evil or a malfeasance or a punishment; just a tragedy and a terrible loss that must be dealt with in painful, ordinary ways. I was wondering if anyone else was interested in examining Southernness in the novel?

Jayme wrote: "What a heart wrenchingly sad book. There is so much to discuss in this book - the crutches that people need/use to survive when their heart is breaking - the role of family in the death of a loved..."

I really appreciated this insight - very much a skillful and sensitive portrait that was drawn here of many characters, especially the children.

Mike wrote: "I have read A Death in the Family twice. I'm late to the party. However, I checked out my copy from the library on Tuesday. I'll still have a week to re-read this magnificent work when I'm out o..."

Just have to add my agreement -- I may not always be an active member, but Mike and others' truly excellent commitments to this group is part of what always makes me want to come back.

Sarah, regarding Southerness in this novel is a great discussion point. I have never been to any other kind of funeral, but felt in this book a few things stood out. Of course, the setting was a 100 years ago, but having the body in the parlor instead of a funeral home seems like a regional tradition to me. (I could be wrong). When the man at the garage called after the accident, he asked if there was a man to handle things, and her brother handled everything from that point. At every relative or friend death that I have experienced food seemed to play a major role, and that was sort of skirted over here, but maybe Agee had too many other issues to contend with to give that much importance.

Sarah wrote: "Mike wrote: "I have read A Death in the Family twice. I'm late to the party. However, I checked out my copy from the library on Tuesday. I'll still have a week to re-read this magnificent work w..."

Sarah, thank you for your kind words. I am completely committed to this group. I'm thrilled to watch the nominations process and to keep track of the polls. We have some excellent discussions.

On a personal note, my mother died following a long and lingering illness. My wife and I moved into her home to become her caregivers 24-7. I gave up my practice of law. My mother remained as sharp as a tack. She was a voracious reader. The night before she died, she was surfing the net and reading a book on her nook. She asked that I make sure her second nook was fully charged before I left intensive care that evening.

The call came at 8 a.m. I was totally lost. The chief question in my mind was, "Now, what do I do?" In part answer to that question, I founded this group, to occupy my mind, and fill up the empty hours of very long days. One friend told me, "You can't run away from grief." No, you can't. But, I want you to know how special each of the contributors to this group are to me.

It has taken a little over a year for me to become the person that people "knew" before my mother's death. I essentially walled myself off from the world. I grew up without a father, who abandoned my mother and me when I was a week old. She married young. We "grew up" in my grandparents' home. I lost them when I was in my late thirties.

I make no secret of the fact that I have battled severe depression during the preceding year. Now, I volunteer at our public library, I have once again become active in our Actor's Charitable Theatre. I remain committed to our Children's Center, an advocacy center for alleged victims of child abuse, physical and sexual.

Shortly after my mother's death, I expressed a desire to pursue teaching. I'm at the point to begin doing that. An old dog can learn new tricks.

But, the final point--no matter what I do, or where I go, I will continue to foster the knowledge and love of Southern literature through this group. For you have brought me sunshine on many a dark day.

Mike

Mike, your caring and devotion, in all its forms, shines in this group. I'm so glad I joined. Thanks.

Part of me thinks that Agee would be happy to see that you chose Southern Literature as your focus to help lead you out of the past year while also giving all of us so much inspiration to read great works.

Mike wrote: "Sarah wrote: "Mike wrote: "I have read A Death in the Family twice. I'm late to the party. However, I checked out my copy from the library on Tuesday. I'll still have a week to re-read this magn..."

Thanks for sharing such personal sentiments Mike and thanks for sharing such a great knowledge of Southern Literature with everyone. I am so glad I stumbled upon this group. I am definitely much richer having found it.

Mel wrote: "Mike wrote: "Sarah wrote: "Mike wrote: "I have read A Death in the Family twice. I'm late to the party. However, I checked out my copy from the library on Tuesday. I'll still have a week to re-r..."

Sue wrote: "Mike, your caring and devotion, in all its forms, shines in this group. I'm so glad I joined. Thanks.

Part of me thinks that Agee would be happy to see that you chose Southern Literature as your f..."

I owe my love of Southern Literature to O.B. Emerson, former Professor Emeritus, Department of English, The University of Alabama. He was considered a Faulkner scholar in his younger days. He was a little banty rooster of a man, wearing bright bow-ties, crisply starched white shirts, and seersucker suits. His great pride was having had Justice Thurgood Marshall in his home for dinner and that the Klan burned a cross in his yard while he and the Justice were dining. He loved Wild Turkey Bourbon. Given the choice, I think he would have used it as his after shave. My favorite course was his survey of Southern Literature. Of course, he thought HIS was the only course on campus. Imagine covering Look Homeward, Angel in one week! He was also particularly fond of Alabama author William Bradford Huie, known for such works as The Americanization of Emily, The Execution of Private Slovik, The Klansman, and The Revolt of Mamie Stover. Dr. Emerson's library was arranged by the color of the dust jacket. It was an aesthetic principle for him. *chuckle* However, he knew where every title was. Dr. Emerson's influence is still present today on the campus at Alabama. His papers are a part of the special collections of the University and an Emerson scholarship is offered to outstanding students in English and literature.

Mike

Wish I'd had someone like him!

This was such a wonderful book. It is so sad to me that Agee didn't live to see how much his work is loved and read today. I remember my grandfather's death when I was ten as clearly today (30 years later) as if it was yesterday. And how shocked I was at how the grownups handled or mishandled things. ADITF seems to capture that so well.

Mike wrote: "I owe my love of Southern Literature to O.B. Emerson ..."

What a character! And thank you so much for these memories and for this group. From your brief discription of your mother, you were blessed to have her, and she was blessed to have you.

Agee can make anything sing. I read Let Us Now Praise Famous Men a while ago. Pages and pages of discriptions of this room and that, and it's all poetry.

I haven't finished "Death" yet, but I've never read a better portrayal of supportive domestic life than Agee presents in the first part of the book. Most families in literature are mostly disfunctional, because literature is about conflict mostly, but Agee, while showing the rough edges in the relationships, does a masterful job of showing real domestic love and committment. Which makes the blow all the harder. I think I'll always remember the image of the family laying out back on a quilt, looking up at the southern sky.

This book has so many little quiet moments that are put into such beautiful language. I think I mentioned before it just makes you remember to enjoy the little moments with the people you love and cherish and even though it is about tragedy it is still focusing on those small moments and how precious they are even when they are small and may even seem insignificant. This is what I really loved about it. The look into people's somewhat mundane existences but making them so beautiful and poetic. A reminder that all moments are important.

Randall wrote: "Mike wrote: "I owe my love of Southern Literature to O.B. Emerson ..."

What a character! And thank you so much for these memories and for this group. From your brief discription of your mother, ..."

Randall--so well worded. Agee does capture the small moments of daily life so well, the highs and lows, the quiet moments of joy and the conflicted moments of anger followed by reconciliation and love. These people feel real.

Sue wrote: "Randall wrote: What a character! ..."

Thanks. Reading those sections, it seemed like the action was in real time. Every sip of tea, every gesture and every thought, every false start in the conversation -- nothing is omitted. That's easy to do -- badly -- and very hard to do so well.

I've thoroughly enjoyed following the discussion on A Death in the Family. And after striking the set following our final performance early Tuesday morning, I slept in. I settled into Agee's novel with a good cup of strong coffee and finished my third read this morning. Agee's novel only gains more power with each read. I heartily agree with Randall's perceptive comments regarding the novel.

The novel is autobiographical. Agee lost his father, a postal worker, in an automobile wreck at the age of six. His mother subsequently sent Agee to an Episcopal School in the Appalachians, Saint Andrews Seminary. Father Flye, a teacher there, would become his surrogate parent and mentor who first recognized Agee's inherent power in the use of language.

Agee was educated at Harvard. In 1936, under contract with Fortune Magazine, he accompanied Walker Evans to Tennessee and Alabama, documenting the lives of tenant farmers. Their work produced Let Us Now Praise Famous Men, an iconic work of the American Great Depression.

Agee produced volumes of literary criticism as a book reviewer for Time Magazine. He became known for his astute film reviews. Many examples of these works are contained in Film Writing and Selected Journalism: Agee on Film/uncollected film writing/The Night of the Hunter/journalism and film reviews, published by the Library of America.

Agee would also have his stint as a screenwriter in Hollywood. His best known work being "The African Queen," adapted from the novel by C.S. Forester, and "Night of the Hunter," adapted from the novel by Davis Grubb.

An alcoholic, and a chain smoker, Agee suffered his first heart attack in 1951. On May 16, 1955, enroute to a doctor's appointment, Agee suffered a second and fatal heart attack. He was 44.

A Death in the Familywas published by Mc Dowell, Obolensky, New York, in 1957, on behalf of the James Agee Trust. The novel was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for fiction in 1958.

Agee, gone far too soon.

Mike

Hm, Agee died on my second birthday..

I think the book is brilliantly written, slowly and carefully exploring the pathway of grief. So well done that I had to stop reading it for a while.

I'll finish it, in a month or two; I rarely abandon a book entirely. It's just too emotionally deep for me now.

I have to agree Meran. While I plan to finish it very soon. This is not a book I can see reading in one or two sittings. Too much emotion there. Too much to relate to.

I agree with both Meran and Sue. I'm half-way through, and will give it the time it deserves. Perhaps another week. Though I am reading it slowly, it is always 'with me.' Few novels do that. This was a wonderful choice.

I think I really should read more of Agee also.

I've always been intrigued by Let Us Now Praise Famous Men. I was drawn to it by Walker's photographs and had it at one time. Sadly, I never read the text past the introduction. I'll have to look for it again.

Wayne wrote: "I've always been intrigued by Let Us Now Praise Famous Men. I was drawn to it by Walker's photographs and had it at one time. Sadly, I never read the text past the introduction. I'll have to look..."

It's a must read for me now also.

Wayne wrote: "I've always been intrigued by Let Us Now Praise Famous Men...."

Just be forewarned. It's not your basic non-fiction book. Agee had some strong convictions about how NOT to approach this subject, and the path he settled on, what he considered to be the most objective approach, has to give detailed and very lengthy descriptions of the houses and land these people lived on. Like I said above, his prose is poetry. I believe he could rewrite the telephone book and make it sound poetic. But it would still be the telephone book. And, as such, much of "Famous Men" is the telephone book.

I'll also note that many of the people in the book were very angry after it came out, because, just as Agee had feared, the people in it were portrayed, in the popular press about the book, as poor white trash -- unfortunate trash, put-upon trash, liberal-social-problem trash, but trash nonetheless. I doubt that these people read the book itself -- very few people read it at all when it came out -- but they were very much hurt by the publicity about it.

Finished the book a couple of days ago. Wonderful, if very sad, experience. Lovely writing. Loving and hateful characters who are drawn so true to life that I feel I've met some of them and I've had some of those thoughts. I will read this again.

Those of you who have read other works, what would you recommend?

Heather wrote: "Those of you who have read other works, what would you recommend?"

Excellent question.