A Death in the Family by James Agee
1957, 310 pp.
1958 Pulitzer
Rating: 4.5
Jay Follett, a dutiful husband and father, travels to his parents’ home because his father is dying. On his way back to his wife and children, he is killed in a car accident. The reaction to this tragedy by his family is told with heartbreaking prose. I was especially moved by the thoughts, feelings, and actions of his son, Rufus. This novel was largely autobiographical for Agee as his father died in a car accident when he was six years old. Sadly, Agee himself died of a heart attack at the age of 45, leaving behind young children of his own.
This novel profoundly touched me as my own father died of heart complications at the age of 44. The death of someone so young affects a family very deeply for many years. It is a tragedy I hope few people have to experience.
Even though you rated this book very high, it sounds too sad for me. Does this have a hopeful ending, by any chance? That’s probably why I’m not taking the Pulitzer challenge. Too many sound depressing.
I’ve been meaning to read this book, since Agee is from our area (Knoxville) and I’ve never even read anything of his. I’m adding this to my TBR list.
I adored this book. It has stuck with me ever since I read it, as if it was in a reel in my mind. It’s sad, but who’s life will not be affected by loss?
Framed-not really. Sometimes in a case like this there is no happy ending.
SmallWorld-the story is also set in Knoxville.
Bellezza-yes, so true.
This sounds like something I should read. I’m putting it on my wish list now.
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