The story of the novel is set ten years before the Civil Rights Movement began. It is set in the year 1948. The African-Americans had to face a lot of problems during this period but they had their own successes as well, but the dramatic events of the Civil Rights Movement overshadowed all that. However, there were several important events during that period and they became a kind of foundation for the future developments.

When the novel was first published, it was very well received and there was a lot of praise from all circles. According to the New York Times "A Lesson Before Dying" is a very moving and truthful novel.

Literature Companion: A Lesson Before Dying
Copyright
Chapter One: Introduction
Chapter Two: Plot Overview
Chapter Three: Point of View and Setting
Chapter Four: Characters
Miss Emma
Chapter Five: Summary of the Novel
Chapter Six: Critical Analysis