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Summary

In the first passage James Baldwin reads with passion about the suicide of a young black man in despair. The second passage takes place at his funeral service, where Baldwin speaks with both anger and eloquence, in the voice of the minister attempting to comfort his friends and family.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your My Library section along with the audio.
©1956 James Baldwin (P)1963 Calliope Author Readings
Literature & Fiction
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Critic reviews

“Nobody reads James Baldwin like James Baldwin”, ( Boston Globe)
“With measured understatement he reads of Rufus’ suicide, and then, with impassioned eloquence, delivers the funeral sermon of Rev. Foster” ( HI/FI Stereo Review)
"Listeners will hear James Baldwin’s anger and underlying bitterness in his tone” ( Audiofile Magazine)

What listeners say about Great American Authors Read from Their Works, Volume 1

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Profile Image for m@chaka

As James Baldwin reads...

The story is a tragedy, make no mistake. But I loved the violence in James Baldwin's narration - I loved the distance he goes to brutally persuade the listener with his vivid voice that the tragedy is in fact a release - a justifiable act, an act not so 'dishonerable'...

getting the whole book now

1 person found this helpful

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Profile Image for Simon
  • Simon
  • 27-05-16

The book is great but this is only an extract.

The book is great but this is only an extract of it narrating the decisive moment for Rufus and the preacher in the church.

3 people found this helpful

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Profile Image for Michell Graham
  • Michell Graham
  • 23-03-16

Baldwin: The best that ever was.

A compellingly told account, written with the emotion that only Baldwin brings. You felt this characters turmoil.

1 person found this helpful