A Gathering of Old Men is a novel by Ernest J. Gaines published in 1983. Set on a 1970s Louisiana cane farm, the novel addresses racial discrimination and a bond that cannot be usurped.
Plot summary
In mid afternoon, a white woman named Candy discovers that a white man has been shot by a black man. In order to protect the fate of this man, she enlists the help of every other black man she can get. She uses a system of young children to spread the message to every man to come to the house where the killing happened with a shotgun and one empty number 5 shell, and when Sheriff Mapes comes to investigate, he would not be able to prosecute the correct murderer. The pride and bravery that the men demonstrate even in the face of jail or death is inspiring. It shows the community, friendship, and loyalty that black men in the presence of racial tension need to have to overcome the adversity given to them by the white community.
Film, TV or theatrical adaptations
In 1987 Volker Schlöndorff, a famous German director, made a film, also titled A Gathering of Old Men (aka Murder on the Bayou), which adheres closely to the novel. It stars Richard Widmark (as Sheriff Mapes), Louis Gossett Jr., Holly Hunter (as Candy), Joe Seneca, and Will Patton.
