A Gathering of Old Men

Beau Boutan, a Cajun farmer, is shot dead. Candy Marshall, the headstrong young plantation owner, tells everyone that she killed Beau. But when the sheriff arrives, he finds a dozen aging black men each claiming to have done the deed. The sheriff fails to break the circle of protection thrown around the real murderer. He realizes that these men are not afraid of Boutan family vengeance, and welcome a chance to get even after whole lifetimes of oppression. "Ernest J. Gaines makes it clear that dignity and fortitude are virtues available to men and women of all races at all times...profound and moving." (B-O-T Editorial Review Board)