Rural Boyhood Memories

The New Yorker hails it as an American classic. In his memoir An Hour Before Daylight, bestselling author Jimmy Carter paints a vivid picture of his childhood on a Georgia farm during the Great Depression, before the civil rights movement transformed the landscape of his home and the entire country.

Carter eloquently captures the essence of life in a sharecropping community, where the rhythms of nature and the bonds of society shaped his upbringing. He introduces us to his father, a skilled farmer and staunch segregationist who nonetheless treated black workers with dignity and fairness. We also meet his strong-willed, well-read mother, as well as the five other influential figures who played a role in shaping his early years—three of whom were black.

With his clean and compelling prose, Carter paints a picture of a time when life was simple and predictable, yet rules were often heartbreaking and complex. His storytelling skills bring to life the era that played a crucial role in shaping the nation, offering readers a classic American tale of enduring significance.

Jimmy Carter's unique voice and attention to detail make An Hour Before Daylight a poignant portrait of a bygone era, showcasing the author's deep empathy and understanding of the people and events that shaped his youth.

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