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On the Occasion of My Last Afternoon

Critique • Quotes

First edition coverFirst edition
Publication details ▽ Publication details △

First publication
1998

Literature form
Novel

Genres
Literary

Writing language
English

Author's country
United States

Length
Approx. 73,000 words

Notable lines

I did not mean to kill the nigger! Did not mean to kill him!

— First lines

Like the servants, we, his children, were beneath him, and so we were left oftentimes standing with his lies in our hands like baffling presents, not knowing what we were to do with this collection of things, his words, whether they should be used or displayed or hidden like a broken toy in a corner of the nursery armoire.

 

On the occasion of my last afternoon, I feel no sorrow, feel no regret, for I have done what Quincy told me to do: Face it all dry-eyed. Say it. Say it. This has been such a glorious afternoon—my heart would not weep if I did not live to see another.

— Last lines

 

Critique • Quotes