"To Hell with Dying" is a collection of short stories by American author Alice Walker, first published in 1988. The title story of the collection, "To Hell with Dying," is a poignant tale about a group of children who become friends with a blues musician named Mr. Sweet.
The story is narrated by a young girl named Fanny who, along with her siblings and friends, is captivated by Mr. Sweet's music and larger-than-life personality. Mr. Sweet is a chronic alcoholic and his health is deteriorating rapidly, but the children are determined to save him from his demons.
The story explores themes of love, loss, and the power of art to connect people across divides of age, race, and social class. It also highlights the resilience of the human spirit, even in the face of adversity and tragedy.
"To Hell with Dying" has been widely praised for its emotional depth and lyrical writing. The collection as a whole features a range of stories that touch on issues such as racism, sexism, and poverty, and showcase Walker's talent for exploring the complexities of the human experience. The collection has won numerous awards, including the O. Henry Award for best short story of the year.
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