"A Gathering of Old Men" is a novel by Ernest J. Gaines set in the rural South. The story revolves around a group of elderly African American men who come together to confront the murder of a white man, Beau Baton. They gather at a local plantation, Nottoway, to take a stand against racial injustice and assert their dignity. The narrative unfolds through multiple perspectives, highlighting themes of race, identity, and community. As the men share their stories, they challenge the longstanding power dynamics in their town, ultimately seeking justice and recognition for their experiences and struggles.