"A Death in the Family" is a novel by James Agee, first published in 1957. The novel is a semi-autobiographical portrayal of the author's own life and follows the story of a young boy named Rufus Cody as he navigates the complexities of growing up in the early 20th century. The novel explores themes of family, loss, and the coming of age, as Rufus is forced to confront the death of his father and the challenges of adulthood. The novel is known for its poignant portrayal of the human experience and its depiction of the struggles of growing up. It is considered a classic of modern literature and has received widespread critical acclaim for its portrayal of the human condition.