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writersreads's review against another edition
4.0
It was a joy, as ever, to return to William Melvin Kelley’s words. Upon finishing A Different Drummer back in 2018, I was left fused to its prose and its author – and this short story collection held everything I loved about the novel: its memorable characters, the clarity of its observations, and dialogue that was so concentrated and expertly stitched that it was heard more than it was read.
In this form, I was really able to see Kelley’s full breadth of talent at work. Every flavour of story – their differences and their similarities – each with a lens keenly focussed on issues surrounding class, age, and race. It is a collection that is, above all, brilliantly honest and utterly fair.
I cannot name a story I did not like in some way, but one that really stood out was The Poker Party. Sat on a mother’s knee, eyes just about peaking over the edge of a table, watching the grownups play their game through a haze of pipe smoke … I found this atmosphere, and the dynamic between its characters, so mesmerising that I ended up reading it twice. Another favourite was A Good Long Sidewalk – which I felt led me exactly where it wanted me, twisting towards an ending that lingered after reading, echo-like.
I have loved my time with this book, as I knew I would, and have since picked up a copy of A Drop of Patience, which is a novel set against the jazz scene of New York, following a boy who is set apart not only by his musical talent and race, but also his blindness … and if the last two books are anything to go by, I cannot wait to open this one up.
I would recommend Kelley’s work – with absolute confidence – to anybody. There is just something about the worlds he creates and the characters that inhabit them that is so universal. So human. Since being introduced to his work, I have read through the eyes of people I might not have done otherwise – and is that not the aim of any writer? To master that unwavering talent for telling stories that resonate no matter the subject, no matter the reader. That is Kelley’s gift.
In this form, I was really able to see Kelley’s full breadth of talent at work. Every flavour of story – their differences and their similarities – each with a lens keenly focussed on issues surrounding class, age, and race. It is a collection that is, above all, brilliantly honest and utterly fair.
I cannot name a story I did not like in some way, but one that really stood out was The Poker Party. Sat on a mother’s knee, eyes just about peaking over the edge of a table, watching the grownups play their game through a haze of pipe smoke … I found this atmosphere, and the dynamic between its characters, so mesmerising that I ended up reading it twice. Another favourite was A Good Long Sidewalk – which I felt led me exactly where it wanted me, twisting towards an ending that lingered after reading, echo-like.
I have loved my time with this book, as I knew I would, and have since picked up a copy of A Drop of Patience, which is a novel set against the jazz scene of New York, following a boy who is set apart not only by his musical talent and race, but also his blindness … and if the last two books are anything to go by, I cannot wait to open this one up.
I would recommend Kelley’s work – with absolute confidence – to anybody. There is just something about the worlds he creates and the characters that inhabit them that is so universal. So human. Since being introduced to his work, I have read through the eyes of people I might not have done otherwise – and is that not the aim of any writer? To master that unwavering talent for telling stories that resonate no matter the subject, no matter the reader. That is Kelley’s gift.
annaavian's review against another edition
3.0
A beautiful collection of short stories written many years ago that are still relevant in today’s society.
I wish some of the stories were just a bit longer as they were starting to get interesting at the end.
I wish some of the stories were just a bit longer as they were starting to get interesting at the end.
_fr_day_'s review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
2.0
annekdotes's review against another edition
5.0
I already knew I loved William Melvin Kelley's writing to pieces, and this collection only confirmed that. I've become even more impressed with Kelley's talent for capturing the human condition and establishing perfectly well-rounded characters in such a short amount of time. My favourite story out of this collection was probably 'Connie'.
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