A Different Drummer

‘Thus begins a legend, Mister Willson.’

A re-publication of what is being hailed as a ‘lost classic’ of American literature, William Melvin Kelley’s 1962 novel centres on a fictional event in a fictional Southern state in 1957 when, following the lead of Tucker Caliban, the entire black population of the state ups and leaves to head north and more freedom. With shades of James Baldwin, and with the nuanced vision of the great American voices of Faulkner, Steinbeck and Lee, this is a visceral examination of Southern attitudes and a nation tearing itself apart. Seen through the shifting perspectives of a variety of white characters the story moves back and forward as we learn more about the Willsons, a typical Southern family dynasty, and the Calibans, especially Tucker, one of a line of slaves in the Willson property.

I did wonder at the outset why Kelley chose to write in this particular way: surely we want to hear the voices of the black population directly, not second- or third-hand and through the prism of the white ‘elite’? But as you read there is a generosity of spirit and a life-force that comes though the pages, and the more sympathetic white characters do indeed become rounded, meaningful characters. This is a book written in a different time, and the language and attitudes reflect that. Nor is it a perfect novel. But it is a telling indictment not only of our current times but every generation in between that the prejudices and issues remain, sometimes not always below the surface. The final scenes are a shocking and violent reminder of the very worst of humankind. No, this is not an easy or comfortable read, but I can totally understand why this is being pushed by the publisher as an important and timely rediscovery. Try to make time to read it, for it is indeed an important work.

(With thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC in return for an honest and unbiased review.)

For a short novel, this packs a powerful and hard hitting punch. Written by the Afro-American William Melvin Kelley over 50 years ago, I had never heard of the author or the book, and it seems that it is only now that it is receiving the acclaim it so thoroughly deserves. With language that reflects the time, it was published amidst the background of the divisive and bitter fight for civil rights in the US, serving as a highly imaginative allegory. Set in the late 1950s in a fictitious US southern state and fictitious town of Sutton, this is a treatise on race, on inequality, of power and justice that, damningly, is as relevant today in our contemporary world as it is of the historical period it speaks of.

The quiet and determined Tucker Caliban is a descendent of an African Chief, arriving in the US enslaved. One day he salts his fields, kills his animals, burns his house and heads off into a unknown far yonder with his wife, Bethrah, and their child. This seemingly inexplicable act triggers off an unexpected and surprising exodus of every black person in the state, observed by the white population. The focus of the book is on the reaction, thoughts and behaviour of the white residents faced with these bewildering acts, such as Tucker Caliban's boss, David Willson. Why would the entire black community up sticks leave? The multiple perspectives are revealing of this historical time and there is some curiosity in Tucker's background. There is hardly anyone with sufficient self awareness or perception to see their responsibilities in the momentous acts that have occurred bar the odd exception. Instead, we have an insight into their needs and desires.

This is a brilliantly insightful and thought provoking book, a portrait of a time, by a talented writer unafraid of taking an unusual approach and perspective. I found it a lyrical, mesmerising and emotionally heartbreaking read. I cannot do anything but recommend it highly!! Many thanks to Quercus for an ARC.