"[A] lost giant of American literature. . . . Brilliant." –
The New Yorker "A work of deep originality and superior craftsmanship whose treatment of racial politics resists ideological classification. . . . A potent brew of mythology, gossip, history, political argument and family drama. . . .
A Different Drummer is animated by a force so immense, and fed by so much history, that it transcends encapsulation." –
The Wall Street Journal "This fierce and brilliant novel is written with sympathy as well as sorrow. It's a myth packed with real-world resonance." –
The Guardian "Radical and important." –
Financial Times
"Kelley blended fantasy and fact to construct an alternative world whose sweep and complexity drew comparisons to James Joyce and William Faulkner." –
The New York Times
"A rare first novel; dynamic, imaginative, and accomplished." –
Chicago Sunday Tribune "Powerful. . . . Unflinching. . . . A gift to literature." –
The Observer "So brilliant is this initial novel that one must consider Mr. Kelley for tentative future placement among the paragons of American letters." –
Boston Sunday Herald
"Beautifully written and thought-provoking." –
Baltimore Evening Sun
"This first novel just perhaps could play a part in changing our history." –
Kansas City Star
"An astounding achievement . . . Timeless, mythic. . . . Still relevant and powerful today." –
The Sunday Times (London) "Breathtakingly good. . . . Must be one of the most assured debuts of all time." –Sjón, author of
CoDex 1962 "An imaginative, brilliantly observed world of the 20th-century Deep South in turmoil. . . . Kelley delivers his observations with caustic humour and surprising compassion. The comparisons of his debut to the books of James Baldwin and Faulkner are justified." –
The Irish Times
"A rediscovered classic of African American literature. . . . A powerful novel that weaves intricate themes like racism, systemized oppression and identity together." –
Bookriot