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CliffsNotes on A Different Drummer offers a close look at the painstaking craftsmanship of William Melvin Kelley's novel, which expresses life and the African-American experience in a fictional U.S. state in 1957. While earlier writers of African descent were writing mainly to a white audience, Kelley wanted very much to write stories for other black people. He didn't shy away from discussing stereotypes and prejudices of mainstream America as well as the juxtaposition of tradition and enlightenment in regards to race relations.

In this study guide, you'll find Life and Background of the Author, an introduction to the novel, Lists of Characters, and more:

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