Flying Home And Other Stories (1998) - Plot & Excerpts
Ralph Ellison pulls no punches in this collection, and if you have read Invisible Man and/or some of his essays then you will enjoy Flying Home and Other Stories. The stories that provoke the most open dialogue, and provide the most clear view of Ellison's stance, on race are "A Coupla Scalped Indians," "A Hard Time Keeping Up," "The Black Ball," "King of the Bingo Game," and "Flying Home." That being said, this collection is best digested when read in order, cover to cover.Not only does Ellison prove himself to be a master of the short story form, but he also produces comprehensive vignettes of Black America and the racial experience of Black Americans. Through masterful prose, colloquial dialogue, and symbolic imagery, Ellison conveys his message beautifully. I would suggest picking up a copy of The Shadow and the Act (essay collection) and reading at least "The Shadow and the Act" and "Harlem Is Nowhere" as accompanying nonfiction pieces in order to better understand Ellison's views.
Actually surprised it grades out this high, as there were a disappointing number of underwhelming pieces here. Still, it's mostly borderline apprentice work. The only truly mature piece--"A Coupla Scalped Indians" (pubbed after Invisible Man)--kicks your ass hard. The unpublished "Party Down at the Square" is also fierce as hell and shows just what kinda talent you're dealing with. Some good atmospheric pieces re trains and black youth. Early Ellison was too hamhanded on image and too plain on some things and too sentimental or precious on others, but it's fun to catch glimpses of what he'd become.
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