Reviews

Dem by William Melvin Kelley

blau_elmo's review

dark medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

A dark comedy about infidelity, passions, and, in many ways, the complex relationship between black and white people in America, detailing the jealousy, disdain and otherwise, power imbalance between the two. 

In general, it was an enjoyable read, but I would have to be in a certain mood to re-read it; in other words, I feel like it has just enough discomfort in it to put off some readers. Still, I like it for the unique way it talks about these themes.

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Racial slurs, Racism, and Sexual content

trin's review against another edition

2.0

Delightfully, viciously, righteously sharp -- but very, very broad, and unfortunately, rather scattered. I definitely recommend reading the recent New Yorker article about Kelley, which is fascinating and tragic. You can see a great deal of his talent even in this flawed novel, but it is clear he never got the editorial support he deserved.

chillcox15's review against another edition

5.0

White guy voice: I neEd To gO to WoRk!! mY WiFEE!!!

julie_fc's review against another edition

informative tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

socappuccino's review

medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? N/A
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

2.0

zoracious's review

5.0

These publishers have done a good service by publishing this 1967 work, a vital addition to the literary production of the Black Arts Movement. I'd only read William Melvin Kelley’s other book, A Different Drummer, and was so taken by this author and his beautiful and accessible prose, even when he is describing difficult subjects. With this book (and with A Different Drummer), I recommend reading the recent New Yorker article about the author's fascinating and tragic life: https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2018/01/29/the-lost-giant-of-american-literature

ellensmith's review against another edition

3.0

I think I liked it enough? It was really strange. Thought provoking, though.

mikhailareads's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional funny reflective tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

This is Black excellence. William Melvin Kelley’s writing is deeply insightful, complex. It makes you truly question the relationships you are involved in and the ways that your actions contribute to the feelings of the people you love. Kelley is brilliant at developing his characters with nuance. To write a story about the complications between race while telling such a profound story is a skill in and of itself but Kelley does so much more with the great narrative.

ellensmith's review

3.0

I think I liked it enough? It was really strange. Thought provoking, though.