What are the main characters in Joe Lansdale's 'Small Black Boy' short story?

One of the main themes could be coming - of - age. The small black boy may face various challenges and experiences that force him to grow and understand the world around him. Another theme might be identity. In a society that may have certain expectations or prejudices based on his race and age, he has to figure out who he is.

I haven't actually read this specific short story. However, generally speaking, if a story involves the sacrifice of black youth, it could be exploring themes of social injustice, discrimination, and the devaluation of certain groups in society. It might also be a horror or thriller type of story where the sacrifice has some sort of dark, ritualistic connotation.

One possible main theme could be oppression. The sacrifice of black youth could symbolize the long - standing oppression that black people have faced in society. It might show how they are often the targets of violence and injustice.

Joe Lansdale's short stories are often known for their vivid and unique characters. They are full of characters that are complex and often on the fringes of society.

You could start with 'By Bizarre Hands'. It's a great introduction to his unique style, with a blend of horror and the unexpected.

Another great one is 'Hap and Leonard' series. These books follow the adventures of two friends, Hap, a white working - class liberal, and Leonard, a gay, black Vietnam vet. The stories are full of action, humor, and social commentary. For example, in 'Mucho Mojo', they get involved in a mystery that takes them through some dark and seedy parts of their town, but their friendship always shines through.

The main character is usually the black boy himself. His personality, dreams, and fears are central to the story. There may also be family members like his mother and father, who play important roles in his life, either by supporting him or presenting obstacles to his growth.

'Sunset and Sawdust' is also a great Joe Lansdale novel. It's set in a circus town and has a lot of interesting characters. There's a sense of danger and mystery throughout the story, and Lansdale does a great job of painting the picture of this unique setting.

One of his best is 'The Bottoms'. It's a great blend of mystery and Southern Gothic elements. The story is set in the Depression - era East Texas and follows a young boy's discovery of a series of murders. Lansdale's vivid descriptions of the setting and the complex characters make it a really engaging read.

Joe R Lansdale's horror novels are known for their blend of different genres. He mixes horror with elements of mystery, crime, and even humor at times. This makes his stories more engaging and unpredictable. His writing style is vivid and detailed, which helps to create a really immersive and often terrifying reading experience. He doesn't shy away from exploring the darker aspects of human nature, which is a big part of what makes his horror so effective. For instance, in 'Cold in July', the psychological tension between the characters is as much a part of the horror as any external threat.