The Sweet Flypaper of Life

*The Sweet Flypaper of Life* is a photography book by Roy DeCarava and Langston Hughes that captures the everyday life of African Americans in Harlem during the 1950s. Through powerful images and storytelling, it portrays the resilience, struggles, and vibrant culture of the community. The book uses photographs and written narratives together to provide an authentic, nuanced look at urban Black life, emphasizing dignity and human complexity. It serves as both art and social commentary, highlighting the richness and challenges of Harlem residents’ experiences in a way that resonates universally.