Denny tells her own story in the first person. The prose style is workmanlike but too sophisticated for Denny. Still, the point of view is consistent and the events are dramatic enough to hold one's attention. The characterization of Denny is above average in its complexity, giving her a realistic personality.

And the melancholy, sometimes bitter, tone of the novella enhances its plot and themes, making Flying Changes a notably honest and forthright portrayal of a teen-ager dealing with harsh realities. Combine this with Hall's consistent use of symbolism to represent Denny's growth, and Flying Changes becomes exceptional literary fare.

The buckskin filly that Denny trains is a symbol for Denny. Just as the filly must learn to do a flying change, Denny must learn to shift direction abruptly in her own life. As the horse makes progress, so does Denny. When the filly actually makes...