NEW YORK TIMES BEST SELLER • From the two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning author of The Underground Railroad and The Nickel Boys, a gloriously entertaining novel of heists, shakedowns, and rip-offs set in Harlem in the 1960s."Ray Carney was only slightly bent when it came to being crooked..." To his customers and neighbors on 125th street, Carney is an upstanding salesman of reasonably priced furniture, making a decent life for himself and his family. He and his wife Elizabeth are expecting their second child, and if her parents on Striver's Row don't approve of him or their cramped apartment across from the subway tracks, it's still home. Few people know he descends from a line of uptown hoods and crooks, and that his façade of normalcy has more than a few cracks in it. Cracks that are getting bigger all the time. Cash is tight, especially with all those installment-plan sofas, so if his cousin Freddie occasionally drops off the odd ring or necklace, Ray doesn't ask where it comes from. He knows a discreet jeweler downtown who doesn't ask questions, either. Then Freddie falls in with a crew who plan to rob the Hotel Theresa—the "Waldorf of Harlem"—and volunteers Ray's services as the fence. The heist doesn't go as planned; they rarely do. Now Ray has a new clientele, one made up of shady cops, vicious local gangsters, two-bit pornographers, and other assorted Harlem lowlifes. Thus begins the internal tussle between Ray the striver and Ray the crook. As Ray navigates this double life, he begins to see who actually pulls the strings in Harlem. Can Ray avoid getting killed, save his cousin, and grab his share of the big score, all while maintaining his reputation as the go-to source for all your quality home furniture needs?
Harlem Shuffle's ingenious story plays out in a beautifully recreated New York City of the early 1960s. It's a family saga masquerading as a crime novel, a hilarious morality play, a social novel about race and power, and ultimately a love letter to Harlem. But mostly, it's a joy to read, another dazzling novel from the Pulitzer Prize and National Book Award-winning Colson Whitehead.
Journey into the vibrant world of 1960s Harlem with Colson Whitehead's captivating novel, "Harlem Shuffle." Set against the backdrop of a rapidly changing city, this story follows Ray Carney, a furniture salesman with a side hustle as a fence for stolen goods. As Ray navigates the complex web of his criminal dealings, he finds himself caught between his desire for a better life and the allure of the Harlem underworld.
Whitehead's writing brings Harlem to life, capturing the energy, the diversity, and the tensions of the era. Through Ray's eyes, we witness the transformation of the neighborhood as it struggles with poverty, gentrification, and racial unrest. As Ray becomes entangled in a series of heists and power struggles, he must use his wit and resourcefulness to survive and protect his family.
"Harlem Shuffle" is a gripping crime novel that delves into the complexities of race, identity, and morality. Whitehead masterfully weaves together historical events, fictional characters, and social commentary, creating a rich and unforgettable narrative. With its dynamic characters, intricate plot, and thought-provoking themes, this novel is a must-read for fans of literary fiction, historical fiction, and crime thrillers.
Dive into the Harlem Shuffle and immerse yourself in a world where crime, ambition, and resilience collide. Experience the highs and lows of Ray Carney's journey as he navigates the dangerous streets of Harlem, striving to build a better life for himself and his loved ones. "Harlem Shuffle" is a powerful and poignant exploration of the human spirit, set against the backdrop of a city on the brink of change.
