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rembrandt1881's review against another edition
4.0
Noir ish novels can be hit or miss because some drag so much in building the world and setting up the action it can be infuriating. There were times with this novel I was sort of drifting out of it but then Colson Whitehead uses a nice description that brings things back around. It can and does meander at times but at the end of the day he brings around each of the sections to a satisfying conclusion. He paints a great picture of Harlem in the late 50's and early 60's and a portrait of a guy who is just trying to make it.
parenthesis_enjoyer's review against another edition
adventurous
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Gun violence, and Violence
Moderate: Racism, Drug use, Drug abuse, and Racial slurs
Minor: Police brutality
chelbakery's review against another edition
challenging
funny
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
tcheesman's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
sophiegcole's review against another edition
adventurous
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
niallf96's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
kritlop's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
thepaperbackplanner's review against another edition
emotional
funny
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This has been described as “a family saga disguised as a crime novel,” and I fully agree. Unsurprisingly, I found author Colson Whitehead’s writing just lovely and engaging throughout the novel. I loved learning more about the layers of the main character’s history and family, and I was rooting for him all the way. Additionally, the novel was set during the Harlem race riots, and I found it really valuable to read a historical fiction piece in this setting. I’d recommend this to just about anyone in a heartbeat.