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3.87 AVERAGE
3.87 AVERAGE
Another solid work by Colson Whitehead.
This is a follow-up to Harlem Shuffle, which told of life in Harlem in the 1960's through the eyes of Carney, a complex character who is half bent towards a life of crime.
This book covers the 70's, and continues to depict a New York City which is in decline, with corruption rampant everywhere, but particularly in the poor areas of the city. NYC's police are particularly corrupt, as are some members of the Harlem elite who are enriching themselves at the expense of their community.
Carney is a flawed yet likable character, and we are constantly rooting for him even when he is breaking the law. There is something utterly honest about him and he is simply the product of his background and his environment. Many other shady characters complete the milieu which makes this novel shine.
I did not find this novel as compelling as Harlem Shuffle, but still thoroughly enjoyed it and am looking forward to the 3rd part of the trilogy dealing with Harlem in the 80's.
This is a follow-up to Harlem Shuffle, which told of life in Harlem in the 1960's through the eyes of Carney, a complex character who is half bent towards a life of crime.
This book covers the 70's, and continues to depict a New York City which is in decline, with corruption rampant everywhere, but particularly in the poor areas of the city. NYC's police are particularly corrupt, as are some members of the Harlem elite who are enriching themselves at the expense of their community.
Carney is a flawed yet likable character, and we are constantly rooting for him even when he is breaking the law. There is something utterly honest about him and he is simply the product of his background and his environment. Many other shady characters complete the milieu which makes this novel shine.
I did not find this novel as compelling as Harlem Shuffle, but still thoroughly enjoyed it and am looking forward to the 3rd part of the trilogy dealing with Harlem in the 80's.
Audiobook read by Dion Graham is exceptional. Ray Carney is a flawed character that I can’t help but root for.
adventurous
funny
sad
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
Probably my favourite current writer; adept with the language and a joy to read.
“Every other day there was a newspaper column huffing about ‘the American Experiment.’ As if the experiment hadn’t finished and we didn’t know the results.”
“Every other day there was a newspaper column huffing about ‘the American Experiment.’ As if the experiment hadn’t finished and we didn’t know the results.”
I enjoyed listening to this. But I will say I don't think I enjoyed this book as much as the first one, Harlem Shuffle. Whitehead's wordsmithing is still as great as ever.
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
sad
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
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
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
Big fan of Colson Whitehead and this is no exception!
Continuing the Harlem Shuffle story, I think the best parts explored when the real criminals are at the top of society. Rounded up to four stars.
Wasn't for me. Lots of characters and overlapping plots made it hard to follow
adventurous
emotional
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:
Yes
I enjoyed this. It’s well written and the characters are great, but I had trouble really getting into it.