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mechahotwings 's review for:
Harlem Shuffle
by Colson Whitehead
adventurous
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
For me, Whitehead was able to bring a seedier New York City to life-- not the sanitized family-friendly one we have today. It's a glimpse into the irony of the "pull yourself up by your bootstraps" mantra. Sure, Ray was able to start his furniture store and distance himself from the legacy of his father in the beginning, but what did that get him? A failing business.
Despite being set in the 60s, this book and its themes on race are still very much relevant today. I will definitely be checking out the sequel.
Despite being set in the 60s, this book and its themes on race are still very much relevant today. I will definitely be checking out the sequel.