A review by ida_ree
Harlem Shuffle by Colson Whitehead

emotional mysterious reflective tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
Now I know what all the fuss was about. This story drew me right in. The main character, Ray Carney, is complex and relatable. I held my breath many times as he got more and more out of his depth, drawn into a web of crime he never intended. Or at least he never intended it to go so far. He has a weakness for trying to make his cousin (more like a brother) happy no matter what bad decisions the guy is making. Then there's the constant struggle to keep his home life with the wife and kids he adores separate from the other part of his existence. The world building is also excellent, immersing the reader right into 1950s-1960s Harlem.

I don't put stars on my reviews.
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