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59 pages 1 hour read

Crook Manifesto

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2023

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Book Brief

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Colson Whitehead

Crook Manifesto

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2023
Book Details
Pages

336

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

New York City • 1970s

Publication Year

2023

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

In Crook Manifesto by Colson Whitehead, Ray Carney, a former fence turned legitimate furniture store owner in 1970s Harlem, is thrust back into crime when he seeks stolen Jackson 5 tickets for his daughter. His entanglement with crooked cops and criminals leads him into various dangerous escapades, culminating in a corruption scheme involving arson in Harlem, which he helps to expose and dismantle. The book contains depictions of violence and corruption.

Gritty

Dark

Mysterious

Suspenseful

Challenging

Reviews & Readership

4.1

19,663 ratings

72%

Loved it

22%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Colson Whitehead's Crook Manifesto receives praise for its vivid prose and intricate portrayal of 1970s Harlem, capturing the grit and vibrancy of the period. While some critics find the pacing uneven and character development lacking, the novel’s engaging narrative and sharp social commentary make it a compelling read overall.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Crook Manifesto?

A reader who would enjoy Colson Whitehead's Crook Manifesto is likely drawn to gripping tales set in vibrant historical periods. Fans of Whitehead's previous works, like The Nickel Boys, or Walter Mosley's Devil in a Blue Dress, will appreciate this novel's rich character development and exploration of social issues in a 1970s New York City setting.

4.1

19,663 ratings

72%

Loved it

22%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

Character List

Ray Carney

Ray is the dynamic protagonist who balances his life as a respectable furniture store owner with an occasional return to his past as a fence for stolen goods in Harlem.

A quiet and calculating man, Pepper is a crucial secondary character who connects with Ray through their shared criminal past and serves as an honorary member of Ray’s family.

Munson is a corrupt NYPD officer involved in Ray’s earlier dealings as a fence, representing institutional challenges and intersecting with Ray's journey in ambiguous morality.

An eccentric character known for his flamboyant style, Zippo navigates the line between legitimate and illegitimate enterprises, sparking events that reengage Ray with the criminal underworld.

A Harlem-born candidate involved in city corruption, Oakes is supported by Ray’s family despite his ambiguous business activities.

Ray’s supportive wife who defies her affluent upbringing to stand by him, offering emotional stability while pursuing her own growing career.

Ray’s politically inclined daughter engaged in civil rights, who balances her interests with a love for the Jackson 5, reflecting the cultural milieu of her time.

May's sibling, showcasing a snarky wit and growing political awareness, reflective of his familial influences and societal interests.

Book Details
Pages

336

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

New York City • 1970s

Publication Year

2023

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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