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50 pages 1 hour read

Harlem Shuffle

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2021

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Book Brief

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Colson Whitehead

Harlem Shuffle

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2021
Book Details
Pages

336

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Harlem, New York • 1960s

Publication Year

2021

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

Harlem Shuffle by Colson Whitehead follows Raymond "Ray" Carney, an African American furniture salesman in late-1950s and early-1960s Harlem, who struggles to maintain a balance between his respectable business and his activities in fencing stolen goods, whose life spirals after his cousin Freddie ropes him into a dangerous heist, leading to subsequent conflicts, and revenge plots. This book portrays periods of social upheaval, criminal activity, and violence.

Gritty

Suspenseful

Mysterious

Dark

Contemplative

Reviews & Readership

4.0

87,906 ratings

66%

Loved it

26%

Mixed feelings

8%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Colson Whitehead's Harlem Shuffle has garnered praise for its vivid evocation of 1960s Harlem and its compelling characters. Critics admire the intricate plot and Whitehead's skill in intertwining crime with social commentary. However, some feel the pacing lags in parts. Overall, it's celebrated for its rich storytelling and historical insight.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Harlem Shuffle?

Readers who appreciate vividly rendered historical settings, complex characters, and a blend of crime with social commentary will enjoy Colson Whitehead's Harlem Shuffle. Comparable to Chester Himes' A Rage in Harlem and Walter Mosley's Devil in a Blue Dress, this novel appeals to fans of gripping mysteries and rich cultural landscapes.

4.0

87,906 ratings

66%

Loved it

26%

Mixed feelings

8%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

336

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Harlem, New York • 1960s

Publication Year

2021

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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