Crook Manifesto

I listened to the audio book for this title over about a week during my daily commute.

Colson Whitehead does a wonderful job using historical fiction to tell the story of the Harlem district of New York City during the early to mid 1970s. He does this through the lens of three different criminals/retired criminals in a tale that winds through the city and time.

I only just found out that this is actually part of a series of novels from the same author (I'm writing this review at a later time than when I "read" the book). So, I'm going to use that as an excuse to read through all of the novels in the series. If able, I'll add to this or reply with an expanded review when the novel is more fresh in my mind.

This installment focuses on the 70s (Harlem Shuffle focused on the 60s), and the writing is great. There's a lot of New York specific detail about neighborhoods and streets that is lost on me, but it's necessary for a series that is so intent on using NYC much the way The Wire used Baltimore. My favorite moment is probably when the Magnavox Odyssey (the "brown box") makes a cameo. The research behind this book is pretty awesome.

Whitehead continues the story of Ray Carney from Harlem Shuffle, while also showing us more about engaging characters like Pepper and a certain arsonist-turned-filmmaker. Very enjoyable and sets up well for what will be the final volume in the trilogy.

Follow on from Harlem Shuffle. Evolution of survival over several years. The skill employed by the developing characters and that fine line between legit and illegality ; against the backdrop of community/environmental erosion and gentrification. We feel it.