YES!!! I love Colson Whitehead, so I was thrilled when I received an ARC for this novel. I took a couple of years off from reading, so I am a bit behind on my ARCs, but I finally got to this one!!

Harlem Shuffle is a vibrant and layered historical crime novel by Colson Whitehead, set in 1960s Harlem. This is a pivot from Whitehead's recent Pulitzer-winning works (The Underground Railroad, The Nickel Boys). This novel is lighter in tone but still deeply insightful, offering a compelling blend of crime, social commentary, and family drama.

At the center of the story is Ray Carney, a furniture salesman trying to stay on the straight and narrow but is constantly drawn into Harlem’s underworld due to his family connections and circumstances. As the son of a notorious criminal, Ray walks the line between respectability and crime, trying to be a good husband and father while occasionally dabbling in small-time hustles. But when his cousin Freddie pulls him into a heist at the Hotel Theresa, things start to spiral out of control, forcing Ray to navigate the increasingly dangerous and morally complex streets of Harlem.

Whitehead did an excellent job rendering the setting and vibes of 1960s Harlem. His descriptions of the neighborhood’s sights, sounds, and culture are electric, making the setting feel like a character in itself. The novel’s world is populated with a colorful array of characters—crooked cops, con men, and community leaders—all of whom reflect the challenges and contradictions of life in Harlem at the time.

Carney is an engaging protagonist. His internal struggle between being an honest businessman and falling into the temptations of the criminal world adds a solid emotional core to the novel. Whitehead does a great job of exploring themes of race, class, and the desire for upward mobility, showing how Ray's quest for success is intertwined with the limitations imposed by systemic racism and inequality.

Whitehead’s prose is sharp and laced with humor, keeping the tone engaging even as the stakes rise. His ability to weave together social history, crime, and character study makes this a gratifying read.

What to listen to while reading...
Harlem Shuffle- Bob & Earl
Bring it On Home to Me by Sam Cooke
I Wish I Knew How it would feel to be free - Nina Simone
Walk on By - Aretha Franklin
Choosey Beggar by Smokey Robinson

There is nothing like New York City, and the New York City that Colson Whitehead writes is one of a kind and oh so realistic at the same time. Get transported back to the 1960s for some amazing historical fiction.

Whoa - this book stopped me in my tracks.
I did not read the two books that came before this one before starting to read but I felt like it could be enjoyed as a stand alone.
Highly recommended

Colson Whitehead is a favorite. Set in early 1960’s New York this story follows Ray a man who walks a fine line between being a good guy and a crook. Ray gets caught up in a heist due to his cousin Freddie that doesn’t go well and Ray ends up straddling the fence between family man and thief. Can Ray avoid getting killed, get his cousin out of the mess he’s in and find a way to take care of his family.

Title: A Vibrant Tapestry of Harlem Life: A Review of "Harlem Shuffle" by Colson Whitehead

"Harlem Shuffle" by Colson Whitehead is a mesmerizing exploration of Harlem's rich tapestry of culture, community, and crime set against the backdrop of 1960s New York City. In this masterfully crafted novel, Whitehead takes readers on a thrilling journey through the streets of Harlem, where the lines between morality and survival blur, and the promise of opportunity clashes with the harsh realities of urban life.

At the heart of the story is Ray Carney, a small-time furniture salesman with big dreams and a knack for navigating the shady underworld of Harlem. As Ray becomes embroiled in a web of deception, betrayal, and intrigue, Whitehead skillfully weaves together multiple narrative threads, immersing readers in a world where every character has a story to tell and every corner holds secrets waiting to be uncovered.

What sets "Harlem Shuffle" apart is Whitehead's vivid portrayal of the vibrant neighborhood and its eclectic cast of characters. From the bustling streets of 125th Street to the smoky backrooms of gambling dens, Whitehead brings Harlem to life with an authenticity and depth that is both immersive and compelling. Through his evocative prose and keen attention to detail, Whitehead captures the essence of a community on the brink of change, where ambition and opportunity collide with tradition and struggle.

But "Harlem Shuffle" is more than just a crime novel; it is a nuanced exploration of race, class, and power in America. Through Ray's journey, Whitehead sheds light on the systemic injustices that shape the lives of Harlem's residents, from the insidious effects of redlining and gentrification to the daily indignities of racial profiling and police harassment. Yet, amid the challenges and obstacles they face, the characters of "Harlem Shuffle" demonstrate resilience, resourcefulness, and a fierce determination to carve out their own piece of the American dream.

In addition to its rich storytelling, "Harlem Shuffle" is also a testament to Whitehead's versatility as a writer. Known for his award-winning literary fiction, Whitehead seamlessly transitions into the realm of crime fiction with style and flair, delivering a gripping and suspenseful narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.

In conclusion, "Harlem Shuffle" is a triumph of storytelling—a compelling and immersive novel that captures the spirit and soul of Harlem in all its complexity and vibrancy. With its memorable characters, evocative setting, and thought-provoking themes, Whitehead's latest work is sure to resonate with readers long after they turn the final page.

Part-noir, part-literary fiction. This is a beautifully written heist story. The writing is languid and luscious, painting Harlem in the 60s in a light that only Colson Whitehead can.

This is more so for readers of literary fiction who enjoy more commercial elements. Expecting a commercial mystery thriller will lead readers to disappointment.

(3.5 stars, rounded up to 4)

"Harlem Shuffle" is a richly detailed and evocative novel that transports readers to the vibrant streets of 1960s Harlem. Colson Whitehead's writing is masterful, capturing the essence of the 1960s with vivid descriptions and authentic dialogue.

The plot of "Harlem Shuffle" is a blend of crime caper and family drama, following protagonist Ray Carney as he navigates the complexities of life in Harlem while grappling with his own moral compass. While the narrative is engaging and filled with colorful characters, the pacing feels uneven at times, with certain sections feeling slow or meandering.

A highlight of the novel is the portrayal of 1960s Harlem, with the setting brought to life with lucid detail and atmosphere. From the bustling streets to the smoky jazz clubs, the sights and sounds of the neighborhood leap off the page, immersing readers in a world filled with history and culture.

"Harlem Shuffle" offers plenty of intrigue and excitement, but some readers may find themselves wishing for more depth and complexity in the characters and plot. While the protagonist of Ray is well-drawn and sympathetic, some of the supporting characters feel underdeveloped, detracting from the overall impact of the story.

This is a solid and entertaining novel that offers readers an striking portrayal of a vibrant time and place in American history. While it may have a few flaws in terms of pacing and characterization, its richly imagined setting and engaging narrative make it a worthwhile addition to Colson Whitehead's body of work.

Colson Whitehead is a force and this is just another example of his ability to turn words into art. Incredible characters, great story structure and some of the smoothing prose out there.

Colson Whitehead's novel offers a vibrant portrayal of 1950s and 1960s Harlem, blending historical fiction and crime genres. Through the story of Ray Carney, a man navigating personal challenges while dreaming of bigger aspirations, Whitehead explores themes of race, class, power, and morality against the backdrop of social and political change. The novel delves into corruption, crime, and white privilege, all set within the richly detailed Harlem community. Whitehead's storytelling is engaging and perfectly showcases his versatility as an author.

I am sorry for the inconvenience but I don’t have the time to read this anymore and have lost interest in the concept. I believe that it would benefit your book more if I did not skim your book and write a rushed review. Again, I am sorry for the inconvenience.

Although this book was fine, the writing is great and Ray Carney is an interesting character. My interest is piqued and I will continue to read this series.

Great sweeping story. Colson Whitehead truly evokes 1960’s Harlem and the unique feel of the neighborhood. Ray Carney is a character you can’t help but want to know more about.

This is my second from Whitehead and while this is very different from the first book I read, The Nickel Boys, Whitehead's writing style is evident in both and was a big draw for this book. Harlem Shuffle is a crime fiction novel set in 1960s Harlem. The story centers on Ray Carney, the owner of a small furniture store. Ray is trying to go straight and leave his family history behind. Ray is ambitious, he wants to provide for his growing family and aspires to be successful and move to bigger houses. While he tries to make a living at his furniture shop, he gets involved in a heist through his cousin Freddie. This sets up the balance that Ray tries to maintain throughout the book. I really liked how this story is developed through the lens of Ray and the people around him while also incorporating the ongoing themes of 1960s Harlem such as race and the civil rights movement. I thought Whitehead included these topics seamlessly with Ray's story. It added to the plot and definitely made me more interested in the story while I was reading.

The writing really stole the show!! Whitehead creates a very atmospheric setting throughout the book and I was very much immersed in the story the whole time. There are some passages that have a lyrical quality to them and overall, I felt like the book has so much depth because of it. Some parts of the book also incorporate humor for lighter moments and I felt like that really added to the whole reading experience. I would definitely recommend this Historical Fiction novel, especially to those who enjoy crime novels with fantastic writing.

This is the first book I have read by 2 time Pulitzer prize winning Colson Whitehead, but it wont be the last! In Harlem Shuffle, we meet Ray Carney, a furniture salesman who is trying to change the reputation of his family since his his dad was a crook. Yet, Ray gets pulled back into the world he has tried so hard to escape. As we read this romp set in 1960s Harlem, we can't help but root for Ray's heist to go off without a hitch.

I loved the atmosphere of this story. Whitehead brings the time and place alive on the page. The motivation is believable and sucks the reader into the tension that Ray Carney experiences throughout the book.

I highly recommend Harlem Shuffle!

I DNF'd this one. Just could not get into it. That said, I will still be reading Colson Whitehead because I think he's a genius writer. Harlem Shuffle wasn't for me and that's OK.

I love a good crime novel. Ray gets dragged into his cousin's illegal schemes. This is set in Harlem in the 60s and racism is rampant, which makes life even harder for Ray. I loved the story and the schemes and the vivid images created of Harlem. In addition to race, the book also covers subjects such as class, political corruption, and morality. However, I had a harder time with the pacing and the writing.

The book was informative in the backdrop of Harlem in the 1960's. It was a bit hard to follow and not the most interesting character was written about. This is my first book by this author so maybe I would enjoy others by this author more than this one.


I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

What a great book! It's lighter than his earlier works, but if the author is Colson Whitehead, you know you're getting a great book. Even though I've spent my life in NYC, I didn't know that much about Harlem from this time period, and I thought the book did a good job of putting you directly onto 125th street in the 60s. I don't always love when books have distinct sections/episodes, but this worked well, and I thought the book was enjoyable to read.

I love Colson Whitehead but this book didn't work for me. I found myself unable to focus and get past the first 30 pages. I may revisit one day but for now it is a DNF.

Absolutely love this author so that’s why I was thrilled to get an advanced copy. Was disappointed with this one. Had a very difficult time getting into it and struggled to finish it off. Not one of his best.