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Title:	Harlem Shuffle
Authors:	Whitehead, Colson
Genre:	Fiction
Pages:	318
Year:	2021
Language:	English
Description:	At first glance, the ambitious Ray Carney of Carney's Furniture 125th Street, is as upright and dependable as the furniture he sells to support his growing family. But a second glance reveals the demands he juggles on all fronts - from the disapproval of his plutey in-laws to his involvement - both voluntary and involuntary - with his cousin Freddy's dodgy deals, and the prejudice he faces on a daily basis. With its vibrant language and colourful characters, this multi-layered caper of crime, corruption and capitalism conveys the plight of African Americans in 1960s New York as the civil rights era hits its stride.
Categories:	Fiction, Culture/Ethnic/Racial, Human Rights, Morals/Ethics, Political, Social commentary/perspectives, Suspense/Thriller, America, 2023 Titles

Reviews

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By: DUNED 042		2024-10-21 10:38:32

We all loved this book once we got into the story and the writing style. We felt we learnt a lot about New York's development, civil rights, American history - trends still playing out today. I also enjoyed a well narrated audio version.

By: NAP 024		2024-06-06 10:36:43

Not everyone enjoyed this book because of the grim portrayal of this cultural group. However, those of us who did liked the author's style and language. He painted a real picture. My husband read the book, then borrowed two more of Colson Whitehead's books from the local library.

By: AUCK 171		2024-04-29 09:57:13

Overall, most enjoyed the book, although difficult to follow the characters at times. Gave huge insight into 1960's issues, cultural waves and lifestyles. Generated lots of discussion.

By: COOKS 001		2023-12-05 20:12:46

We all loved this book, finding it entertaining and thought provoking. We voted it our No 1 book of the year. Ray was such a great character, we did wonder how much of the author's personality had been woven into this story. Our discussion centred on the riots of 1960's and the riots that erupted after George Floyd was killed. Nothing seems to have changed!

By: CHCH 468		2023-11-13 10:27:17

The group had mixed reviews. It was an intriguing look at Harlem in the 1960s, and all the backhanders Ray had to pay for survival. This book took a bit of reading - would possibly appeal to male readers?

By: HAVE 015		2023-11-13 10:22:28

Enjoyable - different.

By: AUCK 010		2023-11-13 10:22:03

Generally most members loved the humour and Black patois delivered with empathy.

By: ASHB 015		2022-10-31 11:22:39

Mixed reaction. Some people loved it - others found it difficult to read. A very different subject read than others we have read.

By: AUCK 408		2022-10-05 13:39:07

About half the group couldn't get into it - writing style dense and confusing.

By: AUCK 107		2022-08-31 11:27:27

Only a few of the group actually finished this book. Many found it difficult to connect and identify with both the story and the setting, being middle-class women of a certain age living in N.Z. Some felt the writing was almost a script, relying on a visual medium to set the scene, rather than a descriptive narrative, so hard to visualise what Harlem was really like.