“Crooked world, straight world, same rules – everybody had a hand out for the envelope.”

Brown Baggers book club met on Thursday, May 18 at noon to discuss Harlem Shuffle by Colson Whitehead. This book was described as “capturing the mood of Harlem 1960s perfectly” and “upbeat and enjoyable, despite a grim, corrupt reality.” Ray Carney, a furniture salesman, becomes embroiled in the criminal underworld of heists. With each robbery, the tension grows, as Ray edges closer to the confrontation of his moral compass – and his family.

According to readers, this is a story about family dynamics more than a societal novel about the seedy world of crime, drugs, and “side jobs.” Whitehead has said, “I kept reading these detective novels, until I realized, I don’t care about detectives. Or cops. I care about the psychos.” Ray is the “psycho” here – the man who cares about upward mobility not for himself, but for his family; the man who lives by an upstanding code and somehow always stood by his cousin. Yet, he finds himself entangled in a web of crime, corruption, and racial tensions. He is pulled into a series of heists orchestrated by a colorful cast of characters, including a corrupt police officer and a ruthless mobster. Everyone agreed we were rooting for Ray to succeed!

It was interesting to dissect why Ray is always selling couches, and not other pieces of furniture. By specializing in couches, Ray is able to cater to the desires and preferences of his customers; couches are centerpoints of parties and social events; they have more pizzazz and character than dressers and tables; they speak to the energy and sociability of the time and place. Focusing on a specific type of furniture allows him to streamline his inventory and marketing efforts; the novel uses this detail to explore his entrepreneurial spirit and his ability to navigate the competitive marketplace – one in which a businessman is always doing favors for his customers, bending over backwards; the customer is always king. The couch-selling business is also the starting point and a touch point throughout for Ray’s involvement in criminal activities, keeping his two different worlds shoulder-to-shoulder.

What is the difference between mystery, crime writing, whodunit, thriller, and police procedurals? Here’s the scoop, to help you identify exactly what appeal factors you enjoy:

Mysteries are investigative in nature, with an emphasis placed on intellect and deductive reasoning
Whodunit novels are types of mysteries, with a closed circle of suspects, so readers can play detective themselves
Crime writing often explores motivations behind criminal behavior and the impact crime has an individuals and/or society
Thrillers are fast-paced and suspenseful, with high stakes and action; these often involved crime or threat, but can cover a wide range of topics
Police procedurals center around the work of law enforcement officials, such as police officers, detectives, or forensic experts; these are detail-oriented and usually linear

While this is a crime novel, and stays true to the tradition, it is not noir fiction. The novel spends time honoring the history of Harlem, celebrating the cultural and social dynamics of the era. Instead of a bleak and pessimistic tone, the tone is more dramatic and suspenseful. The main themes of the novel are class, money, and ambition. Change is also important – the threat of new development, gentrification, racial inequality, and a widening wealth gap between white developers and black neighbors is a central conflict. Ray is also eternally trying to prove himself to his in-laws, who live on Strivers’ Row, an iconic block that was home to wealthy African Americans, and a center for cultural heritage.

In conclusion, one reader said, “I haven’t read a story quite like this before. It was very affecting.” It has a little bit of everything: identity, the pursuit of the American Dream, morality, gripping and atmospheric writing, a snowballing three-part scheme, and deadpan humor alongside side-eye satire. Ready for the next Whitehead book about Ray Carney? The story continues with Crook Manifesto; coming in July 2023. You can get yourself added to the waitlist by filling out a Suggest a Purchase form.

Other books mentioned in the meeting:

Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston

Passing by Nella Larsen

The Conjure-Man Dies by Rudolph Fisher

Blacktop Wasteland by S.A. Cosby

Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison

Vita by Melania Mazzucco (request through interlibrary loan here)

The African-American Collection at Gordon Avenue

Ocean’s Eleven DVD

Other books to explore if you liked Harlem Shuffle:

Sing, Unburied, Sing by Jesmyn Ward

Stories from Tenants Downstairs by Sidik Fofana