Crook Manifesto

More about the book

Two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Colson Whitehead continues his Harlem saga in a powerful novel set in 1970s New York, capturing the city's gritty essence. In 1971, as crime peaks and the city teeters on bankruptcy, furniture store owner Ray Carney seeks to maintain a low profile and a legitimate business. However, when he needs Jackson 5 tickets for his daughter, he turns to his old police contact, Munson, who complicates Carney’s desire to stay out of trouble. By 1973, the counter-culture is reshaping society, yet Carney's violent partner, Pepper, remains a constant. As they struggle to assemble a reliable crew for their criminal endeavors, Pepper takes a side job on a Blaxploitation film set, navigating a bizarre world of Hollywood and its accompanying dangers. By 1976, as Harlem faces destruction amid Bicentennial celebrations, Carney grapples with personal and professional turmoil, including a fire that injures a tenant. He enlists Pepper to uncover the truth behind the blaze, leading them through a city rife with corruption and violence. This darkly humorous tale explores the complexities of family and survival in a city under siege, offering a vivid portrayal of Harlem during a tumultuous era.