Harlem Shuffle

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To his customers on 125th Street, Carney appears to be a respectable furniture salesman, building a decent life with his wife Elizabeth, who is expecting their second child. Despite her parents' disapproval of him and their cramped apartment near the subway, he feels at home. Few know of his criminal lineage, and his seemingly normal life is beginning to unravel. Financial struggles arise, leading him to accept stolen items from his cousin Freddie without questioning their origin. When Freddie becomes involved in a robbery crew targeting the Hotel Theresa, he enlists Ray as the fence. The heist fails, thrusting Ray into a dangerous world filled with corrupt cops, gangsters, and petty criminals. This internal conflict forces Ray to confront his dual identity as both a striving businessman and a criminal. As he navigates this treacherous path, he learns about the true power dynamics in Harlem. Can he evade danger, protect his cousin, and secure his share of the heist while maintaining his reputation as a reliable furniture source? The narrative unfolds in a vividly depicted 1960s New York City, blending elements of family saga, crime, and social commentary, ultimately serving as a love letter to Harlem and a captivating read from the acclaimed Colson Whitehead.