Crook Manifesto: A Novel By Colson Whitehead

In "Crook Manifesto," set in 1970s New York, furniture store owner Ray Carney navigates chaos—crime, protests, and a war between NYPD and the Black Liberation Army. Retired from moving stolen goods, he's pulled back in by old police contact Munson for a favor, leading to deadly complications.

By 1973, a changing culture and Carney's partner, Pepper, tackle a side gig in Harlem's Blaxploitation scene, facing Hollywood stars, comedians, and drug dealers. Pepper's seasoned skills outsmart adversaries.

In 1976, Harlem burns, and Carney juggles an ad campaign while his wife supports rising politician Alexander Oakes. When a fire injures a tenant, Carney and Pepper investigate the corruption behind it, battling through a crumbling metropolis.

"Crook Manifesto" is a darkly funny saga of a besieged city and a poignant exploration of family dynamics. Colson Whitehead's kaleidoscopic portrayal of Harlem captures the essence of a tumultuous era, making it an enduring depiction of time and place.

The novel delves into the complexities of survival, loyalty, and corruption against the backdrop of a city in crisis. 📚❤️