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Crook Manifesto by Colson Whitehead
Dec. 19th, 2024 11:56 amThis marks my 26th book of this year (and perhaps my last). I read significantly less this year on account of The Incident but I'm not too bothered by it.
I had high expectations for this because I really enjoyed Harlem Shuffle (I think it might even be one of my top 5 books this year). I can't say I'm disappointed but I'm not too psyched about it either. Unlike Harlem Shuffle, I felt that sections in Crook Manifesto aren't as tightly bound together. Their connection seem to hinge more on reference or allusions. The first section with Munson promised a high-stakes, convoluted story but it kind of fizzled out as Munsoon and the is taken out of the story. The last section once again sets the story up for a more high-stakes game for the third installment, which I'm really looking forward to. It really felt like a transitional novel more than anything.
I read a review that said the series is like a social commentary disguised as a crime fiction novel. I think this is very apt. Carney sets the story in motion - his sense of justice, inability to hold a grudge, familial responsibility and loyalty lead him to situations that are not in-keeping with his straight persona. Equally important to the story is Pepper, who is a very intriguing character. While I enjoy Carney as a protagonist, Pepper's sections give a different point of view as he is privy to more of the Harlem's underworld. I especially enjoyed the fried chicken heist and I would not mind reading more of those silly, low-stakes heists.
I'd love to reread this again once the third book is out.
I had high expectations for this because I really enjoyed Harlem Shuffle (I think it might even be one of my top 5 books this year). I can't say I'm disappointed but I'm not too psyched about it either. Unlike Harlem Shuffle, I felt that sections in Crook Manifesto aren't as tightly bound together. Their connection seem to hinge more on reference or allusions. The first section with Munson promised a high-stakes, convoluted story but it kind of fizzled out as Munsoon and the is taken out of the story. The last section once again sets the story up for a more high-stakes game for the third installment, which I'm really looking forward to. It really felt like a transitional novel more than anything.
I read a review that said the series is like a social commentary disguised as a crime fiction novel. I think this is very apt. Carney sets the story in motion - his sense of justice, inability to hold a grudge, familial responsibility and loyalty lead him to situations that are not in-keeping with his straight persona. Equally important to the story is Pepper, who is a very intriguing character. While I enjoy Carney as a protagonist, Pepper's sections give a different point of view as he is privy to more of the Harlem's underworld. I especially enjoyed the fried chicken heist and I would not mind reading more of those silly, low-stakes heists.
I'd love to reread this again once the third book is out.
