In Crook Manifesto by Colson Whitehead, Ray Carney, a former fence turned legitimate furniture store owner in 1970s Harlem, is thrust back into crime when he seeks stolen Jackson 5 tickets for his daughter. His entanglement with crooked cops and criminals leads him into various dangerous escapades, culminating in a corruption scheme involving arson in Harlem, which he helps to expose and dismantle. The book contains depictions of violence and corruption.

Colson Whitehead's Crook Manifesto receives praise for its vivid prose and intricate portrayal of 1970s Harlem, capturing the grit and vibrancy of the period. While some critics find the pacing uneven and character development lacking, the novel’s engaging narrative and sharp social commentary make it a compelling read overall.

A reader who would enjoy Colson Whitehead's Crook Manifesto is likely drawn to gripping tales set in vibrant historical periods. Fans of Whitehead's previous works, like The Nickel Boys, or Walter Mosley's Devil in a Blue Dress, will appreciate this novel's rich character development and exploration of social issues in a 1970s New York City setting.

Gritty / Dark / Mysterious / Suspenseful / Challenging

- Crook Manifesto is the second book in Colson Whitehead's crime trilogy, following his acclaimed novel Harlem Shuffle.
- Colson Whitehead, a two-time Pulitzer Prize winner, has incorporated historical elements and fictional criminal underworlds into his novels, garnering a reputation for blending literary genres with cultural history.
- Crook Manifesto was well-received for its vivid portrayal of 1970s New York City, capturing the social unrest and cultural vibrancy of the era.

**Ray Carney**  
Ray is the dynamic protagonist who balances his life as a respectable furniture store owner with an occasional return to his past as a fence for stolen goods in Harlem.

**Pepper**  
A quiet and calculating man, Pepper is a crucial secondary character who connects with Ray through their shared criminal past and serves as an honorary member of Ray’s family.

**Munson**  
Munson is a corrupt NYPD officer involved in Ray’s earlier dealings as a fence, representing institutional challenges and intersecting with Ray's journey in ambiguous morality.

**Zippo**  
An eccentric character known for his flamboyant style, Zippo navigates the line between legitimate and illegitimate enterprises, sparking events that reengage Ray with the criminal underworld.

**Alexander Oakes**  
A Harlem-born candidate involved in city corruption, Oakes is supported by Ray’s family despite his ambiguous business activities.

**Elizabeth**  
Ray’s supportive wife who defies her affluent upbringing to stand by him, offering emotional stability while pursuing her own growing career.

**May**  
Ray’s politically inclined daughter engaged in civil rights, who balances her interests with a love for the Jackson 5, reflecting the cultural milieu of her time.

**John**  
May's sibling, showcasing a snarky wit and growing political awareness, reflective of his familial influences and societal interests.

Colson Whitehead

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Ray Carney

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “Ringolevio (1971)”

Part 1 Crook Manifesto Part 1 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “Nefertiti T.N.T. (1973)”

Part 2 Crook Manifesto Part 2 Summary & Analysis

Part 3: “The Finishers (1976)”

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Crook Manifesto

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