Here's the third in his Harlem trilogy, and Cool Machine by Colson Whitehead does not disappoint.
cover blurb - This story roves all over NYC from Windows on the World to Sugar Hill, to show that in New York and the lives of Whitehead's vivid characters, it's what's below the surface that reveals the truth.
1981 - Ray Carney - business owner/ master fence has just been named Sterling Furniture's Northeast Regional Dealer of the Month. His wife, Elizabeth, needs a loan for her new travel agency. The banks refuse her, so Ray gambles on one last heist. It's always one more.... uh oh
1983 - Pepper, Carney's buddy and partner in crime, is feeling his age. But he takes on a bodyguard gig as a favor to Elizabeth. The art/club scene prove problematic, but Pepper knows the language of violence.
1986 Carney has a chance to rescue his dead cousin Freddie's son. But he's sworn he was going to stay straight. Oops. One more deal with Pepper. Everything has to go down smooth. Will it?
I love Colson Whitehead's writing. He's just so cool. He's funny. He creates the perfect Harlem/ NYC vibe.
example A per me: Ray's meeting a guy
You did not lam it in a second rate pizza joint. More unforgivable, their slices exhibited low structural integrity when folded and thirty seconds after hitting the paper plate bled out orange grease. It was shameful to pass through their doors.
Treat yourself to some time with Ray Carney, Pepper, and quite a cast of characters. And find a decent slice of pizza while reading. Enjoy!
