Today's Read Team 
Colson Whitehead, the Pulitzer Prize-winning author best known for his novels The Underground Railroad and The Nickel Boys, has once again captivated readers with his latest work, Crook Manifesto. The novel, which blends a rich narrative of 1970s New York with elements of social justice, crime, and history, is a profound exploration of the urban experience and its intersections with identity, justice, and survival.
Whitehead, whose accolades include multiple National Book Awards, has solidified his place as one of the foremost voices in contemporary literature. With Crook Manifesto, he expands his literary reach, delving into new genres and themes while maintaining his signature sharp prose and evocative storytelling.
A Journey Back in Time: Crook Manifesto and the 1970s New York
Released on July 18, 2023, Crook Manifesto is the second book in what Whitehead calls his Harlem Trilogy. The novel is set in 1970s Harlem, a neighborhood famously known for its rich cultural history and vibrancy, but also for the economic struggles and systemic injustices that shaped its communities. The book follows the life of Ray Carney, a character introduced in Whitehead’s previous novel, Harlem Shuffle, as he navigates the murky world of crime, family, and personal ambition.
In an interview with The New York Times shortly before the book’s release, Whitehead spoke about the process of writing Crook Manifesto and revisiting the turbulent 1970s. “I’ve always been fascinated by that time,” he said. “It was a period of both decay and resilience. The 1970s in New York City was a time of crisis, with the city almost going bankrupt, but it was also a time of cultural renaissance, especially in Harlem. I wanted to capture that duality.”
The novel takes place during a time when Harlem, still recovering from the aftermath of the Civil Rights Movement, finds itself at the intersection of political unrest, economic instability, and a burgeoning criminal underworld. Whitehead’s portrayal of Harlem during this period is both gritty and poetic, capturing not just the crime and violence but the soul of the neighborhood—the people, the music, and the dreams.
In Crook Manifesto, Whitehead’s characters grapple with identity, loyalty, and morality. Ray Carney, a small-time hustler trying to keep his hands clean while being drawn deeper into Harlem’s criminal world, serves as a nuanced protagonist. Carney’s story weaves through the larger fabric of the city, from the rise of crime to the struggles of the working class.
The Influence of History: Revisiting Real-World Events in Fiction
While Crook Manifesto is a work of fiction, it is deeply informed by the real-world history of Harlem and the larger political and social landscape of the 1970s. The novel touches on key historical events, including the fiscal crisis that nearly led to New York City’s bankruptcy, the emergence of the crack cocaine epidemic, and the growing tensions between law enforcement and the communities they policed.
Whitehead has always had a strong sense of history in his writing. The Underground Railroad, for instance, reimagined the journey of enslaved people using an actual underground railroad as a literal means of escape, blending historical fiction with speculative elements. Similarly, The Nickel Boys fictionalized the history of the infamous Dozier School for Boys, based on real events in the American South.
In Crook Manifesto, Whitehead incorporates the Harlem Riots, the aftermath of the Vietnam War, and the impact of the crack cocaine epidemic—though not in a way that feels like a history lesson. Instead, he uses these events as the backdrop for his characters’ personal stories. The historical setting becomes a living, breathing entity that influences the characters’ decisions and lives.
“The past always informs the present,” Whitehead said in a 2023 interview with NPR. “The world I’m writing about is the one I’ve grown up seeing, from the racial injustice to the rise of the drug trade. Harlem, specifically, has always been a place where the past and present collide, so I wanted to make sure the history was felt in the story but not just in an academic way. It’s part of the fabric of their lives.”
Writing Process: Colson Whitehead’s Approach to Fiction
Colson Whitehead is known for his ability to balance historical accuracy with literary innovation. As an author, he has consistently pushed boundaries by blending genres and experimenting with form. His approach to writing is meticulous, often involving extensive research and deep reflection on the subjects he tackles.
For Crook Manifesto, Whitehead conducted years of research into 1970s New York, studying everything from the architecture of Harlem to the popular music of the era. “I love immersing myself in a world before I write about it,” Whitehead explains. “The details matter. I want to capture the feel of the time—how people dressed, what they ate, how they talked—but also how the time shaped the characters’ decisions.”
In fact, Whitehead has credited the works of writers like Richard Wright and Chester Himes as foundational influences on his own approach to writing about Harlem. “They had a particular way of capturing the contradictions of the city, the beauty and the brutality,” Whitehead said. “Harlem has always been a place of great cultural richness, but it has also been a place where people have had to fight for survival. That duality is something I’ve tried to reflect in my own work.”
Unlike some authors, Whitehead doesn’t shy away from revision. “I’m not one of those writers who gets it perfect on the first try,” he admits. “I work through drafts and layers. The first draft is always a mess, but the real magic happens when I go back and start seeing how the themes fit together.”
While his previous works had a more speculative edge, with The Underground Railroad drawing on magical realism and The Nickel Boys using the harsh realities of a reform school to explore broader issues of racism, Crook Manifesto remains grounded in the real world. But Whitehead’s skill at blending fiction with the weight of history is what has made him a literary force.
Critical Reception and the Legacy of Colson Whitehead
Since its release, Crook Manifesto has been met with both critical acclaim and a growing fanbase. Critics have praised the novel for its sharp dialogue, its compelling exploration of social justice, and its vivid portrayal of 1970s Harlem. Some have compared Whitehead’s depiction of Harlem to the works of classic crime writers like Raymond Chandler, but with a distinctly modern, literary twist.
The New York Times described the book as “a masterwork of historical fiction,” calling Whitehead’s ability to capture the soul of Harlem “unmatched.” Similarly, The Guardian lauded Whitehead for his “elegant yet gritty” portrayal of the era, noting that Crook Manifesto added a fresh dimension to his already impressive body of work.
What sets Whitehead apart from many of his contemporaries is his ability to write about the past in a way that feels immediate and relevant. His stories don’t just reflect historical events—they engage with them, asking difficult questions about how the past continues to shape the present.
As Whitehead continues to expand his literary horizons, it’s clear that his work will remain vital to understanding not just American history but the human condition. Crook Manifesto is a testament to his unique ability to blend the personal with the political, the fictional with the historical, creating a narrative that resonates across generations.
What’s Next for Colson Whitehead?
Looking ahead, Whitehead has hinted at more projects in the works, but like his other works, they are shrouded in mystery. “I’m always thinking about new stories,” he says. “I’m a little superstitious about talking about them before they’re finished. But I can promise this—I’ll be working on something that surprises people.”
For now, fans of Crook Manifesto can look forward to its continuing success in literary circles, as well as its upcoming adaptation for television. Whitehead has expressed excitement about the potential for the book to reach a broader audience through this new medium, while continuing to captivate readers with his deep and insightful prose.
As Colson Whitehead moves forward in his career, it is clear that his novels will continue to illuminate not only the history of Harlem and New York but also the complex and often painful realities of American life.