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A Rage in Harlem

By Chester Himes
Series: Penguin Modern Classics
0.0 (0 reviews)
3.89 goodreads logo

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Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
A Rage in Harlem by Chester Himes is a gripping crime novel set in the vibrant streets of 1950s Harlem. The story follows a hapless young man who becomes entangled in a chaotic scheme involving counterfeit bills, leading him down a path filled with danger and deception. A colourful array of characters and a vivid depiction of the Harlem neighbourhood bring the narrative to life, making it a compelling and atmospheric read.
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Format: Paperback / softback
$2400
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you appreciate gritty, fast-paced detective stories set in vibrant urban landscapes. The narrative weaves elements of crime and dark humour, following two memorable detectives as they navigate Harlem's colourful and complex world. Its rich characterisation and vivid depiction of community dynamics might captivate readers drawn to intricate and atmospheric storytelling.

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A Rage in Harlem

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

'The greatest find in American crime fiction since Raymond Chandler' — Sunday Times

Jackson's woman has found him a foolproof way to make money—a technique for turning ten dollar bills into hundreds. But when the scheme somehow fails, Jackson is left broke, wanted by the police and desperately racing to get back both his money and his loving Imabelle.

The first of Chester Himes's novels featuring the hardboiled Harlem detectives Coffin Ed Johnson and Grave Digger Jones, A Rage in Harlem has swagger, brutal humour, lurid violence, a hearse loaded with gold and a conman dressed as a Sister of Mercy.

With a new Introduction by Luc Sante.

Series: Penguin Modern Classics

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Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The novel is praised for its blend of outrageous and shocking elements, combined with a unique sense of entertainment and humour set in Harlem. Chester Himes is celebrated for his vibrant character portrayal, chaotic yet engaging plots, and his influential role in the black literary tradition. The book is noted for its brilliant and tough writing style, reflecting elements of both Chandlerian subtlety and a distinctive toughness.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780241521083

Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 25 March 2021

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Penguin Classics

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 13.0mm

Width: 129.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 169g

Pages: 224

Collections

Chester Himes Fiction General Fiction Literary Fiction Penguin Books Penguin Classics Series: Penguin Modern Classics

About the Author

Chester Himes was born in Jefferson City, Missouri in 1909 and grew up in Cleveland. Aged 19 he was arrested for armed robbery and sentenced to 25 years in jail. In jail he began to write short stories, some of which were published in Esquire magazine. Upon release he took a variety of jobs, from working in a California shipyard to journalism to script-writing, while continuing to write fiction. He later moved to Paris where he was commissioned to write the first of his Harlem detective novels, A Rage in Harlem, which won the 1957 Grand Prix du Roman Policier. In 1969 Himes moved to Spain, where he died in 1984.

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