Main content
Sorry, this episode is not currently available

Episode 4: The Sweetener

The new novel from the Pulitzer-winning author of The Underground Railroad and The Nickel Boys, set in 60s Harlem. Today: Ray is up for membership of the prestigious Dumas Club...

Set in 1960s Harlem, the Pulitzer-winning author of The Underground Railroad and The Nickel Boys spins a sizzling tale of shakedowns, petty criminals and failed heists.

β€œRay Carney was only slightly bent when it came to being crooked...”

To his customers on 125th street, Ray Carney is an upstanding salesman of reasonably-priced furniture. Not many people know he descends from a line of uptown crooks, and that his façade of normalcy has more than a few cracks in it.

When his cousin Freddie falls in with a crew who pull off one of Harlem’s most audacious heists, Ray finds himself in way above his head. Can he succeed in living a good life in a bad world?

Today: Ray finds himself up for membership of the prestigious Dumas Club, entry into which will open doors to all of Harlem...

Read by Rhashan Stone
Writer: Colson Whitehead is the acclaimed US author of eight novels, including the Pulitzer Prize-winning The Underground Railroad and The Nickel Boys.
Abridger: Richard Hamilton
Producer: Justine Willett

14 minutes

Last on

Thu 14 Oct 2021 22:45

Broadcasts

  • Thu 14 Oct 2021 12:04
  • Thu 14 Oct 2021 22:45

Open Book Special: Colson Whitehead

Open Book Special: Colson Whitehead

Elizabeth Day talks to Colson Whitehead in a feature length interview about Harlem Shuffle