Colson Whitehead, a two-time Pulitzer Prize winner, returns with “Cool Machine,” the concluding book in his Harlem trilogy. Whitehead, who won the Pulitzers for “The Underground Railroad” (2017) and “The Nickel Boys” (2020), focuses on Ray Carney, a Harlem furniture dealer entangled with criminal activities in the 1980s. In an interview, Whitehead shared insights about crafting the trilogy and its place in his literary career.
The trilogy, spanning from the 1950s to the 1980s, begins with “Harlem Shuffle,” where Ray Carney’s life as a furniture salesman and his connection to crime are explored. Whitehead described the writing process as creating a new world, inspired by real historical elements. He conducted location scouting throughout Harlem to bring authenticity to the story.
Whitehead emphasized the importance of character voices, drawing from first-person accounts and memoirs. Influences included Bumpy Johnson’s wife and William Burroughs, whose works provided realistic insights into Harlem’s criminal underworld. These narratives helped shape the authentic voices of the characters.
Writing the trilogy differed from standalone novels, as Whitehead had to maintain freshness across nine distinct stories within the series. Developing characters early on allowed him to expand their arcs over the trilogy’s span. He accumulated a vast amount of material over the years, contributing to the depth of the narrative.
Ray Carney’s character was inspired by the dual nature of a fence — someone who manages a legitimate front while engaging in illegal activities. This divided nature was central to Carney’s character, balancing his desire to be a family man with criminal temptations.
Whitehead’s planning and openness to the story’s direction allowed secondary characters, like Pepper, to grow into significant roles. Pepper’s evolution from a minor character to a key figure showcased another facet of the criminal lifestyle in Harlem.
The theme of duality, where characters grapple with their various selves in different contexts, is prevalent throughout the series. Whitehead explores this tension between internal thoughts and external actions, adding depth to the narrative.
Reflecting on his career, Whitehead sees the Harlem trilogy as part of his growth as a writer. He notes that elements from his past works have evolved, challenging him to explore new material. This evolution is visible in how he approaches character and scene setting today.
Whitehead encourages new readers to explore the Harlem trilogy, noting its distinct style compared to his other works. While “Underground Railroad” and “Nickel Boys” received significant attention, the Harlem trilogy offers a fresh perspective. He hopes readers find humor and see reflections of their own hometowns in New York City’s complexity.
Looking forward, Whitehead remains open to where his writing journey will take him next.
Original Source: news.harvard.edu
