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Hunting in Harlem
Horizon Realty is bringing Harlem back to its Renaissance. With the help of Cedric, Bobby, and Horus-three ex-cons trying to forge a new life-Horizon clears out the rubble and the rabble, filling once-dilapidated brownstones with black professionals handpicked for their shared vision of Harlem as a shining icon for the race. And fate seems to be working in Horizon's Harlem's undesirable tenants seem increasingly clumsy of late, meeting early deaths by accident. As an ambitious reporter, Piper Goines, begins to investigate the neighborhood's extraordinarily high accident rate, Horizon's three employees find themselves fighting for their souls and their very lives-against a backdrop of some of the most beautiful brownstones in all of Manhattan.
288 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2003
5 people are currently reading
488 people want to read
About the author
Mat Johnson
42 books442 followersMat Johnson is an American writer of literary fiction who works in both prose and the comics format. In 2007, he was named the first USA James Baldwin Fellow by United States Artists.
Johnson was born and raised in the Germantown and Mount Airy communities in Philadelphia.
His mother is African American and his father is Irish Catholic. He attended Greene Street Friends School, West Chester University, University of Wales, Swansea, and ultimately received his B.A. from Earlham College. In 1993 he was awarded a Thomas J. Watson Fellowship. Johnson received his M.F.A. from Columbia University School of the Arts (1999).
Johnson has taught at Rutgers University, Columbia University, Bard College, and The Callaloo Journal Writers Retreat. He is now a permanent faculty member at the University of Houston Creative Writing Program. Johnson lives in Houston.
Johnson was born and raised in the Germantown and Mount Airy communities in Philadelphia.
His mother is African American and his father is Irish Catholic. He attended Greene Street Friends School, West Chester University, University of Wales, Swansea, and ultimately received his B.A. from Earlham College. In 1993 he was awarded a Thomas J. Watson Fellowship. Johnson received his M.F.A. from Columbia University School of the Arts (1999).
Johnson has taught at Rutgers University, Columbia University, Bard College, and The Callaloo Journal Writers Retreat. He is now a permanent faculty member at the University of Houston Creative Writing Program. Johnson lives in Houston.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
October 20, 2009
I must say I was impressed with Mat Johnson's latest novel, Hunting In Harlem. I had not read his debut novel, Drop, or any of the press releases surrounding his latest work, so I blindly opened the book and began reading. I soon found myself laughing aloud and engrossed by the author's clever imagination, mature writing style, and original characters. Johnson builds a story that is both interesting and thought provoking - a true challenge for a tough and controversial topic such as gentrification.
Hunting In Harlem is the story of Horizon Realty's vision to revitalize Harlem one brownstone at a time; hoping to eventually return it to the booming community it once was during the Renaissance. The realty company is also a sponsor of the Second Chance Program and subsequently employs three ex-convicts as part of a real estate training program. Snowden (convicted of manslaughter for killing his father), Bobby (an arsonist), and Horus (a former gangbanger) are handpicked to participate in this prestigious, cutting edge, year-long program. As they study the ins-and-outs of real estate, they also perform extra assignments, such as clearing out Horizon apartments of tenants who happen to perish in freak accidents. The suspense begins when Snowden mentions the number of accidental deaths to his love interest who happens to be a reporter. She investigates and discovers a pattern which leads Snowden to confront his mentor. He soon learns that it is Horizon Realty's plan to dispose of "undesirables" (people who discredit Harlem) and is blackmailed into supporting their plot to meticulously remove the offenders (prostitutes, pick pockets, child abusers, drug dealers, etc). Conflict arises as the three convicts must determine how to handle the truth, come to terms with their direct involvement in the murders, and think of a way to escape blackmail.
This book challenges the intellectual to revisit the classic debates surrounding "sacrifices for the greater good of society" and infamous "by any means necessary." Johnson also educates by sharing the history of Harlem and provides an explanation of how and why it is in its present condition. Throughout the book were subtle lessons in gentrification, discussion of the African-American socio-economic condition, and even a discussion of DuBois's Talented Tenth theory. These topics and other ethical dilemmas were skillfully crafted in the dialogue and thoughts of the colorful, strong, wacky characters. It can also be said that this novel is an examination on human nature as we follow the central characters' development and watch them wrestle with moral issues.
This is an intriguing, suspenseful, well-written novel. The author's writing style, social messages, and storytelling ability makes this a book worth picking up. In the hands of others, this book would have been a disaster, but Johnson has mastered his own technique and it works really well. Be warned, this book is only for the serious reader.
Hunting In Harlem is the story of Horizon Realty's vision to revitalize Harlem one brownstone at a time; hoping to eventually return it to the booming community it once was during the Renaissance. The realty company is also a sponsor of the Second Chance Program and subsequently employs three ex-convicts as part of a real estate training program. Snowden (convicted of manslaughter for killing his father), Bobby (an arsonist), and Horus (a former gangbanger) are handpicked to participate in this prestigious, cutting edge, year-long program. As they study the ins-and-outs of real estate, they also perform extra assignments, such as clearing out Horizon apartments of tenants who happen to perish in freak accidents. The suspense begins when Snowden mentions the number of accidental deaths to his love interest who happens to be a reporter. She investigates and discovers a pattern which leads Snowden to confront his mentor. He soon learns that it is Horizon Realty's plan to dispose of "undesirables" (people who discredit Harlem) and is blackmailed into supporting their plot to meticulously remove the offenders (prostitutes, pick pockets, child abusers, drug dealers, etc). Conflict arises as the three convicts must determine how to handle the truth, come to terms with their direct involvement in the murders, and think of a way to escape blackmail.
This book challenges the intellectual to revisit the classic debates surrounding "sacrifices for the greater good of society" and infamous "by any means necessary." Johnson also educates by sharing the history of Harlem and provides an explanation of how and why it is in its present condition. Throughout the book were subtle lessons in gentrification, discussion of the African-American socio-economic condition, and even a discussion of DuBois's Talented Tenth theory. These topics and other ethical dilemmas were skillfully crafted in the dialogue and thoughts of the colorful, strong, wacky characters. It can also be said that this novel is an examination on human nature as we follow the central characters' development and watch them wrestle with moral issues.
This is an intriguing, suspenseful, well-written novel. The author's writing style, social messages, and storytelling ability makes this a book worth picking up. In the hands of others, this book would have been a disaster, but Johnson has mastered his own technique and it works really well. Be warned, this book is only for the serious reader.
June 10, 2020
Read this for my Heart of the City class. Wow. Biting and human. Somewhat stylistically reminiscent of Vonnegut for me, but much better, and with more heart. Devastating ending. Some interesting things:
- Jafir’s interest in cartoons and drawing
- the Chupacabra
- Cedric’s father
- animalistic language
- names
- Jafir’s interest in cartoons and drawing
- the Chupacabra
- Cedric’s father
- animalistic language
- names
January 14, 2012
Pretty good. Compelling chacters and storyline. It's a novel illustrating a contemporary social question, something like a cross between Dickens and Brett Easton Ellis. I'm a Dickens fan, but the thriller genre isn't my favorite. I also thought that the author's opinions were too transparent in the story, which was a distraction.
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August 22, 2010It's so easy to not-finish books when you get them from the library. This is another that I gave up on about 30 pages in. Too bad because I liked the concept, but the language and the characters didn't draw me in fast enough.
April 25, 2020
I love the voice in this book, and some of the humor floored me!! Vivid descriptions, very memorable characters (and outfits), and a compelling and thought-provoking story at the heart of it.
July 11, 2019
So I decided to give it a look again.
I remember the first time that I had read this book. I found it to be an interesting work - it certainly captured the feeling of being a convict in the "old Bronx / old Harlem"; the characters had their identifiable markers; and the story flowed through effectively.
With every single time that I picked up the book I found that it was just getting boring, and mundane. And with my most recent reading, I found myself yawning.
It is an average book. I honestly have nothing else to say about it other than, as a first attempt it is a good start. But I don't see it as being anything extraordinary after taking into consideration his other works.
I remember the first time that I had read this book. I found it to be an interesting work - it certainly captured the feeling of being a convict in the "old Bronx / old Harlem"; the characters had their identifiable markers; and the story flowed through effectively.
With every single time that I picked up the book I found that it was just getting boring, and mundane. And with my most recent reading, I found myself yawning.
It is an average book. I honestly have nothing else to say about it other than, as a first attempt it is a good start. But I don't see it as being anything extraordinary after taking into consideration his other works.
August 31, 2017
This book delivers it all - thoughtful social commentary while being supremely entertaining and written in a bold and beautiful voice.
June 7, 2011
This was a fun read, in part because of the intriguing premise (former convict turned politician turned budding real estate titan hires some ex-cons to assist in his master plan to transform Harlem into a Black Utopia by ridding it of undesirable elements) and in larger part because of the strong writing of Mat Johnson. The book is populated by colorful characters described in smile to laugh out loud fashion. Two of the three ex-cons are larger than life, so Johnson puts the narrative in the hands of the third since he is the straightest arrow and thus the character readers are most likely to identify with. Snowden ended up in prison basically by unfortunate accident whereas his two colleagues earned their sentences through actions caused by their volatile personalities. One is a brute who operates in brawn over brains fashion, the other an intellectual firebug. The three men start off their new jobs by moving furniture but quickly graduate to creating additional vacancies by killing tenants who are deemed unworthy of the new Harlem they are bringing about. This brings on moral dilemmas for two of the three men, but by then they are in so deep that rather than turning back it makes more sense to keep swimming until they reach the other side, if in fact there is one. Do the ends justify the means when it comes to revitalizing a community? How about when it comes to becoming a Best Selling author? Johnson asks these questions with addictive prose in Hunting in Harlem. I highly recommend it.
August 20, 2012
HUNTING IN HARLEM is a well-written novel that attempts to reconcile an important dilemma. How can a destitute urban area be saved from the downward vortex of poverty and crime, yet still allow members of the community the freedom to live their lives as they see fit. Horizon Realty operates in the Mount Morris section of Harlem, and takes a bold approach. Their goal is to resuscitate the local economy at any cost, and if you are judged, 'not part of the solution, you are you are part of the problem'. Three surprisingly motivated and intelligent ex-cons are hired by Horizon, and slowly begin to realize the company's draconian policy. However, the book is not a thriller, and although Horizon's criminal behavior is not exactly defended, it is certainly not condemned. While reading the book I always found myself wondering (and, I am sure that this was Mat Johnson's intent) if the managers at Horizon didn't have a point. Since a tiny fraction of people in a ghetto obviously lead bad lives, can't these 'bad' lives be sacrificed for the greater good? Of course, it's also true that those who are certain of what is right for the majority are usually the most dangerous (and, also a subliminal message by the author).
The characters and plot are entertaining and engaging, but secondary to this conundrum. I thought that the last line in the novel was especially telling and ironic-"When you believe in what you do, what you can do you won't believe".
The characters and plot are entertaining and engaging, but secondary to this conundrum. I thought that the last line in the novel was especially telling and ironic-"When you believe in what you do, what you can do you won't believe".
July 14, 2012
A smart and stylish tragicomedy of urban development and gentrification. Johnson's plot revolves around three ex-cons who have been recruited to work for a real estate develop in Harlem, starting out as movers but guaranteed to work their way up the hierarchy if they can prove their worth. Unfortunately for them, proving your worth means having to commit some pretty atrocious acts. While the book is a fun read, I didn't find it entirely satisfying, perhaps because the characters themselves seemed a bit cartoonish.
July 23, 2008
a friend from the NYC sent me this, she said that its so "me"
its about ex cons and gentrification in Harlem
UPDATE...........
This novel was F*cking Brilliant deals the diverse experince of ex cons, gentrification, Corrupt realitors, politicans and community organizations. And the plot is amazing as well as the characters!
its about ex cons and gentrification in Harlem
UPDATE...........
This novel was F*cking Brilliant deals the diverse experince of ex cons, gentrification, Corrupt realitors, politicans and community organizations. And the plot is amazing as well as the characters!
March 22, 2009
After one non-fiction book after another I thought it was time for some good story telling. Hunting in Harlem met my need. The book is well written. The characters are interesting, flawed and believable. There is no Lost or 24 here and yet the book is still easy to digest. The book isn't fluff though. Pick up Hunting in Harlem this spring/summer. You won't be disappointed.
October 25, 2009
this book was so good that i screamed "whoo!" when i finished it. swear to God, it's be best book i've read in 4 years...
February 27, 2013
cant really think of anything to say
September 7, 2011
Laugh out load funny,and insightful.A keeper for anybody's personal library.
December 8, 2012
I like this book. It is a lot of fun to read. It is much more enjoyable to me than a lot of sort of paranormal literature. I recommend it.
July 11, 2015
Beautifully written, both funny and tragic, Mat Johnson paints the portrait of a man unable to turn away from his own doom.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews