Cotton Comes to Harlem by Chester Himes offers a gripping, fast-paced narrative enriched with vibrant characterizations and a compelling depiction of Harlem. Critics praise its blend of humor and social commentary, though some note that the plot can be convoluted. Overall, Himes' work is celebrated for its originality and vivid narrative style.

Fans of hard-boiled detective fiction with a social conscience will enjoy Cotton Comes to Harlem by Chester Himes. Comparable to the works of Raymond Chandler and Dashiell Hammett, this book appeals to readers who appreciate gritty urban settings, sharp wit, and complex characters navigating racial tensions in mid-20th century America.

Cotton Comes to Harlem follows African American detectives Grave Digger Jones and Coffin Ed Johnson as they pursue Reverend Deke O'Malley, who has swindled $87,000 from Black families dreaming of returning to Africa. Unbeknownst to them, the money is hidden in a bale of cotton, leading them through a series of twists in Harlem as they chase the stolen funds and navigate various suspects and schemes. The novel features themes of violence, racism, and crime.

Gritty / Mysterious / Suspenseful / Humorous / Dark

- Chester Himes originally wrote Cotton Comes to Harlem while living in France, where he had moved to escape the racial discrimination he faced in the United States.
- The novel played a significant role in popularizing the "blaxploitation" genre in literature, which later expanded into films during the 1970s.
- The character duo of detectives Coffin Ed Johnson and Gravedigger Jones, who are central to the story, became iconic figures in Himes's series of Harlem detective novels.

**Grave Digger Jones**  
A black detective known for his tough demeanor, who partners with Coffin Ed to solve a case involving the Back-to-Africa movement. He navigates the challenges of working within a racially biased police force while maintaining a code of honor.

**Coffin Ed Johnson**  
Grave Digger's partner and a black detective who is quick on the trigger and has a scarred face from acid. He is dedicated to protecting the innocent people of Harlem while working cases like the Back-to-Africa hijacking.

**Reverend Deke O’Malley**  
A charismatic conman who operates under a preacher persona, involved in a scheme to scam families through a Back-to-Africa movement. He is manipulative and self-serving, hiding a criminal past under the guise of religion.

**Iris**  
A femme fatale character who is the lover of Deke and uses her sexuality to manipulate others. She is driven by self-interest and alternates allegiances as she seeks personal advantage.

**Mabel Hill**  
An ardent follower of the Back-to-Africa movement and Deke's supporter, who is easily deceived and unshakeably loyal. Her misplaced faith highlights religious hypocrisy and personal betrayal.

**Uncle Bud**  
A resourceful junkman who finds a bale of cotton linked to the case and cleverly navigates the chaos to his benefit. His actions drive significant plot developments as he outwits others in the search for money.

**Billie Belle**  
An exotic dancer affiliated with Iris, whose involvement provides critical links in the plot. She represents the novel’s emphasis on hypersexualized women and helps facilitate various character interactions.

**Colonel Calhoun**  
A white Southern racist orchestrating a hijacking to lure black families back to the American South. His actions set him in opposition to the protagonists as he pursues a twisted agenda.

**Joshua**  
A worker in Mr. Goodman’s junkyard who inadvertently becomes involved in the case surrounding the bale of cotton. His interactions help uncover clues crucial to the detectives' investigation.

**Mr. Goodman**  
The Jewish owner of a junkyard who buys a crucial bale of cotton and becomes a witness in the investigation. His involvement underscores the diverse community dynamics in Harlem.

**Lieutenant Anderson**  
The white lieutenant who oversees Grave Digger and Coffin Ed, providing guidance and support while maintaining cautious oversight of their investigation. He represents the systemic challenges faced by the detectives.

Chester Himes

Adult

Novel

Harlem Cycle

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

Explore Cotton Comes To Harlem reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read Cotton Comes To Harlem | SuperSummary

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore Cotton Comes To Harlem and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Cotton Comes To Harlem

Before You Read

Super Short Summary

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Cotton Comes To Harlem?

Reading Age

Book Details