“Shaft” was first published in 1970 and quickly gained popularity for its portrayal of a black private detective in New York City. The novel takes place during the height of the civil rights movement and addresses issues of race and police corruption. Tidyman’s writing style is gritty and realistic, painting a vivid picture of the city and its inhabitants.
The protagonist, John Shaft, is a tough and street-smart detective who is called on to solve a case involving a missing girl. Along the way, he encounters drug dealers, corrupt police officers, and a cast of memorable characters. The novel is a thrilling ride from start to finish, and it’s easy to see why it has become a classic of the genre.
Plot summary of “Shaft”
“Shaft” opens with John Shaft being hired by a Harlem gangster named Bumpy Jonas to find his daughter, Marcy, who has gone missing. Shaft quickly discovers that Marcy has become involved with a drug dealer named Knocks Persons. He sets out to find Marcy and bring her home, but his investigation leads him into a dangerous world of drugs and corruption.
Along the way, Shaft is targeted by the police, who are working with Knocks to take down Bumpy. Shaft’s quick thinking and tough demeanor help him navigate the dangerous streets of New York City and bring Marcy home safely. In the end, Shaft finds himself at odds with both the police and Bumpy, but he manages to come out on top.
Differences between the book and the movie adaptation
“Shaft” has been adapted into multiple media forms over the years, including a movie and television series. While the basic plot remains the same, there are some key differences between the book and the movie adaptation.
In the book, Shaft is a much more complex character than he is in the movie. He is portrayed as a man struggling with his own identity and place in the world, while the movie version of Shaft is more of a straightforward action hero. Additionally, the book delves much deeper into issues of race and police corruption than the movie does.
When and where the story takes place
“Shaft” takes place in New York City during the late 1960s. This was a time of great social change in the United States, and the novel addresses issues of race and police brutality that were prevalent during that era.
Tidyman’s depiction of the city is vivid and realistic, capturing the gritty feel of the streets and the diverse cast of characters who inhabit them.
Key characters in “Shaft”
“Shaft” features a cast of memorable characters, each with their own motivations and backstories. The most prominent of these characters are:
- John Shaft: The protagonist and private detective hired to find Marcy Jonas.
- Marcy Jonas: The missing daughter of Harlem gangster Bumpy Jonas.
- Knocks Persons: A drug dealer who becomes involved with Marcy.
- Vic Androzzi: A corrupt police officer who is working with Knocks.
- Bumpy Jonas: A Harlem gangster who hires Shaft to find his daughter.
Memorable quotes from “Shaft”
“Shaft” is filled with memorable quotes that capture the spirit of the novel. Here are a few of my favorites:
- “You gotta be tough to live in this city, and you gotta be tough to stay alive.”
- “Sometimes the only way to deal with the police is to be more crooked than they are.”
- “In this city, you can’t trust nobody but yourself.”
- “I don’t work for nobody but myself.”
Exploring the soundtrack by David Arnold
The soundtrack to the “Shaft” movie adaptation is iconic, featuring the theme song by Isaac Hayes. However, the book also features a soundtrack, with Shaft often listening to music on his car radio as he drives around the city.
The soundtrack of the book is not as memorable as the movie adaptation, but it does add to the overall atmosphere of the novel. Tidyman’s descriptions of the music help to create a sense of time and place, and they give us insight into Shaft’s character.
Curiosities and trivia about “Shaft”
Did you know that “Shaft” was the first major Hollywood movie to feature a black protagonist? Or that author Ernest Tidyman was a journalist before becoming a novelist? There are many interesting facts and pieces of trivia surrounding “Shaft” and its various adaptations.
For example, did you know that “Shaft” was originally supposed to be a white character? The decision to make Shaft black was a deliberate one, made in response to the civil rights movement and the need for more diverse representation in popular media.
Tips for cosplay and dressing like John Shaft and Carmen Vasquez
John Shaft and Carmen Vasquez are iconic characters, and their style has become synonymous with the “Shaft” franchise. If you’re a fan of the book or its various adaptations, you may be interested in dressing up as one of these characters for Halloween or a comic book convention.
To dress like John Shaft, you’ll need a leather jacket, a turtleneck sweater, and a pair of aviator sunglasses. For Carmen Vasquez, you’ll want to wear a tight-fitting dress and high heels, along with some bold jewelry.
Ernest Tidyman’s biography and his 5 best works
Ernest Tidyman was a prolific writer who worked in both fiction and nonfiction. He started his career as a journalist before transitioning to novel writing, and he is best known for his crime fiction.
In addition to “Shaft,” Tidyman wrote a number of other novels, including “The French Connection” and “The Seven-Ups.” He was also a screenwriter, and he wrote the screenplay for the movie adaptation of “Shaft.”
Other media adaptations of “Shaft” by John Singleton
In addition to the original movie adaptation of “Shaft,” there have been several other adaptations over the years. One of the most notable of these is the 2000 movie directed by John Singleton, which starred Samuel L. Jackson as John Shaft.
The Singleton adaptation was a commercial success but received mixed reviews from critics. Despite this, it is still a beloved part of the “Shaft” franchise and has helped to keep the character and the story alive for a new generation.
10 similar movies to “Shaft”
If you’re a fan of “Shaft,” you may be interested in checking out some other movies with a similar vibe. Here are ten movies that share some of the same themes and elements as “Shaft”:
- “Superfly” (1972)
- “The Mack” (1973)
- “Coffy” (1973)
- “Foxy Brown” (1974)
- “Black Caesar” (1973)
- “Across 110th Street” (1972)
- “The Warriors” (1979)
- “New Jack City” (1991)
- “Menace II Society” (1993)
- “Boyz n the Hood” (1991)
Other works by Ernest Tidyman
In addition to “Shaft,” Ernest Tidyman wrote a number of other novels and screenplays. Here are five of his other notable works:
- “The French Connection” (1971)
- “The Seven-Ups” (1973)
- “High Plains Drifter” (1973)
- “The Night of the Juggler” (1974)
- “The Hanged Man” (1975)
Discussion questions for book clubs
If you’re reading “Shaft” for a book club or just for fun, here are some discussion questions to get the conversation started:
- How does “Shaft” address issues of race and police corruption?
- What do you think of the character of John Shaft? Is he a hero or an antihero?
- How does the book compare to the movie adaptation?
- What role do women play in the book? Are they portrayed fairly?
- How does “Shaft” compare to other crime fiction you’ve read?
10 similar novels with a similar plot to “Shaft”
If you’re looking for more novels with a similar vibe to “Shaft,” here are ten books to check out:
- “Devil in a Blue Dress” by Walter Mosley
- “In the Heat of the Night” by John Ball
- “The Black Dahlia” by James Ellroy
- “The Outsider” by Richard Wright
- “A Rage in Harlem” by Chester Himes
- “The Maltese Falcon” by Dashiell Hammett
- “The Big Sleep” by Raymond Chandler
- “The Long Goodbye” by Raymond Chandler
- “The Kill-Off” by Jim Thompson
- “The Postman Always Rings Twice” by James M. Cain
Parent’s guide to “Shaft”
“Shaft” is a gritty crime novel that deals with mature themes and contains strong language and violence. It is not recommended for children or young teens.
Buying guide and gift ideas for “Shaft” fans
If you’re a fan of “Shaft,” there are many great products and gift ideas available. Here are a few of my favorites:
- “Shaft” movie poster
- John Shaft action figure
- “Shaft” soundtrack on vinyl
- “Shaft” t-shirt
- “Shaft” novel box set
Conclusion
“Shaft” is a classic crime novel that has stood the test of time. Its gritty portrayal of New York City and its complex characters have made it a beloved part of the genre.
Whether you’re a fan of the book, the movie, or the television series, there’s no denying the impact that “Shaft” has had on popular culture.
I hope this book summary has given you a deeper understanding and appreciation of this iconic story.
