Books like Oh, Play That Thing (Jack Crossman Adventures) by Roddy Doyle
In the second volume of Doyle’s Henry Smart trilogy, the story shifts to 1924 New York, where the protagonist, now an immigrant from Dublin, rebuilds his life amid the bustling Lower East Side. Henry establishes a covert operation for speakeasies, drawing the interest of local mobsters and placing him under constant threat.
The narrative also captures the era’s burgeoning jazz culture, centered around the fiery trumpet of Louis Armstrong. His powerful performances echo through city streets and phonographs, yet the African‑American musician still confronts segregation and limited opportunities. Henry’s alliance with Armstrong illustrates the complex dynamics of race and survival in early twentieth‑century America.
First publish date: 2004
Genre: Historical Fiction/20th Century Historical Fiction
Authors: Roddy Doyle
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Also contained in:
[Barrytown Trilogy](https://openlibrary.org/works/OL762601W)
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