New York Times bestselling author Kyra Davis Lurie will discuss and sign her latest novel at Vroman’s Bookstore in Pasadena, bringing readers a fresh take on F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic through the lens of Los Angeles’ Black elite in the post-World War II era.
“The Great Mann” transplants the familiar themes of “The Great Gatsby” to 1945 Los Angeles, specifically the affluent West Adams Heights neighborhood known as Sugar Hill. The novel follows Charlie Trammell, a young veteran who steps off a cross-country train into the vibrant tapestry of Los Angeles.
Lurie’s protagonist finds himself drawn into a world of Black opulence, settling in an actress’s boarding house and discovering opportunities at a Black-owned insurance firm. The story centers on Charlie’s fascination with the enigmatic James “Reaper” Mann, whose lavish parties attract luminaries like Lena Horne and Hattie McDaniel.
The novel explores the complexities of post-war America, examining wealth and class within the Black community while addressing the racial tensions that threatened these prosperous neighborhoods. As white neighbors faced their own economic struggles, the book depicts how they ignite a landmark court case that threatens the community’s well-being with promises of retribution.
Lurie, a California native who lives in Los Angeles, has built her career as both a novelist and screenwriter. Her previous works have been published in nine languages across six continents.
The author’s choice to retell the Gatsby story through the perspective of a veteran returning from “a grueling, segregated war” offers readers a unique window into Black identity and education in post-war America.
The event takes place June 10 at Vroman’s Bookstore, located at 695 E. Colorado Blvd. in Pasadena. For more information, call (626) 449-5320.
