THE GREAT MANN

In this diverse retelling of The Great Gatsby, set among the Black elite of postwar L.A., a young veteran is drawn into a world of tantalizing possibilitiesand explosive tensions.

In 1945, Charlie Trammell steps into the vibrant tapestry of Los Angeles, lured by his cousin Marguerite's invitation to the esteemed West Adams Heights, L.A.'s newly rechristened "Sugar Hill." Among the opulence of Black success intertwined with old-money white privilege, Charlie finds himself captivated by the allure of his new surroundings. Settling into actress Louise Beaver's boarding house, Charlie discovers a world brimming with opportunity, from promising career prospects at a Black-owned insurance firm to the promise of romance. But none of the young, Black elites dazzle quite like James "Reaper" Mann. Reaper's extravagant parties, attended by luminaries like Lena Horne and Hattie McDaniel, draw him deeper into a milieu of wealth and excess. As Charlie's bond with Reaper deepens, he uncovers disturbing truths about Marguerite's marriage and the couple's facade of prosperity. Meanwhile, tension in the neighborhood simmers as white neighbors, frustrated by their own dwindling fortunes, ignite a landmark court case that exposes racial covenants, threatening the community's well-being. As Charlie navigates a landscape rife with ambition, betrayal, and societal turmoil, he soon finds himself beside Reaper, facing a pivotal decision that could end in tragedy. Told from the unique perspective of a young man who has just returned from war, The Great Mann, weaves a compelling narrative of wealth and class, illuminating the complexities of Black identity and education in post-war America. Kyra Davis Lurie is a New York Times bestselling author and screenwriter. Her novels have been published in numerous languages, including French, Spanish, Portuguese/Brazil. Kyra was born and raised in California and currently lives in Los Angeles with her husband and their utterly perfect dog, Potus.