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The Great Mann
In this poignant retelling of The Great Gatsby, set amongst L.A.’s Black elite, a young veteran finds his way post-war, pulled into a new world of tantalizing possibilities—and explosive tensions.
In 1945, Charlie Trammell steps off a cross-country train into the vibrant tapestry of Los Angeles. Lured by his cousin Marguerite’s invitation to the esteemed West Adams Heights, Charlie is immediately captivated by the Black opulence of L.A.’s newly rechristened “Sugar Hill.”
Settling in at a local actress’s energetic boarding house, Charlie discovers a different way of life—one brimming with opportunity—from a promising career at a Black-owned insurance firm, the absence of Jim Crow, to the potential of an unforgettable romance. But nothing dazzles quite like James “Reaper” Mann.
Reaper’s extravagant parties, attended by luminaries like Lena Horne and Hattie McDaniel, draw Charlie in, bringing the milieu of wealth and excess within his reach. But as Charlie’s unusual bond with Reaper deepens, so does the tension in the neighborhood as white neighbors, frustrated by their own dwindling fortunes, ignite a landmark court case that threatens the community’s well-being with promises of retribution.
Told from the unique perspective of a young man who has just returned from a grueling, segregated war, The Great Mann weaves a compelling narrative of wealth and class, illuminating the complexities of Black identity and education in post-war America.
In 1945, Charlie Trammell steps off a cross-country train into the vibrant tapestry of Los Angeles. Lured by his cousin Marguerite’s invitation to the esteemed West Adams Heights, Charlie is immediately captivated by the Black opulence of L.A.’s newly rechristened “Sugar Hill.”
Settling in at a local actress’s energetic boarding house, Charlie discovers a different way of life—one brimming with opportunity—from a promising career at a Black-owned insurance firm, the absence of Jim Crow, to the potential of an unforgettable romance. But nothing dazzles quite like James “Reaper” Mann.
Reaper’s extravagant parties, attended by luminaries like Lena Horne and Hattie McDaniel, draw Charlie in, bringing the milieu of wealth and excess within his reach. But as Charlie’s unusual bond with Reaper deepens, so does the tension in the neighborhood as white neighbors, frustrated by their own dwindling fortunes, ignite a landmark court case that threatens the community’s well-being with promises of retribution.
Told from the unique perspective of a young man who has just returned from a grueling, segregated war, The Great Mann weaves a compelling narrative of wealth and class, illuminating the complexities of Black identity and education in post-war America.
302 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 10, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 261 reviews
June 12, 2025
THE GREAT MANN is a retelling of the classic novel, THE GREAT GATSBY. The year is 1945 and soldier Charlie Trammell has arrived in Los Angeles. His cousin, Marguerite, lives in the Sugar Hill district, home to many of the Black Elite. It’s a world Charlie is unfamiliar with, a land of opportunity. James “Reaper” Mann is a bit of a mysterious fellow but he sure knows how to throw extravagant parties, attended by celebrities like Lena Horne and Hattie McDaniel. Charlie can’t help but be drawn to Mann. There’s tension in the neighborhood though as a court case threatens unjust upheaval.
Wow, what a creative and fascinating retelling. While being familiar with the original book will enhance the reading experience, it’s not completely necessary as THE GREAT MANN stands on its own two feet. Loved how much historical content was woven into the story and themes such as race, social class, colorism, were explored throughout the book. The author really knocked it out of the park. A must read in my opinion and would be an excellent book club pick.
Thank you Crown Publishing for sending me a free advance copy!
Wow, what a creative and fascinating retelling. While being familiar with the original book will enhance the reading experience, it’s not completely necessary as THE GREAT MANN stands on its own two feet. Loved how much historical content was woven into the story and themes such as race, social class, colorism, were explored throughout the book. The author really knocked it out of the park. A must read in my opinion and would be an excellent book club pick.
Thank you Crown Publishing for sending me a free advance copy!
June 18, 2025
Kyra Davis Lurie’s outstanding debut is set to Los Angeles 1940s Black elite. The book follows our main character, WWll “Black Panthers” soldier Charlie Trammel, who is invited to stay with his cousin in LA’s Sugar Hill neighborhood post war. On his first night he’s invited to an exclusive party thrown by the mysterious James “Reaper” Mann with famous Hollywood figures attending. From there it follows along with all of the parallels of The Great Gatsby as a retelling-reimagining of this favorite classic.
It’s very engaging as told through the perspective of a Black man, with short chapters where Lurie examines social class, racial dynamics, and also racial injustices stemming from Charlie’s past and now in the racially charged Sugar Hill neighborhood. Lurie’s writing and complex characters are so uncannily realistic you’ll feel the harsh reality of the past more vividly. She has created an unputdownable story of friendship, love and betrayal. THE GREAT MANN is such an exceptional debut, reading this is an experience you don’t want to miss, and I would definitely recommend it. 5 stars — Pub. 6/10/25
It’s very engaging as told through the perspective of a Black man, with short chapters where Lurie examines social class, racial dynamics, and also racial injustices stemming from Charlie’s past and now in the racially charged Sugar Hill neighborhood. Lurie’s writing and complex characters are so uncannily realistic you’ll feel the harsh reality of the past more vividly. She has created an unputdownable story of friendship, love and betrayal. THE GREAT MANN is such an exceptional debut, reading this is an experience you don’t want to miss, and I would definitely recommend it. 5 stars — Pub. 6/10/25
July 24, 2025
This book is a retelling of The Great Gatsby set in the Sugar Hill district of Los Angeles. In late 1945 protagonist Charlie Trammell recently returned from military service in WWII. After attempting to go back to his home in Virginia, he finds racist attitudes have not changed in the Jim Crow south, so he heads out to California, where one of his childhood friends resides. He plans to settle in and find a job. While racial attitudes are a bit better in the west, there are many significant tensions and race related issues. The storyline follows Charlie’s friendship with James “Reaper” Mann, who owns a local mansion and throws lavish parties. The fictional main characters interact with many (real) Hollywood stars and historical figures of the time.
It is told in first person from Charlie’s perspective, and he is an easy character to like. This book is a retelling done right. It includes the bones of original but still feels unique and fresh. The historical setting feels authentic, and the author provides a note indicating what happened with the neighborhood afterward. I became fully invested in it. I always love books that immerse me in a time and place, and the author has pulled it off beautifully, while also making a point that many of these racial attitudes are, unfortunately, still with us. What an enjoyable experience! Highly recommended.
It is told in first person from Charlie’s perspective, and he is an easy character to like. This book is a retelling done right. It includes the bones of original but still feels unique and fresh. The historical setting feels authentic, and the author provides a note indicating what happened with the neighborhood afterward. I became fully invested in it. I always love books that immerse me in a time and place, and the author has pulled it off beautifully, while also making a point that many of these racial attitudes are, unfortunately, still with us. What an enjoyable experience! Highly recommended.
October 12, 2025
This is a triumph of reinterpretation. The Great Mann manages to honor The Great Gatsby’s spirit while doing so much more: centering Black life, rethinking ambition, and exploring a side of American history many haven’t seen. It’s gorgeous, sharp, and unforgettable. If you loved Gatsby, you’ll love what Lurie’s done here, and even if Gatsby’s not your jam, this stands on its own as a major read.
July 5, 2025
Loved this Gatsby retelling, centered around a vibrant Black community in Los Angeles. This meticulously researched book was seamless in its execution, depicting real people (Hattie McDaniel, Louise Beaver, the Somervilles and other) as they interacted with Charlie, Margie and James Mann. And on top of all the glitz and glamour, the racial covenants and threats loom over this neighborhood. This is the Gatsby retelling that you never knew you needed and it's beautifully told.
I received an arc from the publisher but all opinions are my own.
Staff Pick 7/25
I received an arc from the publisher but all opinions are my own.
Staff Pick 7/25
September 21, 2025
4/5 stars. This is a true Gatsby retelling; I love how the characters are very similar to their counterparts. Laurie adds depth to this classic by examining these characters and society through the lenses of class and race. I also appreciate how much more introspective and critical Charlie Trammel is compared to Nick Carraway.
June 27, 2025
Very shaky four stars.
There were a lot of parts that I just didn't connect with, but the ending will have you shook.
Never read The Great Gatsby, but the reasons for writing this book make it a good one.
There were a lot of parts that I just didn't connect with, but the ending will have you shook.
Never read The Great Gatsby, but the reasons for writing this book make it a good one.
June 8, 2025
Thank you Netgalley for this ARC.
I really enjoyed this retelling of The Great Gatsby and reading about Charlie's experience after the war and him rubbing elbows with some of the best of black Hollywood. The gossip and scandal of it all is always entertaining. The things that married couples do and put up with behind closed doors is always interesting and Charlie had a front row seat to that and more. Loved it!
I really enjoyed this retelling of The Great Gatsby and reading about Charlie's experience after the war and him rubbing elbows with some of the best of black Hollywood. The gossip and scandal of it all is always entertaining. The things that married couples do and put up with behind closed doors is always interesting and Charlie had a front row seat to that and more. Loved it!
July 31, 2025
Oh wow! This Great Gatsby retelling truly blew me away, ngl. Probably one of the best retellings/historical fictions I’ve read all year.
I loved everything about this. Starting with the setting being 1940’s Los Angeles and the focus being on the historic west Adam’s neighborhood of Sugar Hill. Growing up in socal and having hella family in LA, I definitely heard about Sugar Hill at a young age. But it was so tea to read over all the details and get the true impact of everything going on at that time. I also loved that our MC Charlie and all the other characters were Black. By reimagining The Great Gatsby through the lens of Black identity, class, and wealth, this story had so much more power and nuance than the original fr.
All in all, this was a fabulous read. Had me going through all the feelings, even knowing how it will end. Kyra Lurie really breathed new life into a classic and gave it more substance than I could’ve imagined. I’ll absolutely be reading whatever she writes next.
I loved everything about this. Starting with the setting being 1940’s Los Angeles and the focus being on the historic west Adam’s neighborhood of Sugar Hill. Growing up in socal and having hella family in LA, I definitely heard about Sugar Hill at a young age. But it was so tea to read over all the details and get the true impact of everything going on at that time. I also loved that our MC Charlie and all the other characters were Black. By reimagining The Great Gatsby through the lens of Black identity, class, and wealth, this story had so much more power and nuance than the original fr.
All in all, this was a fabulous read. Had me going through all the feelings, even knowing how it will end. Kyra Lurie really breathed new life into a classic and gave it more substance than I could’ve imagined. I’ll absolutely be reading whatever she writes next.
July 26, 2025
This is a retelling of the classic novel, The Great Gatsby. I actually never read The Great Gatsby but after reading this one, I know I need to. This was so good.
The writing was creative and the story was so compelling. The author did such a great job with the historical aspects such as race, racial injustices, and social class that were present in the 40’s. The characters were well drawn and felt so real. I was not familiar with the history of Sugar Hill, a neighborhood of Black elites, in Los Angeles. I love learning new tidbits of history. That is one of the best things about reading HF. This was a fantastic debut. I can't wait to read what this author writes next!
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own!
The writing was creative and the story was so compelling. The author did such a great job with the historical aspects such as race, racial injustices, and social class that were present in the 40’s. The characters were well drawn and felt so real. I was not familiar with the history of Sugar Hill, a neighborhood of Black elites, in Los Angeles. I love learning new tidbits of history. That is one of the best things about reading HF. This was a fantastic debut. I can't wait to read what this author writes next!
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own!
July 25, 2025
Honestly I had such a wonderful time listening to this book. The connections to Gatsby are all there but the story is shifted so neatly to embody Sugar Hill in Los Angeles instead of the East Coast elite.
The Old Money vs. New Money issue in Gatsby is also transitioned neatly into new community debates. Plot points and debates and motifs are rearranged like a puzzle to produce a piece that is homage and also entirely its own.
The way it all comes together really tickles my brain. Not to mention the characters actually brought me along and the writing was wonderful. Fun read!
The Old Money vs. New Money issue in Gatsby is also transitioned neatly into new community debates. Plot points and debates and motifs are rearranged like a puzzle to produce a piece that is homage and also entirely its own.
The way it all comes together really tickles my brain. Not to mention the characters actually brought me along and the writing was wonderful. Fun read!
May 14, 2025
I am not a fan of retellings. I find that most are too close to the original so why bother. While others are so modernized that it's, again, why bother. The Great Gatsby is one of the few classic lit books that I enjoy re-reading every few years. So when I saw there is a new retelling set amongst L.A.'s Black elite, I could not resist reading the advance copy.
Let me set the picture for you, Bookhearts. The year is 1945. Young veteran Charlie Trammel steps off a cross-country train into Los Angeles. He is looking to settle in starting with a promising career at a Black-owned insurance firm. His cousin, Margie, introduces him to Black excellence in Sugar Hill.
It is there that Trammel meets James "Reaper" Mann, the host of extravagant parties with guests such as Hattie McDaniel. Even though everyone keeps saying Sugar Hill is safe, tension thickens as whites become frustrated with their own dwindling fortunes while watching the Black elite thrive in a post-war America.
The Great Mann is a retelling done right! Just enough of the original story with a unique point of view. Extravagance, lies, courtroom drama, an affair, wealth and cameos. At the heart of the story is the central theme of the American Dream, just like in The Great Gatsby. The characters and dialogue kept me so interested that I was lost in their 1940s world. Kyra Davis Lurie masterfully remixes a classic with a Black spin. Need I say more? Add to your bookshelves soon as it is available.
Happy Early Pub Day, Kyra Davis Lurie! The Great Mann will be available Tuesday, June 10.
Disclaimer: An advance copy was received directly from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions are my own and would be the same if I spent my hard-earned coins. ~LiteraryMarie
Let me set the picture for you, Bookhearts. The year is 1945. Young veteran Charlie Trammel steps off a cross-country train into Los Angeles. He is looking to settle in starting with a promising career at a Black-owned insurance firm. His cousin, Margie, introduces him to Black excellence in Sugar Hill.
It is there that Trammel meets James "Reaper" Mann, the host of extravagant parties with guests such as Hattie McDaniel. Even though everyone keeps saying Sugar Hill is safe, tension thickens as whites become frustrated with their own dwindling fortunes while watching the Black elite thrive in a post-war America.
The Great Mann is a retelling done right! Just enough of the original story with a unique point of view. Extravagance, lies, courtroom drama, an affair, wealth and cameos. At the heart of the story is the central theme of the American Dream, just like in The Great Gatsby. The characters and dialogue kept me so interested that I was lost in their 1940s world. Kyra Davis Lurie masterfully remixes a classic with a Black spin. Need I say more? Add to your bookshelves soon as it is available.
Happy Early Pub Day, Kyra Davis Lurie! The Great Mann will be available Tuesday, June 10.
Disclaimer: An advance copy was received directly from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions are my own and would be the same if I spent my hard-earned coins. ~LiteraryMarie
October 26, 2025
4 stars ⭐️ This book was so easy to enjoy. All of the characters had their own distinct personalities and helped further the story along. There was some romance, comedy, drama, mystery, and of course historical tones. I don’t remember a lick of The Great Gatsby, but this book completely stands on its own. I don’t feel like I need a refresher to enjoy this book.
Charlie is a realist who has returned from the war and found himself immersed in the affluent Black neighborhood of Sugar Hill with his bestie-cousin Margie and her hoity toity husband, Terrance 🙄
Anywho, James Mann is the new guy in town who throws lavish parties and everyone who’s anyone attends. He takes a special interest in befriending Charlie and I will say that this friendship is unlike any I’ve ever read about—I loved its complexity.
The romance in the book took a bit of a backseat for me but I still like that it was in there. The women in the book were so smart and incredibly emotionally intelligent. I could read a book about each of them.
This book does have a central conflict but it is definitely more character-focused and I really enjoyed it overall.
Charlie is a realist who has returned from the war and found himself immersed in the affluent Black neighborhood of Sugar Hill with his bestie-cousin Margie and her hoity toity husband, Terrance 🙄
Anywho, James Mann is the new guy in town who throws lavish parties and everyone who’s anyone attends. He takes a special interest in befriending Charlie and I will say that this friendship is unlike any I’ve ever read about—I loved its complexity.
The romance in the book took a bit of a backseat for me but I still like that it was in there. The women in the book were so smart and incredibly emotionally intelligent. I could read a book about each of them.
This book does have a central conflict but it is definitely more character-focused and I really enjoyed it overall.
April 8, 2025
4 1/2 stars
A retelling of Fitzgerald's GREAT GATSBY told in a new voice and focusing on a very different group of people. This story takes place in the 1940's where Charlie returns from the war and heads to Los Angeles on an invitation from his cousin. She and the black families who live in the Sugar Hill neighborhood are living the American Dream - successful and able to afford nice cars, clothes and a beautiful home. But not all of Sugar Hill wants them there and the white homeowners are going to court to take everything from them. For Charlie this life is night and day from the world he and his cousin had growing up in the south and he is enjoying his newfound success. He makes friends with a mysterious man nicknamed "Reaper" who has his sights on Charlie's cousin. The thread of the original tale are here - new money, status, adultery there is the added layer of racial inequality, a court battle that has been largely overlooked and cameos of some of the more famous Sugar Hill residents. Exquisite writing that packs an emotional punch- the author has laid the American Dream, search for justice and morality at the reader's feet. My thanks to the publisher for the advance copy
A retelling of Fitzgerald's GREAT GATSBY told in a new voice and focusing on a very different group of people. This story takes place in the 1940's where Charlie returns from the war and heads to Los Angeles on an invitation from his cousin. She and the black families who live in the Sugar Hill neighborhood are living the American Dream - successful and able to afford nice cars, clothes and a beautiful home. But not all of Sugar Hill wants them there and the white homeowners are going to court to take everything from them. For Charlie this life is night and day from the world he and his cousin had growing up in the south and he is enjoying his newfound success. He makes friends with a mysterious man nicknamed "Reaper" who has his sights on Charlie's cousin. The thread of the original tale are here - new money, status, adultery there is the added layer of racial inequality, a court battle that has been largely overlooked and cameos of some of the more famous Sugar Hill residents. Exquisite writing that packs an emotional punch- the author has laid the American Dream, search for justice and morality at the reader's feet. My thanks to the publisher for the advance copy
April 14, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC!
The Great Mann is a historical fiction novel inspired by The Great Gatsby. Like Gatsby, The Great Mann has a wealthy, mysterious figure who throws extravagant parties while hoping for the attention of a past love, a wealthy but unhappily married couple in a wealthy enclave, and a new arrival, striving to gain a piece of the American Dream.
My familiarity with Gatsby helped me see the similarities, but the differences are where The Great Mann shines. Instead of the 1920s, it is post-WWII 1940s, instead of Long Island, it is a wealthy Black enclave, Sugar Hill, in West Adams Heights, Los Angeles. There are true historical figures such as Hattie McDaniel and Lena Horne and others in this story, weaved in perfectly with the racial housing covenants and a real court case and our fictional characters. I enjoyed this book a lot and learned a lot of history, too!
The Great Mann is a historical fiction novel inspired by The Great Gatsby. Like Gatsby, The Great Mann has a wealthy, mysterious figure who throws extravagant parties while hoping for the attention of a past love, a wealthy but unhappily married couple in a wealthy enclave, and a new arrival, striving to gain a piece of the American Dream.
My familiarity with Gatsby helped me see the similarities, but the differences are where The Great Mann shines. Instead of the 1920s, it is post-WWII 1940s, instead of Long Island, it is a wealthy Black enclave, Sugar Hill, in West Adams Heights, Los Angeles. There are true historical figures such as Hattie McDaniel and Lena Horne and others in this story, weaved in perfectly with the racial housing covenants and a real court case and our fictional characters. I enjoyed this book a lot and learned a lot of history, too!
August 4, 2025
A retelling of The Great Gatsby, which I just reread, I appreciated the setting of the Sugar Hill neighborhood of Los Angeles immediately following World War II. The parallels were well done, and I thought the story of fighting racial covenants was interesting. What wasn’t well done, sadly, was the pacing. I felt every word of this slim novel and it took an unusually long time to read. Unfortunate, as I really did like the setting and characters.
June 1, 2025
Set in 1945 Los Angeles, The Great Mann follows Charlie Trammell, a young Black veteran looking to rebuild his life after the war. He moves into Sugar Hill, a wealthy Black neighborhood filled with promise and pride. There he’s drawn into the orbit of James “Reaper” Mann, a wealthy and mysterious businessman known for his lavish parties and powerful influence. As Charlie learns more about Reaper’s world, he witnesses the community’s rising tensions with their white neighbors, leading to a historic court case that tests the very idea of belonging and justice in America.
This was a skillfully researched and thoroughly well-written novel. Kyra Davis Lurie brings the Sugar Hill community to life with vivid detail and care, grounding this fictional story in real historical events. You can feel the weight of that history in every scene.
For me, this was a gut-check kind of read. It’s a book that doesn’t flinch from hard truths. As a white woman, I was deeply moved and challenged by the way this story centers voices and experiences that have so often been pushed aside. The emotional impact is real, and it made me reflect on the importance of whose stories get told and remembered.
I applaud the author for taking a well-known classic and reimagining it in such a bold and necessary way. The Great Mann is innovative, thought-provoking, and full of heart. It’s not just a retelling. It’s a reclamation.
Thank you to NetGalley and Crown Publishing for the advance copy of this ebook. All opinions are solely my own.
This was a skillfully researched and thoroughly well-written novel. Kyra Davis Lurie brings the Sugar Hill community to life with vivid detail and care, grounding this fictional story in real historical events. You can feel the weight of that history in every scene.
For me, this was a gut-check kind of read. It’s a book that doesn’t flinch from hard truths. As a white woman, I was deeply moved and challenged by the way this story centers voices and experiences that have so often been pushed aside. The emotional impact is real, and it made me reflect on the importance of whose stories get told and remembered.
I applaud the author for taking a well-known classic and reimagining it in such a bold and necessary way. The Great Mann is innovative, thought-provoking, and full of heart. It’s not just a retelling. It’s a reclamation.
Thank you to NetGalley and Crown Publishing for the advance copy of this ebook. All opinions are solely my own.
July 3, 2025
Fantastic read that is full of history that needed to be told along with great characters and suspense. Lurie does a great job of retelling of the Great Gatsby with a Black spin. Highly recommend.
August 3, 2025
Initial thoughts are that I found Charlie to be aimless. At I base level I know he wants success and social capital which I get. But I think his convictions and loyalties to people were wishy washy. I don’t think he knows what he expects of those closest to him. His opinions and actions constantly changed. Idk I feel like he lacked conviction. Also his loyalty to James seemed incredibly naive and undeserved. James is very clearly obsessive and delusional and Charlie recognized this and yet he still going back to him. Their friendship didn’t seem well substantiated.
As I said before James is delusional. I felt nothing for him one way or the other similar to how he felt nothing for his community so we’re alike in that way.
Margie’s characterization was unfortunate. It felt typical. A vapid, cheerfully optimistic housewife on the outside but inside she’s actually very calculating. I think my biggest issues with this novel was the characters and the rushed ending.
To this book’s credit it’s telling of the history of Sugar Hill was interesting. It’s an interesting foil to the original story, The Great Gatsby, which is lauded as the ultimate American Dream novel. The author describing the events of the Sugar Hill case présents an interesting note on who has access to the American Dream and who gets to maintain it. That’s the strongest aspect of the novel.
Lastly, this just me being silly but Anna shoulda told Charlie to go to hell and leave her alone. He always treated her like an afterthought and was never considerate of her presence or her feelings. He didn’t deserve her. That annoyed me.
As I said before James is delusional. I felt nothing for him one way or the other similar to how he felt nothing for his community so we’re alike in that way.
Margie’s characterization was unfortunate. It felt typical. A vapid, cheerfully optimistic housewife on the outside but inside she’s actually very calculating. I think my biggest issues with this novel was the characters and the rushed ending.
To this book’s credit it’s telling of the history of Sugar Hill was interesting. It’s an interesting foil to the original story, The Great Gatsby, which is lauded as the ultimate American Dream novel. The author describing the events of the Sugar Hill case présents an interesting note on who has access to the American Dream and who gets to maintain it. That’s the strongest aspect of the novel.
Lastly, this just me being silly but Anna shoulda told Charlie to go to hell and leave her alone. He always treated her like an afterthought and was never considerate of her presence or her feelings. He didn’t deserve her. That annoyed me.
April 22, 2025
I was lucky enough to win an ARC of the novel, and enjoyed the beautiful prose. The mix of Great Gatsby and the historical events around sugar hill worked really well. I loved Anna as a character and the voice of reason, and Terrance and Marge( Tom and Daisy) are interesting, because while they are still spoiled and self- centered, you can understand the “why” of who they are more in this contemporary take. I really appreciated the discussion of race, the American dream and the tension around the post-war lives of BIPOC. A great read and a new author added to my list of authors to watch.
May 4, 2025
I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC of The Great Mann.
What a wonderful read this was. Full of history, suspense and optimism. The portrayal of full on optimism during such oppressive and unfair times for Charlie and his friends was nothing short of inspiring. The mix of suspense, history and romance made this a very interesting read.
I also really enjoyed the personalities of all the characters. There was a really good mix of all different personalities and characteristics that made this book come together very well.
I would highly recommend reading this as soon as it’s available!
What a wonderful read this was. Full of history, suspense and optimism. The portrayal of full on optimism during such oppressive and unfair times for Charlie and his friends was nothing short of inspiring. The mix of suspense, history and romance made this a very interesting read.
I also really enjoyed the personalities of all the characters. There was a really good mix of all different personalities and characteristics that made this book come together very well.
I would highly recommend reading this as soon as it’s available!
June 30, 2025
A fascinating retelling of Gatsby, set in Sugar Hill in Los Angeles after WWII. As all the main characters are Black, Davis gives the familiar story new layers of meaning and much greater stakes. Not a comfortable read, but challenging and provocative and so well done.
June 22, 2025
In the literary landscape where The Great Gatsby has long reigned as the quintessential American dream narrative, Kyra Davis Lurie emerges with The Great Mann, a masterful retelling that shifts the focus from white excess to Black excellence in 1945 Los Angeles. This isn't merely a race-swapped adaptation—it's a profound exploration of what happens when the American dream collides with the brutal realities of systemic racism, even in the seemingly progressive paradise of California.
Lurie, a New York Times bestselling author known for her psychological thrillers, demonstrates remarkable range with this historical fiction debut. Her previous works have explored the complexities of human nature through contemporary lenses, but The Great Mann showcases her ability to navigate the intricate social dynamics of post-war America with both sensitivity and unflinching honesty.
A War Veteran's Journey to the Land of Dreams
The story follows Charlie Trammell, a decorated World War II veteran returning from the European theater with a Silver Star and the psychological scars that define his generation. His arrival in Los Angeles mirrors Nick Carraway's journey to West Egg, but Charlie's destination is far more significant: West Adams Heights, known to its residents as "Sugar Hill"—the heart of Black Los Angeles elite society.
Lurie's portrayal of Charlie immediately establishes the novel's central tension. Here is a man who fought for American democracy abroad, only to return to a country where his service uniform grants him respect in Los Angeles but would have made him a target in his native Virginia. This contradiction forms the emotional core of the narrative, as Charlie navigates between the promise of integration and the persistent threat of segregation.
The author's prose captures Charlie's wonder at discovering this Black utopia with remarkable authenticity. When he first glimpses the mansions, the fashionable residents, and the unmistakable air of prosperity, Lurie writes with the breathless amazement of someone witnessing the impossible made real. This isn't the "talented tenth" scraping by in middle-class respectability—this is genuine wealth, genuine power, and genuine culture thriving in defiance of American racial hierarchies.
James "Reaper" Mann: Gatsby's Darker Mirror
At the center of this glittering world stands James "Reaper" Mann, Lurie's interpretation of Jay Gatsby. But where Gatsby's wealth carries an air of mysterious romance, Reaper's fortune feels more dangerous, more precarious. His extravagant parties feature real luminaries—Lena Horne, Hattie McDaniel, and other giants of Black entertainment—lending the novel an authentic historical weight that Fitzgerald's original lacks.
Lurie excels in her characterization of Reaper, presenting him as simultaneously magnetic and troubling. His obsession with Marguerite (this novel's Daisy equivalent) carries the same destructive intensity as Gatsby's love, but it's complicated by the racial dynamics that Fitzgerald never had to consider. When Reaper pursues a married Black woman in 1940s America, the stakes aren't merely social—they're potentially lethal.
The author's decision to make Reaper's business dealings explicitly international adds layers of complexity absent from the original. While Gatsby's criminality remains vague and romantic, Reaper's enterprises feel grounded in the realities of how Black wealth was often accumulated in an era of limited legitimate opportunities. This choice forces readers to grapple with uncomfortable questions about morality, survival, and success within oppressive systems.
The Historical Weight of Real Lives
Perhaps The Great Mann's greatest strength lies in Lurie's integration of real historical figures into her fictional narrative. Hattie McDaniel isn't merely a cameo appearance—she's a fully realized character grappling with the contradictions of her success. The novel explores the criticism she faced from her own community for playing servile roles, while simultaneously acknowledging the limited options available to Black actors of her era.
Louise Beavers, Ben Carter, and other real figures populate this world with authentic detail that elevates the novel beyond mere entertainment. Lurie has clearly done extensive research, and her author's note reveals deep engagement with primary sources from Black newspapers of the era. This historical grounding gives the novel's social commentary genuine weight and prevents it from becoming a superficial period piece.
The legal battle over racial covenants forms the novel's central crisis, and here Lurie demonstrates her understanding of how individual dreams intersect with systemic oppression. The West Adams Heights Improvement Association's efforts to enforce racial restrictions aren't abstract historical details—they're immediate threats to every character's future. This legal drama provides the novel with its most compelling tension, as residents face the possibility of losing not just their homes, but their entire vision of Black possibility in America.
Complex Characters in an Unforgiving World
Lurie's character development reveals sophisticated understanding of how trauma and aspiration shape individual choices. Charlie's PTSD isn't merely background detail—it actively influences his relationships and decision-making throughout the novel. His attachment to Reaper functions on multiple levels: hero worship, genuine friendship, and perhaps something deeper that the novel explores with appropriate subtlety for its era.
Marguerite emerges as more than Daisy's echo. Her relationship with her husband Terrance and her complicated history with Reaper reveal a woman trapped between competing definitions of respectability and desire. Lurie avoids the trap of making her purely sympathetic or purely frustrating—she's recognizably human in her contradictions.
Terrance himself represents one of the novel's most interesting moral complexities. As a successful insurance executive who earned his position through merit rather than inheritance, he embodies legitimate Black achievement. Yet his treatment of his wife and his attitudes toward other women reveal character flaws that complicate reader sympathy. Lurie refuses to create simple villains or heroes, instead presenting characters whose virtues and failings feel authentic to their circumstances.
Strengths That Elevate the Genre
The Great Mann succeeds brilliantly in several key areas. Lurie's prose captures the rhythm and cadence of 1940s Black speech without falling into caricature or stereotype. Her descriptions of Sugar Hill society feel researched rather than imagined, creating a vivid sense of place that rivals Fitzgerald's own atmospheric writing.
The novel's exploration of class dynamics within Black society adds complexity often missing from period fiction. These aren't uniformly oppressed characters—they're individuals with real power and real choices, making their struggles more nuanced than simple victimization narratives allow.
Most importantly, Lurie succeeds in making her retelling feel necessary rather than derivative. This isn't The Great Gatsby with Black characters—it's a fundamentally different story that uses Fitzgerald's structure to explore distinctly different themes about race, class, and belonging in America.
Areas Where the Novel Stumbles
Despite its considerable strengths, The Great Mann isn't without flaws. Some plot developments feel slightly forced, particularly in the novel's final act where multiple revelations compete for dramatic impact. The pacing occasionally suffers from Lurie's determination to include extensive historical detail, creating moments where the narrative momentum slows unnecessarily.
Certain secondary characters, particularly some of the white antagonists, occasionally veer toward stereotype rather than full characterization. While this might reflect the reality of how these figures appeared to the Black community, it creates some tonal inconsistencies in an otherwise nuanced work.
The novel's ending, while emotionally satisfying, feels somewhat rushed compared to the careful development of earlier sections. Some readers may find the resolution of key relationships occurs too quickly to feel entirely earned.
Final Assessment: A Worthy Addition to American Literature
The Great Mann ultimately succeeds as both homage and original creation. Lurie has crafted a novel that honors Fitzgerald's masterpiece while creating something distinctly her own. The book's exploration of Black wealth, aspiration, and community in 1940s Los Angeles fills a significant gap in American literary representation.
While not without minor flaws, the novel's ambitions and achievements far outweigh its shortcomings. Lurie has demonstrated that retelling classic stories through diverse perspectives isn't merely politically correct—it's artistically essential. The Great Mann reveals new truths about American dreams, American nightmares, and the complex reality of building lives in the shadow of both promise and threat.
Lurie, a New York Times bestselling author known for her psychological thrillers, demonstrates remarkable range with this historical fiction debut. Her previous works have explored the complexities of human nature through contemporary lenses, but The Great Mann showcases her ability to navigate the intricate social dynamics of post-war America with both sensitivity and unflinching honesty.
A War Veteran's Journey to the Land of Dreams
The story follows Charlie Trammell, a decorated World War II veteran returning from the European theater with a Silver Star and the psychological scars that define his generation. His arrival in Los Angeles mirrors Nick Carraway's journey to West Egg, but Charlie's destination is far more significant: West Adams Heights, known to its residents as "Sugar Hill"—the heart of Black Los Angeles elite society.
Lurie's portrayal of Charlie immediately establishes the novel's central tension. Here is a man who fought for American democracy abroad, only to return to a country where his service uniform grants him respect in Los Angeles but would have made him a target in his native Virginia. This contradiction forms the emotional core of the narrative, as Charlie navigates between the promise of integration and the persistent threat of segregation.
The author's prose captures Charlie's wonder at discovering this Black utopia with remarkable authenticity. When he first glimpses the mansions, the fashionable residents, and the unmistakable air of prosperity, Lurie writes with the breathless amazement of someone witnessing the impossible made real. This isn't the "talented tenth" scraping by in middle-class respectability—this is genuine wealth, genuine power, and genuine culture thriving in defiance of American racial hierarchies.
James "Reaper" Mann: Gatsby's Darker Mirror
At the center of this glittering world stands James "Reaper" Mann, Lurie's interpretation of Jay Gatsby. But where Gatsby's wealth carries an air of mysterious romance, Reaper's fortune feels more dangerous, more precarious. His extravagant parties feature real luminaries—Lena Horne, Hattie McDaniel, and other giants of Black entertainment—lending the novel an authentic historical weight that Fitzgerald's original lacks.
Lurie excels in her characterization of Reaper, presenting him as simultaneously magnetic and troubling. His obsession with Marguerite (this novel's Daisy equivalent) carries the same destructive intensity as Gatsby's love, but it's complicated by the racial dynamics that Fitzgerald never had to consider. When Reaper pursues a married Black woman in 1940s America, the stakes aren't merely social—they're potentially lethal.
The author's decision to make Reaper's business dealings explicitly international adds layers of complexity absent from the original. While Gatsby's criminality remains vague and romantic, Reaper's enterprises feel grounded in the realities of how Black wealth was often accumulated in an era of limited legitimate opportunities. This choice forces readers to grapple with uncomfortable questions about morality, survival, and success within oppressive systems.
The Historical Weight of Real Lives
Perhaps The Great Mann's greatest strength lies in Lurie's integration of real historical figures into her fictional narrative. Hattie McDaniel isn't merely a cameo appearance—she's a fully realized character grappling with the contradictions of her success. The novel explores the criticism she faced from her own community for playing servile roles, while simultaneously acknowledging the limited options available to Black actors of her era.
Louise Beavers, Ben Carter, and other real figures populate this world with authentic detail that elevates the novel beyond mere entertainment. Lurie has clearly done extensive research, and her author's note reveals deep engagement with primary sources from Black newspapers of the era. This historical grounding gives the novel's social commentary genuine weight and prevents it from becoming a superficial period piece.
The legal battle over racial covenants forms the novel's central crisis, and here Lurie demonstrates her understanding of how individual dreams intersect with systemic oppression. The West Adams Heights Improvement Association's efforts to enforce racial restrictions aren't abstract historical details—they're immediate threats to every character's future. This legal drama provides the novel with its most compelling tension, as residents face the possibility of losing not just their homes, but their entire vision of Black possibility in America.
Complex Characters in an Unforgiving World
Lurie's character development reveals sophisticated understanding of how trauma and aspiration shape individual choices. Charlie's PTSD isn't merely background detail—it actively influences his relationships and decision-making throughout the novel. His attachment to Reaper functions on multiple levels: hero worship, genuine friendship, and perhaps something deeper that the novel explores with appropriate subtlety for its era.
Marguerite emerges as more than Daisy's echo. Her relationship with her husband Terrance and her complicated history with Reaper reveal a woman trapped between competing definitions of respectability and desire. Lurie avoids the trap of making her purely sympathetic or purely frustrating—she's recognizably human in her contradictions.
Terrance himself represents one of the novel's most interesting moral complexities. As a successful insurance executive who earned his position through merit rather than inheritance, he embodies legitimate Black achievement. Yet his treatment of his wife and his attitudes toward other women reveal character flaws that complicate reader sympathy. Lurie refuses to create simple villains or heroes, instead presenting characters whose virtues and failings feel authentic to their circumstances.
Strengths That Elevate the Genre
The Great Mann succeeds brilliantly in several key areas. Lurie's prose captures the rhythm and cadence of 1940s Black speech without falling into caricature or stereotype. Her descriptions of Sugar Hill society feel researched rather than imagined, creating a vivid sense of place that rivals Fitzgerald's own atmospheric writing.
The novel's exploration of class dynamics within Black society adds complexity often missing from period fiction. These aren't uniformly oppressed characters—they're individuals with real power and real choices, making their struggles more nuanced than simple victimization narratives allow.
Most importantly, Lurie succeeds in making her retelling feel necessary rather than derivative. This isn't The Great Gatsby with Black characters—it's a fundamentally different story that uses Fitzgerald's structure to explore distinctly different themes about race, class, and belonging in America.
Areas Where the Novel Stumbles
Despite its considerable strengths, The Great Mann isn't without flaws. Some plot developments feel slightly forced, particularly in the novel's final act where multiple revelations compete for dramatic impact. The pacing occasionally suffers from Lurie's determination to include extensive historical detail, creating moments where the narrative momentum slows unnecessarily.
Certain secondary characters, particularly some of the white antagonists, occasionally veer toward stereotype rather than full characterization. While this might reflect the reality of how these figures appeared to the Black community, it creates some tonal inconsistencies in an otherwise nuanced work.
The novel's ending, while emotionally satisfying, feels somewhat rushed compared to the careful development of earlier sections. Some readers may find the resolution of key relationships occurs too quickly to feel entirely earned.
Final Assessment: A Worthy Addition to American Literature
The Great Mann ultimately succeeds as both homage and original creation. Lurie has crafted a novel that honors Fitzgerald's masterpiece while creating something distinctly her own. The book's exploration of Black wealth, aspiration, and community in 1940s Los Angeles fills a significant gap in American literary representation.
While not without minor flaws, the novel's ambitions and achievements far outweigh its shortcomings. Lurie has demonstrated that retelling classic stories through diverse perspectives isn't merely politically correct—it's artistically essential. The Great Mann reveals new truths about American dreams, American nightmares, and the complex reality of building lives in the shadow of both promise and threat.
June 10, 2025
Okay bam… so give me The Great Gatsby vibes but make it Black, post-war in Los Angeles with black history woven in? Yeahhh, I ate this one right up…. In 24hrs to be exact lol
Margie lived in her own little fairytale. As frustrating as it was to read her character, honestly, I get it. Sometimes escaping is the only way to cope. But Charlie? He was over it lol He saw straight through it. Their shared childhood trauma back in Virginia shaped them both, but in totally different ways. Margie masked the pain with fantasy, while Charlie carried the weight and being a soldier only added more to his pain and guilt.
I really loved how Kyra tied in the real story of Sugar Hill in Los Angeles. I had no idea about that part of Black history, and now I’m lowkey obsessed… did a deep dive for like 20 min while at the bar lol. West Adams Heights, aka “Sugar Hill”, was once a thriving neighborhood for Black elites, but the covenants on their homes and the fight against displacement brought a heartbreaking layer to it all.
If you’re like me and enjoyed reading The Great Gatsby back in high school, you’ll definitely appreciate this fresh retelling of the story rooted in Black history and love, ambition, and regret.
Margie lived in her own little fairytale. As frustrating as it was to read her character, honestly, I get it. Sometimes escaping is the only way to cope. But Charlie? He was over it lol He saw straight through it. Their shared childhood trauma back in Virginia shaped them both, but in totally different ways. Margie masked the pain with fantasy, while Charlie carried the weight and being a soldier only added more to his pain and guilt.
I really loved how Kyra tied in the real story of Sugar Hill in Los Angeles. I had no idea about that part of Black history, and now I’m lowkey obsessed… did a deep dive for like 20 min while at the bar lol. West Adams Heights, aka “Sugar Hill”, was once a thriving neighborhood for Black elites, but the covenants on their homes and the fight against displacement brought a heartbreaking layer to it all.
If you’re like me and enjoyed reading The Great Gatsby back in high school, you’ll definitely appreciate this fresh retelling of the story rooted in Black history and love, ambition, and regret.
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July 31, 2025Quotes I loved!
• Her ring catches the light and throws it back with a flare. "God willing, I'll live here 'til I die!"
• This woman's got the same face as her characters, but a completely different spine.
• Luxury's the power to block out the sun at will, deciding for yourself when's night and when's day.
• If comfort is a luxury, then there ain't nothing more luxurious than delusion.
• Ambitious men are so peculiar, aren't they? They never love what they have as much as what they want.
• Her ring catches the light and throws it back with a flare. "God willing, I'll live here 'til I die!"
• This woman's got the same face as her characters, but a completely different spine.
• Luxury's the power to block out the sun at will, deciding for yourself when's night and when's day.
• If comfort is a luxury, then there ain't nothing more luxurious than delusion.
• Ambitious men are so peculiar, aren't they? They never love what they have as much as what they want.
October 9, 2025
As someone who has an ambivalent attitude towards The Great Gatsby, the concept of a black retelling of The Great Gatsby was intriguing to me. I went in expecting a beat for beat replica of TGG and was pleasantly surprised with the departure from canon. Lurie weaves in the history of the West Adams Heights (Sugar Hill) neighborhood in this retelling, breathing new life into the story.
I loved how well researched this was and thoroughly enjoyed the blend of fictional and historical characters. While I enjoyed the TGG plot points and the changes Lurie made to the main characters, I think this book excelled most when it did its own thing. I’m very excited to read more from this author.
I loved how well researched this was and thoroughly enjoyed the blend of fictional and historical characters. While I enjoyed the TGG plot points and the changes Lurie made to the main characters, I think this book excelled most when it did its own thing. I’m very excited to read more from this author.
July 20, 2025
I really loved this Gatsby retelling about the Black community in the Sugar Hill area of Los Angeles in the 1940s - right after the end of WWII. In the story, there are such good sprinklings of The Great Gatsby (enough so that if you know the story, you see the links between the two). There is also more explored here about money but also about race and class. This was a great read and I am really glad I picked this one up.
June 16, 2025
A solid retelling of The Great Gatsby with Black characters in the real life neighborhood of Sugar Hill. I read The Great Gatsby ages ago and it was fine. I thought this one kept me entertained throughout and I felt Lurie did a good job with adapting the story.
September 28, 2025
I don't really know how I feel at the end of this book. The book took too long to get to the point. I actually enjoyed the last hour of the book. The other 9 hours, I was bored.
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