The Great Mann by Kyra Davis Lurie

Happy book birthday to THE GREAT MANN by Kyra Davis Lurie
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.    4 1/2 stars ​