The Great Mann

In this poignant retelling of The Great Gatsby,set amongst L.A.ΓÇÖs Black elitea young veteran finds his way post-warpulled into a new world of tantalizing possibilitiesΓÇöand explosive tensions. In 1945Charlie Trammell steps off a cross-country train into the vibrant tapestry of Los Angeles. Lured by his cousin MargueriteΓÇÖs invitation to the esteemed West Adams HeightsCharlie is immediately captivated by the Black opulence of L.A.ΓÇÖs newly rechristened ΓÇ£Sugar Hill.ΓÇ¥ Settling in at a local actressΓÇÖs energetic boarding houseCharlie discovers a different way of lifeΓÇöone brimming with opportunityΓÇöfrom a promising career at a Black-owned insurance firmthe absence of Jim Crowto the potential of an unforgettable romance. But nothing dazzles quite like James ΓÇ£ReaperΓÇ¥ Mann. ReaperΓÇÖs extravagant partiesattended by luminaries like Lena Horne and Hattie McDanieldraw Charlie inbringing the milieu of wealth and excess within his reach. But as CharlieΓÇÖs unusual bond with Reaper deepensso does the tension in the neighborhood as white neighborsfrustrated by their own dwindling fortunesignite a landmark court case that threatens the communityΓÇÖs well-being with promises of retribution. Told from the unique perspective of a young man who has just returned from a gruelingsegregated warThe Great Mann weaves a compelling narrative of wealth and classilluminating the complexities of Black identity and education in post-war America.