The Queen of Sugar Hill

Bestselling author ReShonda Tate presents a fascinating fictional portrait of Hattie McDaniel,one of Hollywood’s most prolific but woefully underappreciated stars–and the first Black person ever to win an Oscar for her role as Mammy in the critically acclaimed film classic Gone With the Wind. It was supposed to be the highlight of her careerthe pinnacle for which she’d worked all her life. And as Hattie McDaniel took the stage in 1940 to claim an honor that would make her the first African-American woman to win an Academy Awardshe tearfully took her place in history. Between personal triumphs and tragediesheartbreaking lossesand severe setbacksthis historic night of winning best supporting actress for her role as the sassy Mammy in the controversial movie Gone With the Wind was going to be life-changing. Or so she thought. Months after winning the awardnot only did the Oscar curse set in where Hattie couldn’t find workbut she found herself thrust in the middle of two worlds–Black and White–and not being welcomed in either. Whites only saw her as Mammy and Blacks detested the demeaning portrayal. As the NAACP waged an all-out war against Hattie and actors like herthe emotionally conflicted actor found herself struggling daily. Through it allHattie continued her fight to pave a path for other Negro actorswhile focusing on war effortsfighting housing discriminationand navigating four failed marriages. Luckilyshe had a core group of friends to help her out–from Clark Gable to Louise Beavers to Ruby Berkley Goodwin and Dorothy Dandridge. The Queen of Sugar Hill brings to life the powerful story of one woman who was driven by many passions–ambitionlovesexfamilyfriendshipand equality. In re-creating Hattie’s storyReShonda Tate delivers an unforgettable novel of resiliencededicationand determination–about what it takes to achieve your dreams–even when everything–and everyone–is against you.