NPR's Book of the Day 'Great Black Hope' is a character study of a young, Black, queer man in high society
Jun 24, 2025
Dive into the life of a privileged young Black queer man navigating high society. Amidst a glamorous party scene, he faces a turning point when arrested for cocaine possession. The conversation explores the clash of race and class, alongside the impact of societal expectations on personal identity. Themes of addiction, self-discovery, and the critique of bored rich kids in literature provide a rich backdrop for this character study. Join as the author unpacks the complexity of privilege and the journey toward authenticity.
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Smith's Arrest in Hamptons
- Smith, a young Black queer man, is arrested for cocaine possession at a Hamptons nightclub party.
- His experience illustrates the collision of privilege and personal struggles in high society.
The Cost of Performing Identity
- Smith avoids directly confronting his painful emotions, partly due to the image he must maintain.
- This highlights the emotional cost of constantly performing identity in elite spaces.
Novel Origins from Personal Reflection
- Rob Franklin began writing Great Black Hope discussing family expectations against his own life's divergence.
- The novel evolved from those personal reflections into a story about addiction and black respectability politics.
