Did You Hear About Kitty Karr?

by: Crystal Smith Paul
published: May 2, 2023
genre: Historical Fiction
416 Pages, E-Book
GoodReads Link

Synopsis

When Kitty Karr Tate, a White icon of the silver screen, dies and bequeaths her multimillion-dollar estate to the St. John sisters, three young, wealthy Black women, it prompts questions. Lots of questions.

The truth behind Kitty’s ascent to stardom from her beginnings in the segregated South threatens to expose a web of unexpected family ties, debts owed, and debatable crimes that could, with one pull, unravel the all-American fabric of the St. John sisters and those closest to them. As Elise St. John digs deeper into Kitty’s past, she must also turn the lens upon herself, confronting the gifts and burdens of her own choices and the power that the secrets of the dead hold over the living.

I. Overview

In the contemporary setting of 2017, Elise St. John grapples with the loss of her cherished “fairy grandmother,” Kitty Karr. A lifelong neighbor, Kitty served as Elise’s surrogate grandmother, nurturing her creativity. Following Kitty’s demise, Elise discovers explicit instructions left by Kitty, leading her to a profound revelation that promises to reshape her life and the lives of those around her.

As the narrative delves into the past, readers are immersed in the captivating world of Kitty Karr Tate, with all its glory. However, the journey begins with the heartache and struggle of Hazel and Mary. This compelling tale of survival and sacrifice transcends time, resonating with individuals of color across different decades in America, where survival and sacrifice become inherent.

II. Characters

Initially daunted by the plethora of characters in Kitty’s life, I found several that stood out significantly.

In the contemporary timeline, we meet the St. John sisters – Elise, Giovanni, and Noele. Elise, the eldest, formed a close bond with Kitty, using her as an escape from her own challenging childhood. Sarah and James St. John, the girls’ celebrity parents, often spent time away from home during their youth, making it easy for Elise to find solace in Kitty.

Lillian/Emma, Kitty’s only sister, initially comes off as an adversary. Despite my desire to like Emma, a missing element in her story hindered my connection with her. Emma’s jealousy of Kitty and her relentless pursuit of a life she felt entitled to prevented her from being the support Kitty desperately needed.

Nathan Tate, the heir to Telescope Studios where Kitty and Emma worked, sparked a desire for his and Kitty’s love story to take center stage. His deep affection for her left me yearning for more exploration of their love.

Kudos to Lucy, Maude, Cora, Laurie, and the ladies of Blair House, as well as anyone supporting the advancement of African-Americans.

Special mention to Claire Pew for defying expectations.

III. The Writing

Crystal Smith Paul’s “Did You Hear About Kitty Karr?” stands as the only published work I’ve encountered from her, but if she releases more, I’ll be first in line to read them. The book is masterfully written, demonstrating meticulous attention to detail, whether drawing from oral accounts of the sharecropper South or through thorough research.

IV. My Final Thoughts

Without a doubt, Crystal Smith Paul’s “Did You Hear About Kitty Karr?” has become my favorite read of the year. Though I initially borrowed it through Libby, I am eager to purchase a copy for my personal collection. If Paul pens anything else, count me in as a devoted reader.