“If you obey all of the rules, you miss all of the fun.”
― Katharine Hepburn
Priya Parmar visits to share The Original, a gripping novelization of screen icon Katharine Hepburn’s life. Her fierce independence, passionate spirit, and fluid sexuality shattered Hollywood’s rules to redefine the leading lady. In conversation with Lauren Marie Fleming, Parmar will bring readers into the book that has already earned praise from writers like Kristin Hannah, Paula McClain and Claire Messud.
Presented in collaboration with our friends at Adventures by the Book. This event is free and open to the public. Proceeds from book purchases support the San Diego Public Library.
ABOUT THE BOOK
“A bold, breathtaking novel about the making of Katharine Hepburn— vivid, daring, and full of emotional bite. This is a novel you press into your best friend’s hands the moment you finish. Priya Parmar is a true original, and this novel proves it.” —Paula McLain
When young Katharine Hepburn loses her beloved brother, she makes two decisions: she will become famous, and she will never let anyone hurt her again. Leaving home at twenty-one to pursue an acting career Kate is lured to Hollywood, accompanied by her lover, Laura.
Los Angeles in the early 1930s is a town full of secrets and Kate has plenty to hide. Soon she is scooped into the studio system and launched as a star — but stars must play by the rules and Kate, brilliant, bisexual, and strong-willed, refuses to conform.
Surrounded by a legendary circle of intimates, including the powerful David and Irene Selznick, charming and romantically conflicted actor Cary Grant, ambitious director John Ford, and millionaire tycoon Howard Hughes, Kate navigates a web of sex, ambition, and betrayal. As her career ascends, she faces an agonizing choice: be the star everyone wants her to be, or risk everything to become the woman she always was.
The author of New York Times Notable Book Vanessa and Her Sister has created a propulsive, emotionally charged novel exploring the cost of fame. With sharp prose and unforgettable characters, The Original is a story of love, aspiration, and the price of living authentically.
ABOUT THE SPEAKERS
Priya Parmar is a New York Times Notable author and co-author of the musical Sylvia. Her novel Vanessa and Her Sister is a New York Times Notable Book and her work on the musical Sylvia earned her the Olivier Award for Best Original Musical. She believes in rescuing animals, veganism, protecting the ocean, and stories. She splits her time between Hawaii and Connecticut with her family and four rescue dogs.
Lauren Marie Fleming (she/her) is the founder of School for Writers, and her work explores power, desire, resilience, and the stories we tell about our bodies and our lives. She is the author of the hit queer rom-com Because Fat Girl as well as nonfiction books including Bawdy Love: 10 Steps to Profoundly Loving Your Body and The Writer’s Career Guide. She has been featured in Good Morning America, Glamour, and Cosmo, and has written for VICE, Curve, and The Huffington Post. When not traveling, she can be found walking her dog along the beach in San Diego listening to an audiobook.
