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About the Book
Sixteen-year-old NOSTALGIA RICHARDSON has lived all her life in the rural township of Spivey’s Grove, South Carolina, but that has not stopped her from dreaming of running away to Harlem to become a showgirl at the world famous Cotton Club. One night when she comes home from work she finds her father in the company of NOAH HOLDTSTAFF, the most notorious bootlegger in town. Later, Nostalgia’s 14-year old, sister, LILY, divulges their father’s plans to marry her off to the 49-year-old Noah.
To escape the ominous fate, Nostalgia goes to work as usual the next day, scheming to sneak off to the bus station to leave for New York City. Just prior to her audition for the Cotton Club, Nostalgia learns there was money involved in the deal their father made with Noah, forcing Lily to marry the miscreant instead.
From 1928-1935 Nostalgia and Lily communicate through a series of letters in which Nostalgia lives the glamorous life hobnobbing with the talented elite of the Harlem Renaissance. Lily, fueled by her ardent affair with milkman HENRY WHIT, uses Noah’s love for pigs feet and penchant for hustling reefer to concoct a scheme to absolve her dreadful marriage. Set against the backdrop of the Great Migration and the Great Depression, these two spunky heroines are determined to live, love, and excel on their own terms.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cotton Club Princess about?
Cotton Club Princess is a coming of age tale that uses the suspense and romance of the Harlem Renaissance, The Great Migration, and the Jazz Age to bring to life the 1920’s-1930’s in the world’s most famous speakeasy. Mob Bosses, such as Madame Stephanie Sinclair, Bumpy Johnson, and Dutch Schultz battle for Harlem policy banks while the talented elite, such as Duke Ellington, Cab Calloway, and Bill Bojangles Robinson, entertain the masses. The Night Club Era and prohibition, come to life as seen through the eyes of a country girl, turned worldly, wise woman in the old glamorous Harlem, of Lenox Avenue, 125th Street, Striver’s Row, and Sugar Hill.
Will there be other books?
Karla is currently working on the sequel, which is about Nostalgia’s sister Lily.
When was Cotton Club Princess first released?
CCP was first introduced in New York City at Book Expo in the Spring of 2017. The official launch was in July of 2017, with a rerelease in hardback in August of 2021.
Karla Diggs Writes 