logo

51 pages 1 hour read

Crystal Smith Paul

Did You Hear About Kitty Karr?

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2023

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Before You Read

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

Did You Hear About Kitty Karr? by Crystal Smith Paul follows Kitty Karr Tate, a Black woman born in the 1930s South, who moves to Hollywood at 18 and successfully passes as white. After her death, Kitty leaves her fortune to Elise St. John, a prominent young Black actress, and her sisters. Elise uncovers Kitty’s past and explores themes of structural racism, family legacy, and intersectionality. The book includes discussions of racism, sexism, physical assault, murder, rape, and racially motivated hate crimes.

Reviews & Readership

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Did You Hear About Kitty Karr? by Crystal Smith Paul weaves a rich narrative with strong character development and a compelling plot that explores heritage and identity. Critics commend its engaging prose and intricate storytelling. However, some find its pacing uneven with occasional slow parts. Overall, it's a captivating read that resonates emotionally.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Did You Hear About Kitty Karr??

Readers who enjoy uncovering family secrets, exploring the complexities of race and identity, and diving into multi-generational sagas will find Did You Hear About Kitty Karr? by Crystal Smith Paul compelling. Fans of Brit Bennett's The Vanishing Half and Tayari Jones' An American Marriage will likely appreciate it.

Book Details
Pages

416

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Los Angeles, California • 1950s

Theme
Publication Year

2023

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Continue your reading experience

Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.