Literary Afternoon: The Jazz Palace, Mary Morris

Description

Acclaimed author Mary Morris returns to her Chicago roots in this sweeping novel that brilliantly captures the dynamic atmosphere and dazzling music of the Jazz Age Chicago. Two Jewish families suffer terrible blows. The Lehrmans, who run a hat factory, lose their beloved son in a blizzard. The Chimbrovas, who run a saloon, lose three of their boys on the SS Eastland when it sinks in 1915. Each family holds out hope that one of their remaining children will rise to carry on the family business. However, Benny has no interest in making hats. His true passion is piano, especially Jazz. Pearl will take over her parents’ saloon. At night, Benny sneaks down to the South Side, where he meets a black trumpeter named Napoleon who becomes his close friend and collaborator. Their adventures take Benny far from the life he knew. Pearl recognizes their talent and invites them to start playing at her saloon, which Napoleon dubs “The Jazz Palace.” As The Jazz Palace steams through the 1920s, Benny, Pearl, and Napoleon forge a bond that is as memorable as it is lasting Series Subscription: $95, A&L Gold Members: $75, A&L Platinum Members: Free Individual program’s: $25, A&L Gold Members: $20, A&L Platinum Members: Free