The Great Mrs. Elias: A Novel By Chase-Riboud, Barbara

In "The Great Mrs. Elias," the acclaimed author of "Sally Hemings" vividly resurrects Hannah Elias, an affluent black woman in early 1900s America. The novel begins with a murder and mistaken identity at Hannah's opulent mansion on Central Park West, setting off an odyssey through time, unveiling the secrets of a mysterious woman's fortune and her precipitous downfall.

Born in late 1800s Philadelphia, Hannah overcomes a challenging past, reinventing herself in New York City. Investing in the stock market with shrewdness, she amasses a fortune, discreetly spreading it across 29 banks. Achieving her dreams, Hannah buys a lavish Upper West Side mansion inspired by Cleopatra. The unsolved murder disrupts her world, jeopardizing everything she has built. As her true identity is exposed, protests erupt, and the press accuses her of stealing her wealth from whites.

The narrative unfolds with glamour, suspense, and drama, featuring real-life luminaries from the era. From Hannah's rise to riches to the scandalous trial that ensues, "The Great Mrs. Elias" immerses readers in a captivating tale of a fascinating woman and the tumultuous age she inhabited, blending history, mystery, and tragedy to bring her story vividly to life. 📚❤️