Queen cover

(Random House)

“Once in his life, every man is entitled to fall madly in love with a gorgeous redhead.” Fans of Lucille Ball may know that line by heart, attributed to the star of I Love Lucy–and possibly the most famous redhead in Hollywood. It also makes an appearance in Darin Strauss’ new, acclaimed novel, The Queen of Tuesday, which imagines a Technicolor love affair between the author’s grandfather Isadore and Ball herself. Through Strauss’ riveting storytelling, part memoir, part fiction (in reality, Isadore and Lucille were at the same party hosted by Fred Trump, Donald’s dad, so anything could’ve happened), readers learn about Ball (the first to portray a biracial marriage on television, the first woman to appear pregnant and “give birth” on TV, the first female studio mogul, who greenlit Star Trek)–and a lot about the elusive nature of love and lust, infidelity and partnerships, truths and lies. Strauss will be joined in conversation by author Samantha Dunn for this online event -streamed live from Chevaliers Books- that is not to be missed by anyone who loves Lucy.

Thursday, September 24, 7pm; free; chevaliersbooks.com/darin-strauss.

 

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