Claudia Cravens in conversation with Laurie Lico Albanese

The debut author of a startlingly original bestselling queer Western novel talks about her work with Laurie Lico Albanese, a critically acclaimed historical novelist.

The event is free but registration is required. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. After the discussion, there will be a Q&A period and a book signing and sale with Watchung Booksellers.

Open Book / Open Mind is sponsored by Montclair Public Library Foundation, Watchung Booksellers, the New Jersey Council on Humanities, Rosemary Iversen and David and Mary Lee Jones and an anonymous donor. We are also grateful for the generous support of our in-kind sponsors, First Congregational Church of Montclair, The George, and Amanti Vino. To support Open Book / Open Mind and other library programs.

Co-presented by Out Montclair.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Claudia Cravens has an unusual literary success story. She participated in Catapult’s yearlong novel generator in 2022, and her resulting debut novel, “Lucky Red,” a queer Western, has propelled her into the spotlight.

ABOUT THE BOOK

A national bestseller, “Lucky Red” was named a Best Book of the year by Chicago Public Library, Kirkus Reviews and Library Journal, and received starred reviews from Publishers Weekly, Booklist and Kirkus.

A startlingly original queer Western about a scrappy orphan who makes her way in turn-of-the century Dodge City, Kansas, no holds barred. This is a tale of double-crossing, treachery, sex work, and outlaws as well as a poignant coming out/coming-of-age story.

“Cravens debuts with an exceptional historical tale of sex work and queer desire on the American frontier. . . . Cravens peppers the thrilling plot with delicious language (Bridget’s clients are ‘a series of hats and mustaches’; Jim’s marriage offer feels ‘wedged in [her] chest, like a piece of furniture that can’t be got through a doorway’), and her sensitive portrayal of Bridget’s uncertainty over her sexuality resonates. This is a knockout.”—Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“Cravens smacks the reader in the face with a genderqueer coming-of-age story that culminates in three sex workers tracking down a posse for romantic and financial revenge.”—Booklist (starred review)

“The heart wants what it wants. Saddle up, ride out, and claim it.

“When Bridget arrives penniless in Dodge City, already disillusioned by feckless men and the uncompromising landscape, she has only her wits to keep her alive. Thanks to the allure of her bright red hair and country-girl beauty, she’s recruited to work at the Buffalo Queen, the only brothel in town run by women. Bridget takes to brothel life, appreciating the good food, good pay, and good friendships she forms with her fellow “sporting women.”

But with the arrival of some infamous outlaws at the start of winter, tensions in Dodge City run high. When the Buffalo Queen’s peace and security are threatened, Bridget must decide what she owes to the women she loves and what it looks like to claim her own destiny.”–Penguin Random House

ABOUT THE CONVERSATION PARTNER

Laurie Lico Albanese is an award-winning novelist and journalist. Her most recent book, “Hester,” was is an Audible Best Book of 2022, an IndieNext and Canadian and American Librarians October 2022 selection, a Gillian Flynn Best Books of Fall 2022, a Book of the Month club selection, and a finalist in the Goodreads Best Books of the Year. Laurie’s novel “Stolen Beauty” was praised by the Wall Street Journal as “a work of art itself.” Laurie’s novels have been translated into Italian, Spanish, French, German, Portuguese and soon, Croatian. She is a longtime resident of Montclair.