Indies Introduce

Fiction

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  Great Black Hope, Rob Franklin
  Summit Books, 9781668077436, June 3, 2025 (Fiction)
  

  “Great Black Hope is a confident, original debut that provides a nuanced look at an intersection of race, privilege, and addiction that is rarely explored. Set in New York City, the novel follows Smith, a young Black man arrested for cocaine possession whose sense of self is at odds with how he is perceived by the world. A must-read.”

  —Sophie Chen, Belmont Books, Belmont, MA
  
  

  “A modern tale of human needs twisted through the lives of the well-off battling addiction, notoriety, and unfamiliarity that only some will have the privilege of getting through freely. Rob Franklin creates uncomfortableness through a passion for his characters and the things they must do to survive.”

  —Desirae Wilkerson, Paper Boat Booksellers, Seattle, WA
  

   

  “Such a roller coaster of emotions in this stunning debut. It makes you question class, privilege, race, and what it all means in American society. This book will make you question life, it will make you uncomfortable — most of all, it will pull you in until the very last page.”

  —Kim Brock, Joseph-Beth Booksellers, Cincinnati, OH

   

  “A spare and surprising exploration of class and race, perfect for fans of Brandon Taylor and Katie Kitamura. Franklin’s prose is worth luxuriating in!”

  —Austin Carter, Pocket Books Shop, Lancaster, PA