James Hannaham Knihy

A moving story of freedom, perseverance, and survival.

In this “dangerously hilarious” novel, a trans woman reenters life after over twenty years in a men’s prison, set against the backdrop of a consequential Fourth of July weekend. Carlotta Mercedes has faced misunderstanding her entire life. After a robbery gone wrong, she was incarcerated under the name she grew up with in Fort Greene, Brooklyn. While in prison, she embraced her identity as Carlotta, but authorities rejected this, keeping her in an all-male cell block where she faced abuse and solitary confinement. Finally, in her fifth appearance before the parole board, Carlotta is granted conditional freedom and returns to a transformed New York City. Over the holiday weekend, she grapples with reconciling with her estranged son, navigating a family hesitant to accept her true identity, and avoiding any minor parole violations that could send her back to prison. Written with remarkable verve, the novel takes readers through the streets of Brooklyn, reminiscent of Joyce’s Ulysses through Dublin. It delivers an entertaining narrative filled with unforgettable characters while confronting the injustices of a prison system that punishes individuals long after their sentences are served.

Exploring the complexities of morality and the human experience, this narrative offers a heartfelt and humorous glimpse into a character's internal battle to make ethical choices. Through a blend of wit and vulnerability, the story delves into the challenges of navigating life's dilemmas, highlighting the universal struggle to balance personal desires with a sense of responsibility. The journey promises to resonate with readers, inviting them to reflect on their own choices and the intricacies of doing what is right.