Vera

More about the book

Meet Vera Johnson, a resourceful fifteen-year-old and the illegitimate daughter of Rose, the notorious madam of San Francisco's legendary bordello. Vera navigates two worlds: the glamorous yet morally ambiguous life of her mother and the harsh, debt-ridden existence of the family paid to raise her. On the morning of the devastating earthquake, these worlds collide as the city burns and chaos reigns. Vera and her innocent sister, Pie, are left adrift amidst the destruction. Rejecting societal norms, Vera begins to envision a new life and teams up with her former rival, Tan, to form an unlikely family of survivors. Together, they navigate the aftermath of disaster. In this cinematic narrative, honor and fate are tested, and notions of sex, class, and justice are challenged. Vera's journey is a poignant exploration of youth and resilience, featuring historical figures like tenor Enrico Caruso and indicted mayor Eugene Schmitz, alongside a memorable cast that includes her young lover, Bobby, and a competing Chinese family. This richly imagined tale of unexpected alliances captivates from the first page, offering scenes of devastation, renewal, and joy. With candor and wit, it celebrates the audacious spirit of its young heroine, showcasing the remarkable storytelling of a generous writer.