This stunning novel plunges into the tumultuous life of screen icon Katharine Hepburn, a star whose fierce independence, passionate spirit, and fluid sexuality shattered Hollywood’s rules and redefined what it meant to be a woman in film. “A riveting and unputdownable journey through fame, rebellion, and the relentless pursuit of authenticity.”—#1 New York Times bestselling author Christina Baker Kline “A bold, breathtaking novel about the making of Katharine Hepburn—vivid, daring and full of emotional bite. This is a novel you press into your best friend’s hands the moment you finish.”—Paula McLain, New York Times bestselling author of Skylark and The Paris Wife When young Katharine Hepburn loses her beloved brother, she makes two decisions: she will become famous, and she will never let anyone hurt her again. Leaving home at twenty-one to pursue an acting career Kate is lured to Hollywood, accompanied by her lover, Laura. Los Angeles in the early 1930s is a town full of secrets and Kate has plenty to hide. Soon she is scooped into the studio system and launched as a star—but stars must play by the rules and Kate, brilliant, bisexual, and strong-willed, refuses to conform. Surrounded by a legendary circle of intimates, including the powerful David and Irene Selznick, charming and romantically conflicted actor Cary Grant, ambitious director John Ford, and millionaire tycoon Howard Hughes, Kate navigates a web of sex, ambition, and betrayal. As her career ascends, she faces an agonizing choice: be the star everyone wants her to be, or risk everything to become the woman she always was. The author of New York Times Notable Book Vanessa and Her Sister has created a propulsive, emotionally charged novel exploring the cost of fame. With sharp prose and unforgettable characters, The Original is a story of love, aspiration, and the price of living authentically. “A bold, breathtaking novel about the making of Katharine Hepburn—vivid, daring, and full of emotional bite. This is a novel you press into your best friend’s hands the moment you finish. Priya Parmar is a true original, and this novel proves it.” —Paula McLain, New York Times bestselling author of Skylark “A riveting and unputdownable journey through fame, rebellion, and the relentless pursuit of authenticity. Priya Parmar has written a novel that lingers in the mind and heart. . . . As thought-provoking as it is beautiful.” —Christina Baker Kline, New York Times bestselling author of The Foursome “The magnificent Priya Parmar has written an unforgettable novel about a beloved American icon. The Original is an imaginative and daring leap into the Golden Age of Hollywood star machine. Lights! Camera! Read!” —Adriana Trigiani, New York Times bestselling author of The View from Lake Como “A brilliant, ambitious woman determined to live—and love—on her own terms, in an era when bold and unconventional choices could destroy a career overnight . . . Fans of early Hollywood will devour this novel.” —Kristin Hannah, New York Times bestselling author of The Women “ A luminous, fiercely intimate portrait of a fascinating and enigmatic legend carving her own path . . . Parmar’s prose is poetic, electric, and deeply affecting.” —John Searles, New York Times bestselling author of Single Girls “I read The Original with real delight—Priya Parmar’s complex evocation of Hepburn’s youth and early career, of the woman behind the icon, is tender, fierce, and beautiful. What a terrific novel!” —Claire Messud, New York Times bestselling author of This Strange Eventful History “Historical fiction fans will be drawn to this immersive portrait of the legendary actor.” —Publishers Weekly Priya Parmar is the author of the novels Exit the Actress and Vanessa and Her Sister, a New York Times Notable Book. Co-author of the musical Sylvia (London Old Vic), she lives between London and Connecticut with her family and four rescue dogs. Kate Hartford, Connecticut 1921 To understand her, you should start with him. She begins with him. But you don’t have to. The girl also begins with salt and fir and glacial soil. With a family that talks about bodies and disease and reads at the table. The father believes in water, the chemical properties, the health benefits: cold baths, ice shocked skin and nude swimming. The mother believes in Margaret Sanger, Bryn Mawr, votes for women, New England and her husband. One night in November, in the big yellow house, the girl’s parents give a dinner party. The new daily maid has arranged the flowers and laid the second best family china. She drops a knife and wipes it on her skirt. No one sees. She is annoyed and wants to get home. On a junior doctor’s salary, the Hepburns cannot afford for her to live in like Fanny. Bus fare is five cents. Nickel there, nickel back. She plans to ask the Hepburns for a raise. Friends of the Hepburns sit around the couple’s oval table. They discus