Nov
15
Events
Fortune and Men’s Eyes
A Conversation Between Nicholas Boggs and Marlon James, Moderated by David McConnell
About the event
Join Books & Books and The Studios of Key West for a special evening of literature and conversation with award-winning, bestselling authors Nicholas Boggs and Marlon James, in conversation with novelist David McConnell.
At the heart of the discussion is an unexpected literary connection: Fortune and Men’s Eyes, the groundbreaking 1967 play by Canadian playwright John Herbert, which appears in both Boggs’ acclaimed biography Baldwin: A Love Story and James’ novel The Disappearers. Through this shared work, the authors will explore the intersections of literature, identity, sexuality, and the stories that connect writers across generations.
Boggs, whose bestselling biography of James Baldwin has earned widespread critical acclaim and numerous literary honors, brings an intimate perspective on one of America’s most influential writers. James, winner of the Booker Prize for A Brief History of Seven Killings and celebrated for his bold, genre-defying fiction, offers a distinctive voice on the power of storytelling. Together, the two writers, who are also partners and creative collaborators, promise a fascinating conversation about their work, literary influences, and the enduring relevance of queer narratives.
Guiding the discussion is author David McConnell, whose novels and award-winning nonfiction examine identity, desire, and the complexities of human relationships.
About the Authors
Nicholas Boggs is the author of the New York Times bestselling biography Baldwin: A Love Story (2025), a richly researched portrait of literary icon James Baldwin. The book has received numerous honors, including the National Book Critics Circle John Leonard Prize, the PEN/Jacqueline Bograd Weld Award for Biography, and the American Book Award. Named one of the best books of 2025 by Time and The Atlantic, it is being adapted for film by Anonymous Content and Barack and Michelle Obama’s Higher Ground, with Boggs and Marlon James co-writing the screenplay. Boggs is also co-editor of Baldwin’s Little Man, Little Man: A Story of Childhood and has received fellowships and grants from leading literary and academic institutions.
Marlon James is the Booker Prize–winning author of A Brief History of Seven Killings, the National Book Award finalist Black Leopard, Red Wolf, Moon Witch, Spider King, The Book of Night Women, and John Crow’s Devil. His acclaimed fiction spans historical narratives, literary fiction, and epic fantasy, earning honors including the American Book Award, the Anisfield-Wolf Book Award, and the Dayton Literary Peace Prize. A Guggenheim Fellow, James was named one of Time magazine’s 100 most influential people in 2019.
David McConnell is the author of the novels The Beads, The Firebrat, and The Silver Hearted, as well as American Honor Killings: Desire and Rage among Men, which received an American Library Association Stonewall Book Award for nonfiction. His fiction and literary journalism have appeared widely, and he served as co-chair of Lambda Literary from 2009 to 2011.
Books & Books @ The Studios
Books & Books @ The Studios is Key West’s locally owned, nonprofit neighborhood bookstore and a home for the island’s vibrant literary community. Founded in 2016 by a group of local book lovers led by George Cooper and Judy Blume, the store is affiliated with the acclaimed independent Books & Books and located right inside The Studios. Browse a thoughtfully curated collection of books, discover local and visiting authors, and join us for readings, conversations and literary events throughout the year.
About the Books
A VIP ticket includes front row seating and a copy of both book, but you can purchase copies at the event. You can also buy online through Books & Books @ The Studios.
