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Fiona Davis sets a nineteenth-century woman’s social ambitions and a modern architect’s family crisis against the history of an upper Manhattan mansion.
All times are local to the venue · America/New York
Monday, February 1, 2027, 6–8 p.m. The author talk is scheduled to begin 15 minutes after the event start.
In The Jewel of Sugar Hill, Morris-Jumel Mansion gives two stories separated by more than a century a shared point of pressure: who can claim a place, and what is worth saving. Davis will discuss the novel and her writing process with fellow author Kerri Maher at Trident Booksellers & Cafe.
Built in 1765, Morris-Jumel Mansion was once part of a 135-acre estate between the Harlem River and the Hudson. Today, the house occupies a city block in upper Manhattan. Davis uses that changing setting to connect two plots about ambition, family and the fate of a historic building.
In the nineteenth-century story, Eliza Brown hopes to move beyond her modest beginnings. Her pursuit of Aaron Burr and a place in high society is tied to an ambitious goal: buying the mansion. Someone threatening to expose her past puts that plan at risk.
The 2010 storyline follows architect Abby Dorrance, whose father, a real-estate developer, dies after a fall at the deteriorating mansion. Abby is drawn into questions surrounding his death and faces a choice between protecting her family’s fortune and legacy or saving the house.
Further reading: Fiona Davis Author Event in Boston at Trident Booksellers & Cafe ↗
Davis’s historical novels often take their cues from notable New York City buildings. Her previous titles include The Stolen Queen, The Magnolia Palace, The Address and The Lions of Fifth Avenue, which was selected for the Good Morning America Book Club. Before turning to writing, she worked as an actress and earned a master’s degree at Columbia Journalism School.
Maher, the evening’s conversation partner, wrote The Paris Bookseller, The Girl in White Gloves and The Kennedy Debutante. She also published This Is Not a Writing Manual under the name Kerri Majors and holds an MFA from Columbia University. The discussion is an opportunity to hear Davis talk about the novel’s inspiration and how she develops her work.
Further reading: Fiona Davis Author Event in Boston at Trident Booksellers & Cafe ↗
The advertised format is a moderated discussion of the book’s inspiration and Davis’s writing process, followed by audience questions.
The event runs from 6 to 8 p.m. The author talk is scheduled to begin 15 minutes after the 6 p.m. event start.
Fiona Davis Author Event in Boston at Trident Booksellers & Cafe ↗
A ticket is required and includes a pre-signed copy of The Jewel of Sugar Hill. The event listing does not state a price; check the linked ticket page for booking details.
Fiona Davis Author Event in Boston at Trident Booksellers & Cafe ↗
The event is listed at 338 Newbury Street in Boston’s Back Bay. Trident is an independent bookstore and full-service cafe that opened in 1984.
Fiona Davis Author Event in Boston at Trident Booksellers & Cafe ↗ · Trident Booksellers & Cafe, Upcoming Events in Boston on Do617 ↗
No age policy or event-room accessibility and accommodation details are stated. If either affects your plans, contact Trident before purchasing a ticket.
Fiona Davis Author Event in Boston at Trident Booksellers & Cafe ↗ · Trident Booksellers & Cafe, Upcoming Events in Boston on Do617 ↗
The venue directory lists the Green Line B, C or D to Hynes Convention Center station at 360 Newbury Street. MBTA bus routes 1 and 55 stop nearby on Massachusetts Avenue.
Trident Booksellers & Cafe, Upcoming Events in Boston on Do617 ↗
The directory lists Hynes Auditorium Garage at 50 Dalton Street and Danker & Donohue Garage at 341 Newbury Street as nearby paid garages. It describes street parking in Back Bay as limited; rates and availability are not stated.
Trident Booksellers & Cafe, Upcoming Events in Boston on Do617 ↗
The event is listed at Trident Booksellers & Cafe, 338 Newbury Street, Back Bay, Boston. No event-room entrance or accessibility details are provided; contact the venue about access needs before booking. The map link can calculate directions from your starting point.
Fiona Davis Author Event in Boston at Trident Booksellers & Cafe ↗ · Trident Booksellers & Cafe, Upcoming Events in Boston on Do617 ↗
Tickets are nonrefundable. Trident will hold your signed book for two weeks after the event; contact the store to arrange pickup. Shipping is available for an additional fee.
Fiona Davis Author Event in Boston at Trident Booksellers & Cafe ↗
Food and beverages will be available in the room, but the event information does not say whether they are included in the ticket.
Fiona Davis Author Event in Boston at Trident Booksellers & Cafe ↗
338 Newbury Street, Back Bay, Boston, MA
Map search by venue and address. Check the organiser’s entrance details before travelling.
Images from the linked sources. Each caption identifies the context of the image.
Event, planning and background information checked 2026-10-31 against the linked sources.