Romance in Marseille

Claude McKay's Romance in Marseille is a groundbreaking exploration of physical disability, transatlantic travel, and black international politics, emerging from nearly 90 years in obscurity. Set in the vibrant Vieux Port of Marseille during the Jazz Age, the novel follows Lafala, a disabled West African sailor whose life takes a dramatic turn after a harrowing stowaway experience leads to a lawsuit and unexpected wealth. With a diverse cast of characters, the story delves into themes of pleasure, freedom, and the legacy of slavery within a modern economic landscape. This edition features insightful introductions that contextualize McKay's work within the broader narratives of black cultural politics and the Harlem Renaissance.