Author Discussion: Laila Ibrahim on Scarlet Carnation

Join the Laila Ibrahim Book Club for a special evening as we welcome author Laila Ibrahim for a live, interactive discussion on her acclaimed novel, Scarlet Carnation.

Event Details

• Date: Thursday, October 29th
• Time: 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
• Location: Online and in Room 321 at First UU (4190 Front St 92103)
• Special Guest: Author Laila Ibrahim
• Contact: Reach out to Louise for full details and virtual attendance links. ([email protected])

About the Book
Set in 1915 in the San Francisco Bay Area against the backdrop of World War I, racial tension, and shifting social norms, Scarlet Carnation continues the sweeping intergenerational saga begun in Ibrahim's bestselling Yellow Crocus.

The story follows two extended family members, May and Naomi, whose grandmothers’ lives were inextricably bound on a Virginia plantation before the Civil War:

• May, a young white woman, sees her plans for a quiet future upended by an unexpected crisis, forcing her to forge a new path of independence.
• Naomi, a Black nurse, mother, and community advocate, works tirelessly to secure homeownership and security for her family in the face of discriminatory housing practices.

Symbolized by the scarlet carnations worn to honor living mothers during wartime, the novel explores motherly love, systemic injustice, courage, and the powerful ties that keep families connected through generations.

Why Attend?
Having the author join us live offers a unique, rare opportunity to dive deep into her writing process, historical research, character development, and the overarching themes of justice and resilience present across her novels. Whether you have read all of Ibrahim's works or are picking up Scarlet Carnation for the first time, all are welcome to attend and participate in the Q&A.

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