Kitty Karr's journey from the segregated South to Hollywood stardom is filled with difficult choices and sacrifices. The novel reveals the truth behind her carefully crafted persona, highlighting the pain and compromises made in pursuit of success in a racially prejudiced world. It explores the complexities of identity and the burden of secrets, especially for marginalized individuals in spaces where acceptance is conditional.

The St. John sisters not only inherit Kitty's wealth but also uncover truths about her life that intertwine with their own family history. The novel delves into the complexities of familial bonds, both chosen and inherited, and examines how the sins and secrets of past generations impact the present, shaping the lives of the St. John sisters.

"Did You Hear About Kitty Karr?" offers a nuanced exploration of the allure and pitfalls of fame. It contrasts Kitty's experiences in the golden age of Hollywood with Elise St. John's contemporary struggles as a successful actress under the relentless scrutiny of social media and the 24/7 news cycle. The novel examines the sacrifices demanded by ambition and the compromises individuals make in their pursuit of recognition and success.