A much-needed representation and thought-provoking perspective for young adult.
Chicago, 1910, the Davenports have made their fortune in the carriage industry to become a rare, successful Black family. The father escaped slavery in the South and the mother was born free in the North. Their two daughters, Olivia and Helen, couldn't be more opposite, though they love each other dearly for it. Olivia enjoys the shopping and the parties. She has come out into society and is seeking the perfect match. Helen prefers to work in secret, because its not proper for a lady, in the garage on the new motorized vehicles that are quickly replacing horse-drawn carriages.
Amy-Rose is their maid, who wants more than anything to one day own her own hair-styling business. Ruby is Olivia's best friend and their family is struggling financially. Tension builds as these two girls vie for the same man, John, the first-born and only son of the Davenports who is set to take over the business from their father.
Olivia has been largely sheltered for her entire life and is not privy to the struggles that many others are going through during this time. At the end of this excerpt we begin to see that the veil is lifted from her eyes about the reality and importance of fighting for equality against the Jim Crow laws.
This story is very character-driven, and each of the four girls whose perspectives we read from are unique in their personalities and motivations. The setting has Gatsby vibes, and I love getting a story with that similar style of backdrop but from a completely different, and incredibly important perspective. This story touches on the bravery of reaching for opportunities even against all odds and societal norms.
The cover is the striking yellow mentioned from the first chapter of the story and the artwork is gorgeous. Even the fonts chosen reflect the time-period of the story. I'm excited to see where this story goes. I think it will be very emotional and deeply inspirational.
Amy-Rose is their maid, who wants more than anything to one day own her own hair-styling business. Ruby is Olivia's best friend and their family is struggling financially. Tension builds as these two girls vie for the same man, John, the first-born and only son of the Davenports who is set to take over the business from their father.
Olivia has been largely sheltered for her entire life and is not privy to the struggles that many others are going through during this time. At the end of this excerpt we begin to see that the veil is lifted from her eyes about the reality and importance of fighting for equality against the Jim Crow laws.
This story is very character-driven, and each of the four girls whose perspectives we read from are unique in their personalities and motivations. The setting has Gatsby vibes, and I love getting a story with that similar style of backdrop but from a completely different, and incredibly important perspective. This story touches on the bravery of reaching for opportunities even against all odds and societal norms.
The cover is the striking yellow mentioned from the first chapter of the story and the artwork is gorgeous. Even the fonts chosen reflect the time-period of the story. I'm excited to see where this story goes. I think it will be very emotional and deeply inspirational.