YA historical fiction about four young Black women
The Davenports by Krystal Marquis is the first in a YA historical series set in 1910 Chicago, following four young Black women. Two of them are sisters from a wealthy family, one is their childhood friend turned maid, and one is the oldest sister's best friend.
This first book opens with Olivia browsing fabric for the season of ball gowns that awaits. It's time for her to find a husband, someone educated, from the right family, set to inherit a fortune - and Black. While in Marshall Field's, she's assumed to be a servant, not a shopper. They also have a grand estate because no one wanted to buy property that bordered a Black family's estate.
I can already tell this will be an important addition to the YA historical canon.
I love the luscious yellow used in the cover. While this is historical fiction, it doesn't feature the back of a woman's torso - rather, the main character is seen giving a subtle smile while someone behind her is looking at her. Three women are in a group in the background.
This first book opens with Olivia browsing fabric for the season of ball gowns that awaits. It's time for her to find a husband, someone educated, from the right family, set to inherit a fortune - and Black. While in Marshall Field's, she's assumed to be a servant, not a shopper. They also have a grand estate because no one wanted to buy property that bordered a Black family's estate.
I can already tell this will be an important addition to the YA historical canon.
I love the luscious yellow used in the cover. While this is historical fiction, it doesn't feature the back of a woman's torso - rather, the main character is seen giving a subtle smile while someone behind her is looking at her. Three women are in a group in the background.