What I liked:
• The theme of the book is fantastic. I’ve never read (or seen) a book about wealthy Black elites in the 20th century.
• The story is told from alternating perspectives of four female characters
• I want to read a version of this book written for adults
What I didn’t like as much:
• Outwardly is seems like it’s historical fiction, but in truth it’s more of a romance with historical elements. I really wanted more of the historical context.
• It all felt very surface level to me, which could be because it’s YA.
• The four female narrators seemed to have such similar personalities that one I forgot about between chapters (sorry Ruby!)
The Davenports are the richest Black family in 1910s Chicago. Olivia, their oldest daughter is going through the season, looking for the perfect man to continue the legacy. She doesn’t realize she’s bored with the status quo until she learns of a growing movement to push for equality. Helen, the youngest daughter is a mechanic in a world that refuses to let her do a “man’s job.” Ruby, Olivia’s best friend is grappling with life in a family who’s wealth is rapidly declining and a marriage into the Davenports could keep them in a position to push for the societal change her father is working towards. Amy-Rose is a Davenport maid, raised with the kids of the house and harboring a crush on the Davenports son, John. All four women grapple with the the pressures from family, society, and their community as they learn about what they want from life.
• The theme of the book is fantastic. I’ve never read (or seen) a book about wealthy Black elites in the 20th century.
• The story is told from alternating perspectives of four female characters
• I want to read a version of this book written for adults
What I didn’t like as much:
• Outwardly is seems like it’s historical fiction, but in truth it’s more of a romance with historical elements. I really wanted more of the historical context.
• It all felt very surface level to me, which could be because it’s YA.
• The four female narrators seemed to have such similar personalities that one I forgot about between chapters (sorry Ruby!)
The Davenports are the richest Black family in 1910s Chicago. Olivia, their oldest daughter is going through the season, looking for the perfect man to continue the legacy. She doesn’t realize she’s bored with the status quo until she learns of a growing movement to push for equality. Helen, the youngest daughter is a mechanic in a world that refuses to let her do a “man’s job.” Ruby, Olivia’s best friend is grappling with life in a family who’s wealth is rapidly declining and a marriage into the Davenports could keep them in a position to push for the societal change her father is working towards. Amy-Rose is a Davenport maid, raised with the kids of the house and harboring a crush on the Davenports son, John. All four women grapple with the the pressures from family, society, and their community as they learn about what they want from life.