Reviews

This is not my favorite genre so I started and stopped the book multiple times. I’m glad I finished the book and will likely read the next one. Early 1900’s Chicago and the stories of black success is one that I know I never learned about in history classes. I’m thankful for the author’s research and her note at the end. As a history lover, the author and her story has compelled me to look into other books about this particular part of history.

joanna1905's review against another edition

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4.0

This one was a really lovely surprise because I never expected to enjoy it as much as I did - I'm not a huge historical romance reader and since I had never heard of the author nor did I know anything about the book (aside from genre) I had no idea what to expect, but when the arc was made available to me I just thought a YA black historical romance sounded like something so fresh and promising.

And The Davenports certainly delivered in those regards. Historical romance is such a white-dominated genre (as are most genres I suppose) and it's honestly a shame because what a wonderful way to help teach young people about areas of history that are so neglected in public education while also helping diversify a genre that has personally felt a bit stale to me.

But Krystal Marquis nailed it, she did such a masterful job of striking the perfect balance between a fun fluffy historical romance (I keep calling this a romance but it's more than that with lots of lovely friendship and family moments too) - while also not shying away from the realities of being black in the 1910s. While the Davenport family is more privileged that doesn't buy them real acceptance by white society - much of whom seems to tolerate them because of their wealth, meaning they continue to fight a constant battle of fortifying their family names to ensure their continued 'respectability' within society.

Then we have Amy-Rose, the mixed daughter of a black enslaved mother and her white slave owner father, who grew up with and is now in the employ of the Davenports and how difficult it is to be shunned by both white and black society. Olivia's move into activism was an interesting one and it was even more interesting to hear that her parents had done the same but had become somewhat jaded by the lack of progress.

All in all, while it took me a little while to get into at the beginning, this was a really fantastic read! By the end, I was pretty sucked into the story and now I'm just sad there's going to be a wait for book two. Definitely, one I'll be recommending to young readers looking for their next favourite read.

Thank you to Penguin Random House for providing an arc to booksellers in exchange for an unbiased (but albeit late) review!

mermaidmoonqueen's review against another edition

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informative lighthearted sad slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.25

jasarahines's review against another edition

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lighthearted tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

shelbyanoel's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring lighthearted reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

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