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A review by abbi_paige
The Davenports by Krystal Marquis
4.0
The delightfully layered, beautifully Black, semi-historical romance we have been needing in the YA space! If you are looking for the butterflies of first love, complicated family dynamics, approachable yet honest looks at racial injustice in America, and a dazzling dress or two, this book is a must read!
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Carriage rides, lavish parties, and stylish strolls through the South Side of a 1910's Chicago have become the suitable activities for the Davenport Sisters. Daughters of one of the few wealthy Black families in the shifting United States, Olivia and Helen have come of age and are expected to find their suiters. Along with family friend, Ruby, and beloved maid, Amy Rose, The Davenports follows the story of four women who wrestle with the life they "should "live while daring to explore what could be.
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I absolutely loved living in the world of The Davenports. I felt immersed in the world, and had such a blast imagining myself attending a ball or two. While Marquis has created such a descriptive world for her readers, I believe her strength truly lies in her ability to write multifaceted, nuanced characters. I experienced a range of emotions "watching" these characters fall in love with the unexpected choice. Be it the "wrong" man or a love for civil rights that doesn't seem suitable or safe for a lady of means.
While the writing felt young (as can be expected for it's intended audience), I still connected to a depth of emotions, often feeling giddiness, sadness, and anger all within the same conversations! A tale-tell sign of a writer who understands the complicated inner workings of her characters.
I would be remiss if I did not touch on the historical elements, and portrayal of Black experience. We need the representation that Marquis has brought into the world. We need to continually look at the racial injustice unique to Black Americans. We need to look at what reconcilation has been done and all that is left to still accomplish. We need to see Black success, art, history, passion, interest, and emotions at the forefront of literature; especially so in the YA space. I can only join and second Marquis' quote from Dr. LaGarrett King in her acknowledgments, "In many ways we wouldn't have a Black Lives Matter movement if Black Lives mattered in the classroom."
Let the Davenports indeed be the beginning of a long awaited and needed spotlight on BIPOC representation in the classroom and the world at large.
__________
Carriage rides, lavish parties, and stylish strolls through the South Side of a 1910's Chicago have become the suitable activities for the Davenport Sisters. Daughters of one of the few wealthy Black families in the shifting United States, Olivia and Helen have come of age and are expected to find their suiters. Along with family friend, Ruby, and beloved maid, Amy Rose, The Davenports follows the story of four women who wrestle with the life they "should "live while daring to explore what could be.
________
I absolutely loved living in the world of The Davenports. I felt immersed in the world, and had such a blast imagining myself attending a ball or two. While Marquis has created such a descriptive world for her readers, I believe her strength truly lies in her ability to write multifaceted, nuanced characters. I experienced a range of emotions "watching" these characters fall in love with the unexpected choice. Be it the "wrong" man or a love for civil rights that doesn't seem suitable or safe for a lady of means.
While the writing felt young (as can be expected for it's intended audience), I still connected to a depth of emotions, often feeling giddiness, sadness, and anger all within the same conversations! A tale-tell sign of a writer who understands the complicated inner workings of her characters.
I would be remiss if I did not touch on the historical elements, and portrayal of Black experience. We need the representation that Marquis has brought into the world. We need to continually look at the racial injustice unique to Black Americans. We need to look at what reconcilation has been done and all that is left to still accomplish. We need to see Black success, art, history, passion, interest, and emotions at the forefront of literature; especially so in the YA space. I can only join and second Marquis' quote from Dr. LaGarrett King in her acknowledgments, "In many ways we wouldn't have a Black Lives Matter movement if Black Lives mattered in the classroom."
Let the Davenports indeed be the beginning of a long awaited and needed spotlight on BIPOC representation in the classroom and the world at large.