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A review by natashaleighton_
The Davenports by Krystal Marquis
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
Compelling and gorgeously descriptive, Krystal Marquis’ The Davenports is an expertly written historical YA that will appeal to fans of Downton Abbey or swoon-worthy, character driven romances.
It follows the the lives of four young black women (two of whom hail from the titular Davenports, a wealthy Black family) navigating love, life and America’s social elite in 1910s Chicago.
This was such an incredibly enjoyable read, which sees each of our young and determined heroines bravely pursue their own paths to happiness and success, whilst simultaneously navigating the complex (and often unfair) societal expectations that dictate their lives.
I loved how well written and vibrant all our protagonists were, but I must admit Helen and Amy-Rose (both aspiring, entrepreneurs and business owners) did steal my heart. Helen for her spirited ingenuity and goal orientated drive that disregards what her parents (and society) expect of her and Amy-Rose, for her determination to turn her skills into a viable business (in the hopes of giving up her job as a maid to become a salon owner.)
Though the arcs of Olivia and Ruby’s emotional journey were also really good—particularly Olivia who felt goes through the biggest transformation when she
The romance was definitely intense at times and the chemistry between some of the girls and their love interests was certainly swoon-worthy at times but, the pacing was a little inconsistent. The first half felt a little slow and the last hundred or so pages felt a little rushed.
But nonetheless,amidst the drama, luncheons and glitzy soirées the incredible emotion that’s conveyed through the lives of these young women was incredible. And getting to explore the differing socioeconomic backgrounds of each girl, who despite their differences, all yearn for the same things (to be given the opportunity to decide their own fates) was definitely an eye opener.
Particularly when realising, though these girls are fictional, their experiences are (somewhat) based on real emotions and historical events (such as the Jim Crow laws and the treatment of African Americans) that did impact soo many real people.
If you love historical romances then I definitely recommend checking this out but do be aware this is the first book in a a series and does end on a bit of a cliff hanger for each character.
It follows the the lives of four young black women (two of whom hail from the titular Davenports, a wealthy Black family) navigating love, life and America’s social elite in 1910s Chicago.
This was such an incredibly enjoyable read, which sees each of our young and determined heroines bravely pursue their own paths to happiness and success, whilst simultaneously navigating the complex (and often unfair) societal expectations that dictate their lives.
I loved how well written and vibrant all our protagonists were, but I must admit Helen and Amy-Rose (both aspiring, entrepreneurs and business owners) did steal my heart. Helen for her spirited ingenuity and goal orientated drive that disregards what her parents (and society) expect of her and Amy-Rose, for her determination to turn her skills into a viable business (in the hopes of giving up her job as a maid to become a salon owner.)
Though the arcs of Olivia and Ruby’s emotional journey were also really good—particularly Olivia who felt goes through the biggest transformation when she
The romance was definitely intense at times and the chemistry between some of the girls and their love interests was certainly swoon-worthy at times but, the pacing was a little inconsistent. The first half felt a little slow and the last hundred or so pages felt a little rushed.
But nonetheless,amidst the drama, luncheons and glitzy soirées the incredible emotion that’s conveyed through the lives of these young women was incredible. And getting to explore the differing socioeconomic backgrounds of each girl, who despite their differences, all yearn for the same things (to be given the opportunity to decide their own fates) was definitely an eye opener.
Particularly when realising, though these girls are fictional, their experiences are (somewhat) based on real emotions and historical events (such as the Jim Crow laws and the treatment of African Americans) that did impact soo many real people.
If you love historical romances then I definitely recommend checking this out but do be aware this is the first book in a a series and does end on a bit of a cliff hanger for each character.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Classism
Moderate: Racism and Misogyny
Minor: Slavery