"Last Night at the Telegraph Club" by Malinda Lo is a historical fiction novel set in 1950s San Francisco, focusing on the life of Lily Hu, a Chinese American girl navigating her identity and sexuality. Lily finds herself drawn to the underground lesbian community at the Telegraph Club, where she forms a deep connection with Kath. The book beautifully captures the complexities of Lily's experiences as she grapples with societal expectations, racism, and her burgeoning queer identity, all against the backdrop of the Red Scare and the Cold War era. Through vivid descriptions and intricate character development, the author paints a poignant coming-of-age story that delves into themes of love, acceptance, and self-discovery.
The narrative of "Last Night at the Telegraph Club" is richly layered with historical events and cultural nuances, providing readers with a compelling exploration of Lily's journey towards embracing her true self amidst a time of societal constraints and prejudices. Lo's writing style masterfully weaves together elements of romance, historical context, and personal growth, creating a captivating tale that immerses readers in the vibrant setting of 1950s San Francisco and the challenges faced by Lily as she navigates her identity in a world that seeks to confine her.
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Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
Content warnings include racism, microaggressions, usage of slurs, homophobia, and xenophobia.
Has Romance?
The novel features a strong romantic subplot between the two main characters.
From The Publisher:
"Proof of Malinda Lo's skill at creating darkly romantic tales of love in the face of danger."-O: The Oprah Magazine
"The queer romance we've been waiting for."-Ms. Magazine
"Restrained yet luscious."-Sarah Waters, bestselling author of Tipping the Velvet
A National Bestseller
Seventeen-year-old Lily Hu can't remember exactly when the feeling took root-that desire to look, to move closer, to touch. Whenever it started growing, it definitely bloomed the moment she and Kathleen Miller walked under the flashing neon sign of a lesbian bar called the Telegraph Club. Suddenly everything seemed possible.
But America in 1954 is not a safe place for two girls to fall in love, especially not in Chinatown. Red-Scare paranoia threatens everyone, including Chinese Americans like Lily. With deportation looming over her father-despite his hard-won citizenship-Lily and Kath risk everything to let their love see the light of day.
Ratings (41)
Incredible (8) | |
Loved It (19) | |
Liked It (8) | |
It Was OK (6) |
Reader Stats (130):
Read It (41) | |
Currently Reading (4) | |
Want To Read (72) | |
Did Not Finish (1) | |
Not Interested (12) |
2 comment(s)
****3.5***
I picked up this book because
1) The Title was catchy.
2) The Cover was amazing.
3) This book fits for one of my yearly challenge.
Lily Hu is a American-Chinese girl in 1950’s living in San Francisco Chinatown. A very turbulent time for Chinese people in America as American government suspecting every Chinese to be a Communist. Lily is a very ambitious girl with a good head on her neck. She is studious and not interested in boys, marriage or kids. Lily has a dream of working for space. Soon Lily is drawn to another girl Kath in school who shares similar interests as herself. And romance blooms between them which is all new to Lily. Kath introduces Lily to Telegraph club, a bar where people like them can be themselves while world outside is not at all friendly towards the homosexuals. The story twists and turns after a raid at the Telegraph Club and Lily’s life turns upside down.
A very well researched book but the thing that fascinated me was effortless writing. I was into the story from the first line. Just slipped in. I liked the characters but I feel Kath’s character was a bit dreamlike, nothing concrete, just floating kind. I would have liked more of Kath and her emotions.
The plot was slow almost till 70% of the book nothing major happens. And after 70% there is a massive overflow of emotions, drama etc.
It was a very enjoyable read if I overlook the slow paced execution. A really easy to get in romance story.
Happy Reading!!
A beautiful historical sapphic romance. I loved it so much but it did make me very sad because I know my mother would react the same way and I hate her for it.
What can you read after
Last Night at the Telegraph Club?
About the Author:
Malinda Lo is the bestselling and critically acclaimed author of several novels, including Last Night at the Telegraph Club, which received eight starred reviews. Her debut, Ash, a lesbian retelling of Cinderella, was a finalist for the William C. Morris Award,…
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