★★★★★ 5
An amazing story not to be missed!
Format: Kindle
This just might be my most favorite book of the year! I know we’re only in February, but still! This has long been waiting on my TBR pile and I could kick myself for taking so long to pick this up.
This is a YA historical sapphic tale set in 1950s San Francisco. Lily a high school senior is the epitome of a “good Chinese girl” responsible and respectful. Her world is thrown into a tailspin when she realizes that she likes girls. Accompanying her in this discovery is Kath, a fellow senior and together they find “themselves” under the heady atmosphere of the Telegraph Club.
There was so much to love about this book from the authenticity of the backdrop to the incredibly sweet romance playing out. Malinda Lo has clearly done a ton of research (check out her Author’s note, it’s amazing), you can see it come to life in the rich description of the city, the smokey club, the character mannerisms and interactions. All of which have that ring of reality to it and serves to completely immerse you in that time period.
I loved how Lo slowly built out Lily’s affirmation of who she is from feeling initially guilty about her attraction, to being brave enough to seek out the Telegraph Club to proudly standing up to her beliefs and her love for Kath.
There are lots of side characters and side stories, all serving the purpose of highlighting the political climate, drama and mental makeup of the characters. But my favorite was Lily’s aunt and role model Judy. Her last line “I don’t understand what you’ve been going through, but you’ll just have to put up with me until I do understand.” was just perfect and you know inside that Lily would be okay with Judy in her corner.
That last portion of the book is a lip wobbler so get ready coz it packs a punch and that epilogue was just pure class. No saccharine HEA but something filled with lots of love and hope. The hype is well deserved! So don’t put it off anymore just go read it! Easily 5🌟s
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Reviewed in the United States on February 26, 2022
