A Reese’s Book Club YA Pick and New York Times Bestseller From the critically acclaimed author of Luck of the Titanic, Under a Painted Sky, and Outrun the Moon comes a powerful novel about identity, betrayal, and the meaning of family.By day, seventeen-year-old Jo Kuan works as a lady’s maid for the cruel daughter of one of the wealthiest men in Atlanta. But by night, Jo moonlights as the … the cruel daughter of one of the wealthiest men in Atlanta. But by night, Jo moonlights as the pseudonymous author of a newspaper advice column for the genteel Southern lady, “Dear Miss Sweetie.” When her column becomes wildly popular, she uses the power of the pen to address some of society’s ills, but she’s not prepared for the backlash that follows when her column challenges fixed ideas about race and gender. While her opponents clamor to uncover the secret identity of Miss Sweetie, a mysterious letter sets Jo off on a search for her own past and the parents who abandoned her as a baby. But when her efforts put her in the crosshairs of Atlanta’s most notorious criminal, Jo must decide whether she, a girl used to living in the shadows, is ready to step into the light. With prose that is witty, insightful, and at times heartbreaking, Stacey Lee masterfully crafts an extraordinary social drama set in the New South.
“This vividly rendered historic novel will keep readers riveted as witty, observant Jo deals with the dangers of questioning power.” —The Washington Post
“Holds a mirror to our present issues while giving us a detailed and vibrant picture of life in the past.” —The New York Times
“A joyful read . . . The Downstairs Girl, for all its serious and timely content, is a jolly good time.” —NPR
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I absolutely loved, loved, loved THE DOWNSTAIRS GIRL by
Stacey Lee. Despite the terrible societal oppression of the time, the story is full of hope and love and optimism. It is glorious.
Historical fiction can be depressing AF. I write queer historical romances, which some people insist are “unrealistic” because they have happy endings. As if queer people since the dawn of time have only lived in misery and oppression until the late 20th century or so.
Persecuted people of the past, present, and future can still face systemic oppression and find joy. This book didn’t back away from what Jo and others faced, but Jo’s courage and the depiction of found family were uplifting. I loved everything about this book. I was bracing for tragedy, but it was so satisfying in every way! *draws fangirly hearts*
The Downstairs Girl by Stacey Lee is clever, poignant and funny. It’s a bold portrait about a young Chinese-American woman named Jo who is faced with adversity and finds a creative way to use her voice for greater good.
This is a lyrical and lovely book set in a time in Chinese/American history I had previously known little about. It’s well worth reading.
A triumph of storytelling. The Downstairs Girl is a bold portrait of this country’s past, brilliantly painted with wit, heartbreak, and unflinching honesty. Everyone needs to read this book.
A jewel of a story. By shining a light on the lives of those whom history usually ignores, Lee gives us a marvelous gift: An entirely new and riveting look at our past.
Immersive, important, and thoroughly entertaining, The Downstairs Girl sparkles with all of Stacey Lee’s signature humor, charm, warmth, and wisdom.
I liked Miss Sweeties advice column and her “can do attitude”. She was a risk taker. It is a feel-good story. Some words did keep me guessing. Ex. Bicycles were called safeties, etc.
totally enjoyed this book. I was never aware of the plight of Chinese in the South and really learned a lot about women, Chinese and the women’s movement for voting rights. I have recommended to some friends.
A new book on my Favorites List! We meet Jo, a teen in Atlanta during Reconstruction after the Civil War and her caretaker, Gin, an aging man that cares for her. In the beginning of the book Jo doesn’t know anything about her parents but stay tuned… Jo is yearning to live a full life in a racist society and has remarkable adventures. The Chinese proverbs that Gin uses to teach Jo were magical. This book is labeled Young Adult but don’t let that stop you. It’s a gem.
I love the depth of the characters in this book. The way Lee weaves layers of emotions and inner thoughts, and witticisms through the storyline keeps you enthralled.
Touching & creative. Loved it!
Waste of my time. DNF
Incredible historical fiction. I loved every word of this book and all the fascinating directions it took. The writing is exquisite and full of wonderful imagery. I highly recommend it to readers 11 and older.
I adored this book and loved the sass and wit of the main character. We all wish we could speak and act so eloquently! While it is categorized as YA, I’m not sure how much it would appeal to teenagers. I do recommend it for my adult readers and friends. Delightful book!
I don’t always pay attention to ads, but the cover of this book really intrigued me with it’s Asian heroine and historical style of clothing. I’ve been noticing more and more books with Asian protagonists, which is something I am absolutely thrilled about as an Asian-American woman myself. Historical fiction is my favorite genre, and then to find that there are even horses involved, it’s like the book was written for me!
Jo Kuan lives with her adoptive father, Old Gin, underneath a struggling Atlanta newspaper whose owners are unaware of their presence. Jo works as a lady’s maid for one of the city’s wealthiest families, while spending her nights writing the Focus’s advice column under the name Miss Sweetie.
Miss Sweetie is provocative, with new ideas that challenge those around her with questions of race and gender roles. Meanwhile she searches for answers to her mysterious parentage, while putting everything she holds dear at risk by getting involved with a notorious trader of secrets.
Jo is a Chinese-American young woman growing up in the aftermath of the Southern Reconstruction, where those of Asian descent have even less rights and are despised more than those who are Black. Jo is hardworking, industrious, with a love for words, and a strong dose of common sense. She is irrepressibly forthright and clever both of which get her into trouble and help her.
A riveting coming of age tale, with distinct and engaging narrative, that shows Jo’s wry humor, Southern upbringing, and the influence of Old Gin’s Chinese proverbs. As the story progresses, we see that not everyone is what they appear, and long held secrets revealed can change lives. I loved how this book explores a time in history through the eyes of Jo, a minority not commonly acknowledged in historical fiction set in the same time period and place, giving a unique look at Reconstruction Era Atlanta.
Old Gin is the only father Jo has known, he has sacrificed much to raise her and keep her safe, often telling her truths wrapped in proverbs or fables. Noemi is a talented, and determined young woman with big dreams of a better future. Nathan Bell is a forward thinking young man, who challenges himself to look at the story from different angles.
A thoroughly engaging read from beginning to end, I didn’t want to put it down! Ms. Lee does an excellent job of crafting complex characters against the backdrop of a young nation fighting for women’s rights, turning a blind eye to rampant racism. Secrets whisper, to life in this stunning novel from Stacey Lee, a story about coming of age, equality, courage, truth, secrets, daring, and love. Strong themes of family run through this novel, as well as sacrifice, love and the courage to stand up for yourself. You won’t regret picking this one up!
Books reviewed are checked out from my local library or purchased with my own money, unless otherwise noted.