Published: 2023
Series: The Davenports
Author: Krystal Marquis
Genres: Historical Fiction, Romance, Young Adult, Historical, Historical Romance, African American, Family
Audience (Grade Levels): Grades 9-10
Number of Stars: 4 Stars
Goodreads Link: The Davenports
Triggers: Racial prejudice, institutional racism, classism, economic insecurity
Review By: Gina Iorio
Publisher’s Summary:
In 1910, the Davenports are one of the few Black families of immense wealth and status in a changing United States, their fortune made through the entrepreneurship of William Davenport, a formerly enslaved man who founded the Davenport Carriage Company years ago. Now the Davenports live surrounded by servants, crystal chandeliers, and endless parties, finding their way and finding love—even where they’re not supposed to.
There is Olivia, the beautiful elder Davenport daughter, ready to do her duty by getting married. . . until she meets the charismatic civil rights leader Washington DeWight and sparks fly. The younger daughter, Helen, is more interested in fixing cars than falling in love—unless it’s with her sister’s suitor. Amy-Rose, the childhood friend turned maid to the Davenport sisters, dreams of opening her own business—and marrying the one man she could never be with, Olivia and Helen’s brother, John. But Olivia’s best friend, Ruby, also has her sights set on John Davenport, though she can’t seem to keep his interest . . . until family pressure has her scheming to win his heart, just as someone else wins hers.
The first book in a breathless new series, The Davenports offers a glimpse into a period of African American history often overlooked, while delivering a totally escapist, swoon-worthy read. Inspired by the real-life story of C.R. Patterson and his family, it’s the tale of four determined and passionate young Black women discovering the courage to steer their own path in life—and love.
Review:
The Davenports was a book I have been waiting to read because it’s about wealthy Black families living in Chicago during the 1900s. We don’t see a lot of historical fiction with Black characters and when we do see it the novels are typically about slavery. I quickly found this novel failed to deliver an interesting story. I believe what bogs down this novel are the four narratives of Olivia (the wealthy girl), Helen (sister to a wealthy girl that chaffs under society’s rules), Ruby (pretending to be wealthy but her family is losing their money), and Amy-Rose (servant that wants to open her own beauty salon). The only narratives that were interesting were Ruby and Olivia, but even their stories couldn’t hold my attention. To make matters worse the book just ends with no resolution. Maybe there is a sequel but if there is I won’t be wasting my time. The author does an amazing job of touching on topics of prejudice, racism, and the political climate of the time. Weaving these elements into the story still could not save this novel from being uninspiring.
Classroom & Curricular Connections:
- U.S. History / African American Studies (The Gilded Age & Black Entrepreneurship): This novel centers a highly overlooked aspect of American history: wealthy Black aristocracy and industrial success in the early 20th century. Inspired by the real-life C.R. Patterson family (who founded the first Black-owned automobile manufacturing company), this text allows educators to move past standard narratives centered entirely on slavery or sharecropping to teach about the Black upper class, industrial entrepreneurship, and the political climate of 1910 Chicago.
- Sociology / Women’s Studies (Intersectional Class & Gender Roles): The four differing female perspectives provide a valuable framework for examining early 20th-century social stratification. Students can analyze the distinct limitations placed on wealthy Black women bound by high-society obligations (Olivia and Helen) versus those navigating hidden economic ruin (Ruby) or striving for financial independence as business owners from a servant class (Amy-Rose).
Diversity & Representation:
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The Davenports introduces a crucial element of representation to YA historical fiction by showcasing Black joy, opulence, luxury, and corporate entrepreneurship during the Edwardian era. While the book actively addresses the ever-present realities of systemic racism and social prejudice in 1910, it grants deep agency to its young Black female leads, validating their desires for professional ambition, social activism, and personal autonomy outside of historical trauma tropes.
Readalikes:
- The Luxe by Anna Godbersen
- American Royals by Katharine McGee
- The Guilded Ones by Namina Forna
