Trigger warnings: parental abuse, sexism, misogyny, racism, racial slurs, deportation, death of a loved one, homophobia, internalized homophobia, miscarriage. Last Night at the Telegraph club is a book for those constantly in search of something, whose lonely hearts demand they answer its call. For those of you seeking a book that will leave an impact, look no further. I’m only just realizing how much I love bittersweet endings and books that leave things open ended, which this does beautifully.
I don't really have anything more to say except that this book means so much to me, and i'll be thinking about its ending until the end of time. Basically I adored everything about this, and can I just say, found lesbian family is superior to every other trope out there? I’m seriously expecting more of this in the future. There was something so wholesome in Lily finding out that love had been by her side all along. I absolutely loved how it tied together with self discovery and a love realization. Enter into all of this the exploration of the lesbian bar scene, which was just everything to me. Especially as this was a time in America when neither were tolerated. One of the more compelling points throughout though is the main character's journey towards discovering her queer identity and the coming into her identity as a Chinese American. A feeling that remains constant, even during some of the darker moments of the narrative. At its heart, Last Night at the Telegraph Club explores the challenging conditions associated with the era, yet manages to imbue a sense of warmth and belonging in every aspect of the novel. The central focus on the historical events of the time period, specifically the red scare and the bar raids of the 1950’s, were both well researched and thoroughly examined in their exposition. In this incredible story, Malinda Lo gives reference to an era not long past, and the lives of those that have been swept beneath the carpet of history. The descriptive narrative, reminiscent of other historical fiction I have read in the past and enjoyed, led me gently into its waters, before quickly amping up the drama. A book that broke me down almost as many times as it lifted me up. To do so, she’ll enlist the help of an unlikely friend and together they will go forth, unlocking the very secrets that the club has to offer them. To a young girl questioning her identity, the dark nights and lively shows beckon her, bringing with them perhaps the very answers she’s been looking for. In an era brimming with disruption and upheaval, the neon lights of a lesbian bar known as the Telegraph Club offer sanctuary to those in need of it.
A historical fiction set in 1950's San Francisco, focusing on lesbian culture and the coming of age of a Chinese American? More of this please.
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