Last Night At The Telegraph Club
ISBN 978-0525555278
Bibliography:
Lo, M. (2021). LAST NIGHT AT THE TELEGRAPH CLUB.New York, Dutton Books.
Plot Summary:
Lily Hu, a high school student from Chinatown, meets a friend named Kathleen Miller. Kathleen notices a picture of a performer named Tommy Andrews Lily has been carrying in her backpack and tells her that she has been to the Telegraph Club, which is where he performs. The two girls begin to spend more time together. Lily’s parents express their concern over her attending the picnic that Calvin invited her to because they believe it was hosted by a communist organization. Lily shows Kath a novel she found at a drugstore which talks about homosexual relationships She also discovers that the Telegraph club is a lesbian club after which they both arrange to go. Lily leaves her house without her parents knowing and goes to the club where she discovers that Tommy Andrews is an actual person and not just someone depicted in a picture.Lily has too much to drink and confesses to Kath that she has feelings for her and Kath says the same thing.During their last visit to the club, it is raided and both Kath and Lily are separated. Lily finally tells her mother that she had been going to the Telegraph Club, and her mother expresses her disapproval. After a year, Lily and Kath find each other and share their love for each other.
Critical Analysis:
The Last Night at the Telegraph Club takes place in mid-50’s San Francisco, when the Cold War was in full effect, and the fear of communist ideals was running rampant. The idea of homosexuality was taboo. The notion of same-sexed relationships was frowned upon, and people that engaged in such acts were shunned prompting the need for secrecy. Lo develops her main characters in a way that depicts the hardships homosexuals faced during this period, and in many ways experience today. It gives the reader a front-row seat in the theater of the characters’ lives and feelings and draws the reader in to feel what Lily and Kath felt. Many people will relate to Lily and Kath’s situation as they experience the same judgment. With wider acceptance of alternative lifestyles, however, this book will be a welcome addition to any reader’s library. It pushes the envelope and goes against traditional relationships, but there is no fear of repercussions. Because of the sensitive nature of its content, I feel this book is more appropriate for students ages 15 and up.
Review Excerpt(s):
“Finally, the intersectional, lesbian, historical teen novel so many readers have been waiting for.”—Kirkus, starred review
“A must-read love story…alternately heart-wrenching and satisfying.”—Booklist, starred review
"This standout work of historical fiction combines meticulous research with tender romance to create a riveting bildungsroman."—Horn Book, starred review
Winner of the National Book Award
Winner of the Stonewall Medal
Winner of Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature
A Michael L. Printz Honor Book
Connection:
*Social Studies - Students can study the Cold War.
*Social Studies - Students can learn about communism.
*Read Firekeeper’s Daughter by Angeline Boulley ISBN:978-1250766564
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