The Downstairs Girl by Stacey Lee
ISBN : 978-1524740979
Bibliography:
Lee, S. (2019). THE DOWNSTAIRS GIRL. G.P. Putnam's Sons.
Plot Summary:
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 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.
Critical Analysis:
Lee offers a historical novel with a unique twist. This Asian- American culture book dives into the life of Jo Kuan whose life is being challenged in many ways. I appreciate how Lee gives Jo Kuan such a witty attitude that makes the storyline more appealing. The story depicts how living in Atlanta as an asian woman in the nineteenth century was affected by all the scandals and hardships she had to endure. The story also describes how segregation had a big impact on the characters in the story. Although this was a historical novel I feel students will become more attracted to it, especially young female adults, because of all the fashion depictions involved as well as with the grand exposure of feminism, Jo really shines in the story and gives hope to young readers to chase their goals. As I was reading the story, I got to picture so many of the scenarios because of the vivid descriptions. Although I did not live in that era, I feel Lee did a tremendous job describing so many of the identities of the characters. I would recommend this book to be read to older students, particularly high school.
Review Excerpt(s):
* “Luminous . . . An optimistic, sophisticated portrayal of one facet of Chinese-American—and simply American—history.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review
* “This spectacular, voice-driven novel raises powerful questions about how we understand the past, as well as the ways our current moment is still shaped by that understanding.” —Booklist, starred review
* “Unflinching in its portrayals of racism yet ultimately hopeful and heartfelt, this narrative places voices frequently left out of historical fiction center stage.” —School Library Journal, starred review
* “This captivating novel explores intersectionality, conveys the effects of restrictions placed on women and people of color, and celebrates the strengths and talents of marginalized people struggling to break society’s barriers in any age.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review
Connection:
*Students can write about the setting, characters, rising action, conflict, climax, falling action, and resolution of the story.
*Students can compare and contrast Asian culture to their culture.
Other similar books:
LUCK OF THE TITANIC by Stacey Lee ISBN:978-1524740986
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