The Davenports

Starred review from November 14, 2022
This stunningly wrought historical fiction debut follows a group of Black teens navigating classism, familial expectations, gender norms, and racism in 1910 Chicago. William Davenport is the formerly enslaved head of one of the city’s few wealthy Black families. As such, his children—Olivia, John, and Helen—and their associates are constantly in the public eye. While Olivia is courted by a proper Black Englishman, she meets a civil rights activist who makes her question her privileged upbringing and encourages her to face ongoing postslavery horrors. Olivia’s best friend, Ruby, is in love with John, though his interest has always been fleeting. But when it becomes clear that marrying John would benefit her family, Ruby starts plotting a scheme to win his heart. Meanwhile, Helen would rather work on vehicles than conform to traditional gender roles, and the siblings’ childhood friend turned maid, Amy Rose, has ambitions to start her own business. Marquis perceptively explores the history and momentous impact of Black achievements and wealth during an underreported period in U.S. history. Employing expert characterization and complex dynamics, the author presents a cast of take-charge women, undeterred by their struggles and pursuing their passions regardless of expectations. Ages 12–up.

January 1, 2023

Gr 8 Up-Set in 1910, this novel offers readers a glimpse inside the lives of a wealthy Black family from Chicago, the titular Davenports. This novel centers around three teens in the family: Olivia, John, and Helen, along with their friends and associates. Debut author Marquis weaves the characters' stories in such a way that leaves readers anticipating the next chapter each time. This book includes romance, politics, activism, family relationships, and the journey from childhood to adulthood. Will the characters get married to please their parents? Will they follow their own dreams and interests? Growing up means discovering who you are and sometimes making painful decisions. The author's skilled descriptions give readers a real connection to the characters. This is a well-written novel, sure to please fans of historical fiction, romance, and Chicago history. Young adults and adults alike will learn from and enjoy this novel. VERDICT Recommended for all collections.-April Crowder

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Starred review from March 15, 2023
Grades 7-10 *Starred Review* It's 1910, and in Chicago, the Davenports are one of the few Black families to achieve wealth and status. Formerly enslaved William Davenport runs a successful carriage company and searches futilely for the brother he was separated from when they escaped slavery. His three children are preoccupied with the present. Olivia, the perfect society girl, knows it's her responsibility to marry well. But as a handsome civil rights lawyer opens her eyes to the realities Black people face, she begins to wonder if there's more beyond her world. Her younger sister Helen's days spent fixing cars and dreaming of taking over their father's business are the worst-kept secret in town, until her sister's erstwhile suitor sweeps her off her feet. Their brother, John, is falling for Amy-Rose, the mixed-race maid saving up for her own shop and facing suspicion from the Black community for her lighter skin. And Ruby, Olivia's best friend, tries to win John's affections as her family's fortunes fail, but she may accidentally be falling for the man she's made her pawn. Though it has the compulsive readability of Gossip Girl, this debut was inspired by the true, little-known history of the C.R. Patterson & Sons carriage company. As a forgotten history, as a celebration of Black entrepreneurship, and as a tale of ambitious young women forging their own paths, it should be widely shared.

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Starred review from November 15, 2022
In 1910 Chicago, four young Black women navigate the expectations they are saddled with. As one of the city's most highly respected families, the Davenports must uphold the legacy their formerly enslaved father built. Eldest daughter Olivia feels pressured to find the perfect matrimonial match, especially as her younger sister, Helen, can't be bothered with anything other than helping their entrepreneurial brother, John, fix horseless carriages. Enter Jacob Lawrence, the season's most eligible Black British bachelor. Despite Olivia and Jacob's seemingly successful courtship, both are distracted: Jacob by Helen's desire to be more than society allows and Olivia by her newfound passion for civil rights and a handsome Alabama lawyer speaking out against Jim Crow. The sisters aren't the only residents of Freeport Manor with lofty ambitions, however. Maid Amy-Rose, who arrived as a child and grew up as the sisters' friend (her late mother was the family maid before her), dreams of owning a hair salon, but her attraction to John may prove distracting. Ruby, Olivia's best friend, pined after John for years, but his attention has waned since his return from university. Attempting to lure him back, Ruby entertains another gentleman, but the unexpected feelings that arise leave her torn between familial obligation and personal happiness. This deftly written series opener examines the lives of Black elites following Reconstruction with a focus on the constraints of women. The strong characterization, developed through alternating third-person perspectives, and descriptive setting lure readers in. A dazzling debut. (Historical romance. 12-18)

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