Book Review: “The Downstairs Girl” by Stacy Lee

“The Downstairs Girl” by Stacy Lee (2019)

Genre: YA, Historical Fiction

Page Length: 374 pages (hardcover edition)

Synopsis:

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. (description from Goodreads)

Review:

I enjoyed reading Lee’s previous work Outrun The Moon and I wanted to seek out more of her historical fiction novels. This one is set in Atlanta during the “Gilded Age” with our main character, Jo Kuan. She is a fiery young woman whose opinions can sometimes get her in trouble, but always she stands up for what she believes in. Jo is progressive, kind, courageous, and wants to fight against her odds to do what she love ans to make a voice for herself.

Lee does not sugarcoat the history of the time and her detailed writing puts readers directly in Jo’s shoes so we can experience everything firsthand. Jo lives in the deep south and because she is Chinese she faces backlash and racism about her heritage. It makes it difficult for her and Old Gin to make a living. Even though life is hard for Jo, she is determined to have a better future.

Jo know that it’s dangerous for her to write for the paper and expose herself, but she wants to be heard. As a writer myself, I really admired Jo’s writing style. She gives great advice as “Miss Sweetie” with a little bit of sass on the. I appreciated that each chapter started with a new Miss Sweetie column piece. The more we get to know Jo, the more the two voices blend together.

This is a solid historical fiction novel through and through. I loved Jo as the main character, her friends, and the love interest. There were even a few twists that took me by surprise, honest, has witty humor, and a little bit of action. The mystery aspect had me questioning everything in the story. This novel allows the reader to get a glimpse of the “Gilded Age” through the lens of a young woman of color. There was some romance in the book, but it was only a small part of it. I appreciated that the more of the focus was put on Jo’s journey.

I can’t wait to read more of Lee’s novels!

Final Verdict: