by Krystal Marquis. Dial Books, an imprint of Penguin Random House; January 2023
“Krystal Marquis studied biology at Boston College and University of Connecticut and now works as an Environmental, Health, and Safety Manager for the world’s biggest booksellers. A lifelong reader, Krystal began researching and writing on a dare to complete the NaNoWriMo (National NovelWriting Month) Challenge, resulting in the first partial draft of The Davenports. Krystal enjoys hiking, expanding her shoe collection, and plotting ways to create her own Jurassic Park.”—from the publisher.
Welcome to the lifestyle of the Black rich and famous! In 1910 Chicago, the Davenports are one of the few Black families with vast wealth and prominence. William Davenport, a formerly enslaved man, founded the Davenport Carriage Company that transports some of Chicago’s affluent families. Mrs. Davenport stays busy with managing the household staff, organizing, and hosting some of the best parties in Chicago. Their three children -John, Olivia, and Helen- are preparing for their futures, both financially and romantically. John, the heir apparent to The Davenport Carriage Company, has innovative ideas to successfully lead the company into the future. His dad is resistant to the ideas and his mom is resistant to John’s love interest. John’s future is uncertain. Olivia, the eldest daughter is ready to get married. Her suitor, Mr. Lawrence, may have the finances but not necessarily her heart. Then there is Helen, who would rather be working alongside John on automobiles than getting ready for marriage. But, an unlikely gentleman is steering her interest towards him. Amy-Rose, a childhood friend, now a maid to the Davenport sisters, wants to open her own business. She loves a man she cannot have. Ruby, Olivia’s best friend, loves John. John doesn’t seem to be interested in her, but someone else is definitely interested in Ruby. Can these four women, Olivia, Helen, Amy Rose, and Ruby find love and fulfill their dreams? In Marquis’ debut novel, romance is a definite possibilty; fulfilling their dreams seem impossible.
Marquis’ story is inspired by the real-life story of C. R. Patterson and his family. C. R. Patterson had a successful carriage manufacturing business, and three daughters. Marquis found information about C. R. Patterson and his company, but only a few articles mentioned the daughters, Dorothea (Dollie), Mary, and Kate. Marquis wondered what life was like for these women in their positions. Thus, The Davenports became that story about the dreams and ambitions of the Davenport children.
What works: Marquis’ story of a wealthy Black family in the 1900s is refreshing and unique. Her thorough research of this time period is clearly reflected in this novel. Marquis’ descriptions allows the reader to feel the sights and sounds of Chicago, visualize the fashions, party with the Davenports, empathize with protestors, and react to racist behaviors. Furthermore, Marquis creates each female character with her own distinctive personality that matches well with their dreams, hopes, ambitions, and romantic relationships.
What doesn’t work: The story is to be continued in the next book, which, for me, can be problematic. If the first novel is excellent, then the second novel is expected be excellent, too. Marquis wrote a solid story in the first book. I wish she had written a satisfying conclusion. However, Marquis has more to write about these characters’ lives, which she plans to do in the next book. Now I must wait and see that whenever the sequel is published, the story will have a satisfying conclusion.
Pass it or grab it: Grab it. The romance, and lifestyle of the Black rich and famous will attract and engage the readers. Appropriate for young adults and adults.
Black Cotton Reviewers 