58 pages • 1 hour read
The Downstairs Girl
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Book Brief
390
Novel • Fiction
Atlanta, Georgia • 1890s
2019
YA
12-18 years
810L
Super Short Summary
In 1890s Atlanta, Jo Kuan, a 17-year-old Chinese American girl, secretly writes a radical advice column while working as a lady’s maid. Her writing challenges societal norms, creating substantial impact. Simultaneously, Jo strives to save her adoptive father from a dangerous criminal and uncover her true parentage, ultimately finding unexpected love and support. The book addresses incidents of racism and references to sexual harassment.
Emotional
Inspirational
Contemplative
Bittersweet
Reviews & Readership
43,417 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
The Downstairs Girl by Stacey Lee is praised for its compelling narrative and rich historical context. Reviewers appreciate the strong, likable protagonist and the exploration of race and gender issues. Some critique the pacing and predictability of certain plot points. Overall, it's seen as an engaging and thought-provoking read.
Who Should Read The Downstairs Girl?
The ideal reader for Stacey Lee's The Downstairs Girl is a young adult who enjoys historical fiction with strong female protagonists and themes of social justice. Fans of titles like To Kill a Mockingbird and The Help will appreciate Lee's exploration of race and identity in the post-Reconstruction South.
43,417 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Old Gin
Old Gin
Jo's grandfather, who has raised her and serves as her moral guide; once a teacher, he is now a stable hand and quietly courageous.
Nathan Bell
Nathan Bell
A young reporter with progressive values, Nathan is sympathetic, idealistic, and ultimately Jo's love interest, known for his understated charm and sensitivity to injustice.
Noemi Withers
Noemi Withers
A tenacious woman of part-Portuguese and part-Black descent, Noemi is a strong role model who fights for her rights and works toward women's suffrage.
Mrs. Payne
Mrs. Payne
A wealthy southern woman and Jo's employer, Mrs. Payne is complex and enigmatic, navigating her role within the confines of societal expectations.
390
Novel • Fiction
Atlanta, Georgia • 1890s
2019
YA
12-18 years
810L
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