The Davenports
(Sprache: Englisch)
The Davenports are one of the few Black families of immense wealth and status in 1910 Chicago, and the two daughters, Olivia and Helen, are finding their way and finding love--even where they are not supposed to.
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The Davenports are one of the few Black families of immense wealth and status in 1910 Chicago, and the two daughters, Olivia and Helen, are finding their way and finding love--even where they are not supposed to.
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Chapter 1Olivia
Olivia Elise Davenport pulled a bolt of vibrant yellow silk from the display and held it to her dark complexion. She was drawn to the bright fabric nearly hidden behind the muted pastels, a shock of sunshine peeking through the clouds, and wondered if it was too bright for so early in the season. In her free hand, she held a sample of beaded lace and tried to imagine the sound it would make whispering around her ankles while she danced. There will be a lot of dancing, she thought.
Anticipation bubbled in her chest. The season of ball gowns and champagne had arrived at the conclusion of the Easter celebrations. Now that Olivia was out in society, it was time for her to find a husband. It was her second season, and she was ready. Ready to do her duty and make her parents proud, as she d always done.
The only problem? It was difficult to find eligible gentlemen born into the right family, educated, and set to inherit a large fortune who were also Black.
Olivia took a deep breath. The yellow silk fell from her arm. She knew what her mother would say: It was too loud. Besides, she d only come here to pick up a few finished alterations.
May I help you?
Olivia started at the voice over her shoulder. A shop attendant stood next to her with her hands clasped. Despite the smile on her face, her cold blue eyes betrayed a different intent.
I was just admiring the fabric selection. Olivia turned toward the display of broad-brimmed hats, ignoring the eyes of the shop girl digging into her back. And waiting for my friend, she added. Where is Ruby, anyway? It was her best friend who insisted they send the servants ahead with their parcels and browse Marshall Field s unaccompanied. And now she was nowhere to be found.
The shop girl cleared her throat. You may pick up your mistress s orders at the service desk. I could direct you, if you ve lost your way.
I know where the service desk is, thank you, Olivia said with a tight smile, ignoring the slight.
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All around them, pale faces watched the exchange with increasing curiosity. Someone behind her chuckled.
She remembered her mother s words: to always rise above. Because her family was rare. Wealthy. Beautiful. Black. Ruby wore her wealth like armor, usually in the form of jewels and furs. Olivia preferred the understated air she observed in her mother.
Today, those perfect manners didn t matter. Her beauty was no shield. All the young girl before her could see was the color of Olivia s skin. She stiffened her spine, pulling herself to her full height. Olivia pointed to the largest jeweled broach in the display in front of her. I d like this boxed, please. And I d like that hat as well. For my sister. She always gets cross when I come home without something for her, she said conspiratorially to the other patrons though she knew full well Helen would prefer a pair of pliers to a hat. Olivia walked slowly around the room. Those gloves. She tapped her chin thoughtfully. Five yards of that yellow silk
Excuse me
Miss, Olivia provided.
The shop girl s cheeks reddened.
Good, Olivia thought, she s realized her mistake.
Miss, the shop girl huffed, clearly frazzled. Your choices are quite expensive.
Yes, well, Olivia said, the playfulness vanishing from her tone, I have expensive taste. You can charge it to my family s account. Her eyes cut back to the shop girl. The name is Davenport.
There weren t many Black shoppers ordering white attendants around department stores. But Davenport, a name cultivated by her father s hard work and her mother s determination, wa
She remembered her mother s words: to always rise above. Because her family was rare. Wealthy. Beautiful. Black. Ruby wore her wealth like armor, usually in the form of jewels and furs. Olivia preferred the understated air she observed in her mother.
Today, those perfect manners didn t matter. Her beauty was no shield. All the young girl before her could see was the color of Olivia s skin. She stiffened her spine, pulling herself to her full height. Olivia pointed to the largest jeweled broach in the display in front of her. I d like this boxed, please. And I d like that hat as well. For my sister. She always gets cross when I come home without something for her, she said conspiratorially to the other patrons though she knew full well Helen would prefer a pair of pliers to a hat. Olivia walked slowly around the room. Those gloves. She tapped her chin thoughtfully. Five yards of that yellow silk
Excuse me
Miss, Olivia provided.
The shop girl s cheeks reddened.
Good, Olivia thought, she s realized her mistake.
Miss, the shop girl huffed, clearly frazzled. Your choices are quite expensive.
Yes, well, Olivia said, the playfulness vanishing from her tone, I have expensive taste. You can charge it to my family s account. Her eyes cut back to the shop girl. The name is Davenport.
There weren t many Black shoppers ordering white attendants around department stores. But Davenport, a name cultivated by her father s hard work and her mother s determination, wa
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Autoren-Porträt von Krystal Marquis
Krystal Marquis happily spends most of her time in libraries and used bookstores. She studied biology at Boston College and University of Connecticut and now works as an environmental, health, and safety manager for an online retailer. A lifelong reader, Krystal began researching and writing on a dare to complete the NaNoWriMo Challenge, resulting in the first partial draft of The Davenports. When not writing or planning trips to the Book Barn to discover her next favorite romance, Krystal enjoys hiking, expanding her shoe collection, and plotting ways to create her own Jurassic Park.
Bibliographische Angaben
- Autor: Krystal Marquis
- Altersempfehlung: Ab 12 Jahre
- 2023, 384 Seiten, Maße: 14,3 x 21,6 cm, Gebunden, Englisch
- Verlag: Dial Books
- ISBN-10: 0593463331
- ISBN-13: 9780593463338
- Erscheinungsdatum: 02.02.2023
Sprache:
Englisch
Pressezitat
Instant New York Times Bestseller#1 Indie Next Pick
Heartland Booksellers Award Winner
AAMBC Award Winner
Indies Introduce Featured Title
A Kirkus Reviews Best Book of the Year
The Davenports by Krystal Marquis is the perfect read for fans of escapist historical fiction. We're talking romantic period pieces, lush with hunky suitors, lavish balls and endless love triangles. This Bridgerton-style book documents the Davenport sisters mistrials as they navigate the ever-complex world of love. NBC s TODAY
"The Davenports has it all: romance, heartbreak, courage . . . What makes [it] so intriguing is that it s inspired by the real daughters of automobile magnate C.R. Patterson. Marquis extensive research allows readers to dive into the world of Black excellence in the 1900s, from its grand estates to the glamorous ball gowns." Ebony
With dazzling prose and whip-smart pacing, Krystal Marquis s gorgeous debut spirits readers into a world of polished glamor, but also a world shadowed by painful reckonings. Through trial, defeat, defiance, and triumph, its characters offer heart and perspective. The Davenports is a fresh, utterly enchanting read, and a much-needed addition to the contemporary canon of Black literature. Ayana Gray, New York Times bestselling author of the Beasts of Prey trilogy
"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." Kirkus (starred review)
"This stunningly wrought historical fiction debut follows a group of Black teens navigating classism, familial expectations, gender norms, and racism in 1910 Chicago. . . . Marquis perceptively explores the history and momentous impact of Black achievements and wealth during an underreported
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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." Publishers Weekly (starred review)
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. Booklist (starred review)
"Marquis weaves the characters stories in such a way that leaves readers anticipating the next chapter each time [and] 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. Recommended." SLJ
"Each girl brings a compelling arc to this series opener, and debut author Marquis crafts the rich setting with intriguing historical details and explorations of lesser-known Black history in the grand tradition of romance novelist Beverly Jenkins. . . . The distinct and satisfying emotional journeys of the four protagonists are wonderful [and] the book ends on a cliffhanger for the Davenport siblings, giving fans of historical fiction, and particularly those looking for Black representation without trauma, something to look forward to." BCCB
"I loved this book . . . It s all SO GOOD. And yes, it s a lot about romance, which is great, but it s also about so much more. [It's about] wealthy Black families in the early 1900s and seeing their stories, as they navigate spaces not necessarily welcoming to them, while building their own businesses, communities, and networks . . . The characters are all well-developed, leading rich, complicated lives . . . If this whole series existed right now, I d tear through it to the exclusion of everything else in my life. An excellent debut about challenging expectations and finding your own path." Teen Librarian Toolbox
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. Booklist (starred review)
"Marquis weaves the characters stories in such a way that leaves readers anticipating the next chapter each time [and] 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. Recommended." SLJ
"Each girl brings a compelling arc to this series opener, and debut author Marquis crafts the rich setting with intriguing historical details and explorations of lesser-known Black history in the grand tradition of romance novelist Beverly Jenkins. . . . The distinct and satisfying emotional journeys of the four protagonists are wonderful [and] the book ends on a cliffhanger for the Davenport siblings, giving fans of historical fiction, and particularly those looking for Black representation without trauma, something to look forward to." BCCB
"I loved this book . . . It s all SO GOOD. And yes, it s a lot about romance, which is great, but it s also about so much more. [It's about] wealthy Black families in the early 1900s and seeing their stories, as they navigate spaces not necessarily welcoming to them, while building their own businesses, communities, and networks . . . The characters are all well-developed, leading rich, complicated lives . . . If this whole series existed right now, I d tear through it to the exclusion of everything else in my life. An excellent debut about challenging expectations and finding your own path." Teen Librarian Toolbox
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