Book Overview
*Instant New York Times Bestseller* The Davenports delivers a totally escapist, swoon-worthy romance while offering a glimpse into a period of African American history often overlooked. "The perfect read for fans of escapist historical fiction." --NBC's TODAY The Davenports are one of the few Black families of immense wealth and status in a changing United States, their fortune made through the entrepreneurship of William Davenport, a formerly enslaved man who founded the Davenport Carriage Company years ago. Now it's 1910, and the Davenports live surrounded by servants, crystal chandeliers, and endless parties, finding their way and finding love--even where they're not supposed to. There is Olivia, the beautiful elder Davenport daughter, ready to do her duty by getting married . . . until she meets the charismatic civil rights leader Washington DeWight and sparks fly. The younger daughter, Helen, is more interested in fixing cars than falling in love--unless it's with her sister's suitor. Amy-Rose, the childhood friend turned maid to the Davenport sisters, dreams of opening her own business--and marrying the one man she could never be with, Olivia and Helen's brother, John. But Olivia's best friend, Ruby, also has her sights set on John Davenport, though she can't seem to keep his interest . . . until family pressure has her scheming to win his heart, just as someone else wins hers. Inspired by the real-life story of the Patterson family, The Davenports is the tale of four determined and passionate young Black women discovering the courage to steer their own path in life--and love. "The Davenports has it all: romance, heartbreak, courage." --Ebony
"A fresh, utterly enchanting read." --Ayana Gray, New York Times bestselling author of the Beasts of Prey trilogy
"Deftly written . . . A dazzling debut." --Kirkus (starred review)
"Stunningly wrought . . . Presents a cast of take-charge women." --PW (starred review)
"It has the compulsive readability of Gossip Girl." --Booklist (starred review)
"Compelling . . . distinct and satisfying." --BCCB
"Skilled . . . Well-written . . . Sure to please." --SLJ
"If this whole series existed right now, I'd tear through it to the exclusion of everything else in my life." --Teen Librarian Toolbox
"A fresh, utterly enchanting read." --Ayana Gray, New York Times bestselling author of the Beasts of Prey trilogy
"Deftly written . . . A dazzling debut." --Kirkus (starred review)
"Stunningly wrought . . . Presents a cast of take-charge women." --PW (starred review)
"It has the compulsive readability of Gossip Girl." --Booklist (starred review)
"Compelling . . . distinct and satisfying." --BCCB
"Skilled . . . Well-written . . . Sure to please." --SLJ
"If this whole series existed right now, I'd tear through it to the exclusion of everything else in my life." --Teen Librarian Toolbox
Format:Hardcover
Language:English
ISBN:0593463331
ISBN13:9780593463338
Release Date:January 2023
Publisher:Dial Books
Length:384 Pages
Weight:1.14 lbs.
Dimensions:1.6" x 5.7" x 8.3"
Age Range:12 years and up
Grade Range:Grade 7 and higher
Customer Reviews
3 ratings
Womanhood and Black Victorians of the early 20th Century
Published by Lisa , 6 months ago
I really wanted to enjoy this book, but found that it didn’t keep my interest throughout. While I was very intrigued with the overall plot (based on a real family) -the realm of Black Victorians and the unique challenges they faced in the early 20th Century- I found myself bored with the repetitive thoughts and actions of each character. There were a lot of characters too; so here and there I found myself doing a double-take to keep them straight.
This book is worth a read due to the fact there is not much fiction like this. I hope that the next book in the series has a tighter approach with less repetitive characters. Overall, this book could have been 25% shorter than it was.
Engaging
Published by amfaf , 1 year ago
The Davenports follows a rich black family in a time period where it is uncommon. We see the points of view of four main characters as they go through changes in their lives. Olivia is the oldest sister who can be seen as more traditional. Helen is the youngest sister who would rather break away from expectations. Amy-Rose is the girls' maid, and Ruby is Olivia's best friend.
First of all, I really like the cover of the book and the colors. The beginning of the book was a little slow and not as enjoyable as the rest. Once I had actually gotten into the book and began reading, I kept wanting to continue reading. There was not a part where I was bored and I was engaged the whole time. I like the characters and seeing them realize their own faults while growing from them. I also liked seeing how the relationships between characters developed from the beginning of the book to the end. The ending was not as satisfying to me as I would have liked but overall I really enjoyed the book.
Romantic historical fiction with a unique perspective
Published by lurkykitty , 1 year ago
The Davenports is set in 1910s Chicago and is told from the points of view of four young Black women. Formerly enslaved, William Davenport has built the successful Davenport Carriage Company and has become very wealthy. His daughters Olivia and Helen find themselves wanting to follow paths that do not meet their parents' approval. Ruby, Olivia's best friend is under pressure to make a match to further her parents financial and political aspirations. Amy-Rose grew up with Olivia and Helen, now works as the family's maid, and has the goal of opening her own salon. The characters are distinct, and each has a coming-of-age storyline.
I really enjoyed the socioeconomic, political, historical and civil rights aspects of the book. It was fascinating to see Chicago at such a pivotal time through the eyes of these four Black women. I would like even more of the historical context in future books in the series. The Davenports is well-written romantic fiction filled with drama, conflict and a unique historical perspective. Thank you to BookishFirst for a copy to review.
The Davenports Mentions in Our Blog
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Published by Ashly Moore Sheldon • December 27, 2022
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