I feel as though I can sum this novel up in one word: delightful. Everything about it was completely charming, entertaining, and witty. I loved it!
Stacey Lee’s The Downstairs Girl is the story of Chinese-American Jo Kuan in the US reconstruction-era (post-Civil War) Atlanta. Her day job is as a lady’s maid to a harsh mistress, but by night, she secretly pens a controversial, hot newspaper column as ‘Miss Sweetie.’ As her column becomes more popular, she struggles with whether or not she should maintain her anonymity and grapples with her identity as the truth about her family and past comes to light.
The novel was full of pleasant humor, clever puns, and scintillating dialogue. The ‘Miss Sweetie’ letters and replies included at the beginning of chapters were an excellent touch to the story. I found Jo to be a fun and unique heroine, one I rooted and cared for. She had many great qualities while still being a work-in-progress and relatable. Her relationship with Old Gin (her father figure) was heartwarming and full of selflessness. Old Gin was a kind character himself, and I thought Lee brought in Chinese culture through him in a beautiful, natural way.
I also enjoyed Jo’s friendship with Nathan Bell, a likable supporting character. However, I felt it concluded awfully neatly and quickly for how slowly it simmered and developed throughout the book. The other supporting characters were equally likable and colorful, including Noemi, Lizzie, and others. Caroline and Mrs. Payne had layers to them that I wasn’t anticipating uncovering.
Lee balances the many historical elements of the 1890s quite well: the growing suffragist movement, Reconstruction, segregation & racism, upper crust life vs. working class, and – of course – Chinese American life in Atlanta. None of this was overpowering but was essential in shaping up the story.
My only critique is this: I felt the plotline with Billy to be a little scattered. I found myself forgetting exactly who he was at times and why he was important. However, he was an interesting character, so I would’ve loved for that part to be fleshed out more.
This was, in short, a truly charming, easy-to-read, unique historical fiction novel. I really enjoyed it and recommend it to others!
Jessica
Copyright Stacey Lee and Piatkus. Image from Amazon.com.
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