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A review by audreychiao
Last Night at the Telegraph Club by Malinda Lo
3.0
3/5 stars. This was clearly a researched story, and it felt like it. The author incorporated many details about the social-political context and historical background of neighborhoods to flesh out the experience that a young, lesbian, Chinese girl in SF would’ve experienced in the 1950s. This also included flashbacks to Lily’s mother’s and aunt’s pasts which could explain the reason for their actions and thoughts. However, this landed to me as the author telling me so that I have all the information I need, rather than crafting a story with fleshed out characters.
I didn’t feel any of the emotions I feel when reading a well-written coming of age story. There was so much potential, but it wasn’t executed well. I was interested in learning more about Lily’s family and the queer women she interacts with at the club. These characters and relationships were underdeveloped. Rather than feeling moved by these important relationships and moments, i felt stale. I still enjoyed the book nonetheless.
I didn’t feel any of the emotions I feel when reading a well-written coming of age story. There was so much potential, but it wasn’t executed well. I was interested in learning more about Lily’s family and the queer women she interacts with at the club. These characters and relationships were underdeveloped. Rather than feeling moved by these important relationships and moments, i felt stale. I still enjoyed the book nonetheless.