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The Downstairs Girl
Alternate cover edition of ISBN 9781524740955.
From the founding member of We Need Diverse Books comes a powerful novel about identity, betrayal, and the meaning of family.
By day, seventeen-year-old Jo Kuan works as a lady's maid for the cruel daughter of one of the wealthiest men in Atlanta. But by night, Jo moonlights as the pseudonymous author of a newspaper advice column for the genteel Southern lady, "Dear Miss Sweetie." When her column becomes wildly popular, she uses the power of the pen to address some of society's ills, but she's not prepared for the backlash that follows when her column challenges fixed ideas about race and gender. While her opponents clamor to uncover the secret identity of Miss Sweetie, a mysterious letter sets Jo off on a search for her own past and the parents who abandoned her as a baby. But when her efforts put her in the crosshairs of Atlanta's most notorious criminal, Jo must decide whether she, a girl used to living in the shadows, is ready to step into the light. With prose that is witty, insightful, and at times heartbreaking, Stacey Lee masterfully crafts an extraordinary social drama set in the New South.
From the founding member of We Need Diverse Books comes a powerful novel about identity, betrayal, and the meaning of family.
By day, seventeen-year-old Jo Kuan works as a lady's maid for the cruel daughter of one of the wealthiest men in Atlanta. But by night, Jo moonlights as the pseudonymous author of a newspaper advice column for the genteel Southern lady, "Dear Miss Sweetie." When her column becomes wildly popular, she uses the power of the pen to address some of society's ills, but she's not prepared for the backlash that follows when her column challenges fixed ideas about race and gender. While her opponents clamor to uncover the secret identity of Miss Sweetie, a mysterious letter sets Jo off on a search for her own past and the parents who abandoned her as a baby. But when her efforts put her in the crosshairs of Atlanta's most notorious criminal, Jo must decide whether she, a girl used to living in the shadows, is ready to step into the light. With prose that is witty, insightful, and at times heartbreaking, Stacey Lee masterfully crafts an extraordinary social drama set in the New South.
374 pages, Hardcover
First published August 13, 2019
2,200 people are currently reading
55.3k people want to read
About the author
Stacey Lee
11 books2,384 followersStacey Lee is the New York Times and Indie bestselling author of historical and contemporary young adult fiction, including THE DOWNSTAIRS GIRL, Reese's Book Club Late Summer 2021 YA pick, and her most recent, LUCK OF THE TITANIC which received five starred reviews. A native of southern California and fourth-generation Chinese American, she is a founder of the We Need Diverse Books movement and writes stories for all kids (even the ones who look like adults). Find her
@staceyleeauthor on Instagram and Twitter, and @staceylee.author on Facebook.
@staceyleeauthor on Instagram and Twitter, and @staceylee.author on Facebook.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 5,046 reviews
June 1, 2020
I like the ideas behind this book and the messages it presents for young girls by showing an Asian woman challenging gender and racial issues. I especially appreciate historical stories that feature Asians in the US and not just Asia. Seeing the protagonist navigate Atlanta as a Chinese woman, as well as portrayals of black solidarity and white feminism, is important - I definitely want to see more of that reflected in stories. Although I typically enjoy historical fiction, however, I wasn't into this book on a personal level. I really like the ideas and themes, but felt like the plot lacked in tension and drama. The stakes weren't raised high enough to be an invigorating story, despite all the potential it had to be more hard-hitting. Much of the problems that the protagonist faces seem to be resolved too easily, which makes it feel like there were no stakes in the first place.
Read
March 27, 2021This is my second Stacey Lee novel and honestly, I can't wait to read more! She writes characters you feel for and root for, especially as the world and society is against them. I loved the concept for this and thought the execution was so well done. I wasn't expecting the twists and turns the story took so that was a nice surprise. There were discussions of feminism and intersectionality in addition to the racism Jo faces as a Chinese American woman living in the south. Her acting as Miss Sweetie and taking those opportunities to use her platform to point out the wrong in society told me so much about her as a character and made me respect her that much more. I did expect that the Miss Sweetie plotline would be more of a hunt and have the stakes be higher, but it didn't really feel like that. The book was a little all over the place at times because there was a lot going on in it, almost too much at times. But overall Jo was such a strong voice and provided a fascinating lens to critique historical southern society from. I found her story really interesting and enjoyed it.
April 29, 2022
Five shining, rebellious, upstanding, remarkable, powerful, emotional stars!
I loved this book because it’s about two things that I love the most: Words and changing!
WORDS are the bridges provide connection between people.
WORDS could get your feet off the ground and give you the freedom to explain, express, educate yourself.
WORDS are faster and powerful weapons, once you used them carelessly, it could even take for years to correct your mistake and you could never take them back.
Words are the models, words are the tools, words are the boards, words are the nails. They are chameleons which reflect the color of the environment.
3 things got my hands glued to this book:
-Those harsh, direct, honest, consisted of truly poured out feelings and opinions seeking out only but only freedom, equality were imprinted on my mind.
-A woman character daily a maid and nightly a column writer who is brave enough writing about unconventional, provocative race and gender issues freely.
-Elegant, beautiful, educative, amazing writing of the author captivated my heart and soul at the same time.
As Albert Einstein said: “The word as we created it is a process of our thinking, It cannot be changed without changing of our thinking.”
So let’s start with the change of our point of views to take a first crucial step for the better version of ourselves and the better world we deserved to live!
I loved this book because it’s about two things that I love the most: Words and changing!
WORDS are the bridges provide connection between people.
WORDS could get your feet off the ground and give you the freedom to explain, express, educate yourself.
WORDS are faster and powerful weapons, once you used them carelessly, it could even take for years to correct your mistake and you could never take them back.
Words are the models, words are the tools, words are the boards, words are the nails. They are chameleons which reflect the color of the environment.
3 things got my hands glued to this book:
-Those harsh, direct, honest, consisted of truly poured out feelings and opinions seeking out only but only freedom, equality were imprinted on my mind.
-A woman character daily a maid and nightly a column writer who is brave enough writing about unconventional, provocative race and gender issues freely.
-Elegant, beautiful, educative, amazing writing of the author captivated my heart and soul at the same time.
As Albert Einstein said: “The word as we created it is a process of our thinking, It cannot be changed without changing of our thinking.”
So let’s start with the change of our point of views to take a first crucial step for the better version of ourselves and the better world we deserved to live!
June 4, 2021
A Modern Mrs Darcy Book Club May 2021 selection
I loved this when I first read it on audio, narrated by Emily Woo Zeller, and subsequently thoroughly enjoyed my reread in print.
Set in Gilded Age Atlanta, this YA pick features a strong teenage heroine who gets herself into hot water when her anonymous advice column soars in popularity. Chinese American Jo works as a lady’s maid for the grumpy, privileged daughter of a wealthy white family. But in her scarce free time, she writes an anonymous advice column called Dear Miss Sweetie. Pretty soon Jo's sassy column is the talk of the town, and the fussy society ladies yearn to know Miss Sweetie's true identity, never suspecting the peril that would put Jo and her family in.
This engaging novel shines a light on little-known historical events, something I always love in this genre.
While this is a YA novel, it can be read and loved by adults (obviously), and I expect many older middle grade readers will also find much to enjoy here.
I loved this when I first read it on audio, narrated by Emily Woo Zeller, and subsequently thoroughly enjoyed my reread in print.
Set in Gilded Age Atlanta, this YA pick features a strong teenage heroine who gets herself into hot water when her anonymous advice column soars in popularity. Chinese American Jo works as a lady’s maid for the grumpy, privileged daughter of a wealthy white family. But in her scarce free time, she writes an anonymous advice column called Dear Miss Sweetie. Pretty soon Jo's sassy column is the talk of the town, and the fussy society ladies yearn to know Miss Sweetie's true identity, never suspecting the peril that would put Jo and her family in.
This engaging novel shines a light on little-known historical events, something I always love in this genre.
While this is a YA novel, it can be read and loved by adults (obviously), and I expect many older middle grade readers will also find much to enjoy here.
July 2, 2022
!!!BEYOND FIVE STARS!!
Oh eme ghe!!! (that's me saying omg in Spanish in case you couldn't tell). I love this book. The 1920's settting, the diversity, the scandals.
Also, we can agree that Lady Whistledown and Miss Sweetie would totally be friends, right?
Anyway. We have Jo Kuan, by day a VERY underpaid maid who works for a former friend and now very spoiled enemy. By night, badass Asian anonymous writer for a newspaper. Slay, what a badass pussy boss.
So our asian hot girl here goes by the name "Miss Sweetie" when working for a supes cool and famous newspaper. And like a random youtube video of some thirty-year-old dude licking his undies, she goes viral.
Now Miss Sweetie is the hot gossip of Atlanta and everybody wants to know who she is. there are two kinds of people in her area:
1. The hot feminists who totally want to help her
2. The not-so-hot but very cold domestic women who want to end her
So yeah, Miss Suhweetie has got A LOT on her plate. Along with some spicy romance and badass remarks.
I totally loved Jo and Noemi (who is Jo's best friend and a badass black bitch). Also Nathan is like the totally supportive boyfriend and I am so here for it. I hated caroline but she kind of gets a redemption arc but not completely.
And the writing, the plot, the pacing. Muah...chefs kisses all over. Call it a serenade.
See ya bitches later.
------------------------------
this book is laced with crack cocaine. IT'S SO FUCKING ADDICTIVE
Review To Come
_____________________________
pretty Asian girl on cover, check
secret persona, check
20'th century setting, check
OKAY...I AM SOLD!
Oh eme ghe!!! (that's me saying omg in Spanish in case you couldn't tell). I love this book. The 1920's settting, the diversity, the scandals.
Also, we can agree that Lady Whistledown and Miss Sweetie would totally be friends, right?
Anyway. We have Jo Kuan, by day a VERY underpaid maid who works for a former friend and now very spoiled enemy. By night, badass Asian anonymous writer for a newspaper. Slay, what a badass pussy boss.
So our asian hot girl here goes by the name "Miss Sweetie" when working for a supes cool and famous newspaper. And like a random youtube video of some thirty-year-old dude licking his undies, she goes viral.
Now Miss Sweetie is the hot gossip of Atlanta and everybody wants to know who she is. there are two kinds of people in her area:
1. The hot feminists who totally want to help her
2. The not-so-hot but very cold domestic women who want to end her
So yeah, Miss Suhweetie has got A LOT on her plate. Along with some spicy romance and badass remarks.
I totally loved Jo and Noemi (who is Jo's best friend and a badass black bitch). Also Nathan is like the totally supportive boyfriend and I am so here for it. I hated caroline but she kind of gets a redemption arc but not completely.
And the writing, the plot, the pacing. Muah...chefs kisses all over. Call it a serenade.
See ya bitches later.
------------------------------
this book is laced with crack cocaine. IT'S SO FUCKING ADDICTIVE
Review To Come
_____________________________
pretty Asian girl on cover, check
secret persona, check
20'th century setting, check
OKAY...I AM SOLD!
April 4, 2021
This book was an absolute DELIGHT.
Without a doubt, my favourite part of this story is its eponymous downstairs girl. Jo Kuan is clever and witty, always with a quirky metaphor or clever pun at the ready; she has definitely made it onto my list of favourite protagonists. Her narration made me laugh in moments both lighthearted and bittersweet.
Best of all, The Downstairs Girl never sacrifices complexity for jest, instead deftly navigating the two to craft a story that feels real and intimate and uplifting.
I’d actually started this book a while back, but set it aside because I thought it would be a heavy read in terms of loss, family, racism, and social injustice, and I just wasn’t in the right space for heavy.
I was wrong. This book does touch on those themes, but never in a way that felt depleting or overwhelming. And I have to credit Jo’s narration, which keeps the novel’s tone on the right side of upbeat. Importantly, Jo is sunny without ever being saccharine, and seeing this reality—the reality of being a Chinese woman in Gilded-Age Atlanta—through her eyes made the story not only particularly real and tangible, but hopeful.
There weren’t many moments of heart-pounding action, with the notable exception of the magnificent climax at the very end of the book—a spectacular horse race whose anticipation simmers and builds throughout the story.
Rather, this book was clever and understated; Jo’s story snuck up on me, her narrative voice growing on me with every page I read.
There were a few plot twists that were fairly predictable, but honestly, this worked for me. It ended up so I wasn’t rushing toward some endgame, trying to figure out this or that scheme. I was able to savour the characters and Stacey Lee’s prose as it unfolded.
BOTTOM LINE: The Downstairs Girl turned out to be such a comfort read for me. I loved exploring Gilded-Age Atlanta through Jo’s eyes; her love and loyalty for her friends and found family shine through each scene.
Without a doubt, my favourite part of this story is its eponymous downstairs girl. Jo Kuan is clever and witty, always with a quirky metaphor or clever pun at the ready; she has definitely made it onto my list of favourite protagonists. Her narration made me laugh in moments both lighthearted and bittersweet.
Best of all, The Downstairs Girl never sacrifices complexity for jest, instead deftly navigating the two to craft a story that feels real and intimate and uplifting.
I’d actually started this book a while back, but set it aside because I thought it would be a heavy read in terms of loss, family, racism, and social injustice, and I just wasn’t in the right space for heavy.
I was wrong. This book does touch on those themes, but never in a way that felt depleting or overwhelming. And I have to credit Jo’s narration, which keeps the novel’s tone on the right side of upbeat. Importantly, Jo is sunny without ever being saccharine, and seeing this reality—the reality of being a Chinese woman in Gilded-Age Atlanta—through her eyes made the story not only particularly real and tangible, but hopeful.
There weren’t many moments of heart-pounding action, with the notable exception of the magnificent climax at the very end of the book—a spectacular horse race whose anticipation simmers and builds throughout the story.
Rather, this book was clever and understated; Jo’s story snuck up on me, her narrative voice growing on me with every page I read.
There were a few plot twists that were fairly predictable, but honestly, this worked for me. It ended up so I wasn’t rushing toward some endgame, trying to figure out this or that scheme. I was able to savour the characters and Stacey Lee’s prose as it unfolded.
BOTTOM LINE: The Downstairs Girl turned out to be such a comfort read for me. I loved exploring Gilded-Age Atlanta through Jo’s eyes; her love and loyalty for her friends and found family shine through each scene.
Life is a chessboard, and if you’ve played it right, your best pieces will be standing in the right squares when you need them most.
September 23, 2019
5/5 ⭐
I think it is safe to say that The Downstairs Girl is one of my favorite books of 2019. I first heard about it thanks to Booktube and quickly became obsessed with getting my own copy as soon as it would be released. Well, it did not disappoint and I really recommend that all of you pick it up because it is absolutely amazing. Last year in college I had a class about the History of feminism and it was truly interesting to see quite a lot of elements I had studied in this book (the bicycle being revolutionary for example as a way for women to express their freedom). I keep saying I really enjoy reading Historical Fiction but I know I don't read enough compared to my Fantasy/Contemporary reading ratio and this book comforted me in the idea that I have to read more.
This book follows Jo Kuan, a seventeen-year-old Chinese American girl who works as a lady's maid by day and who writes anonymously a wildly popular feminist column in 19th century Atlanta. Jo lives with her uncle, Old Gin, after she was abandoned by her parents under the Bells' house. In 1890, racism and segregation were at their highest so I will let you imagine what Jo and her uncle have to face every single day, and even more with Jo being a woman. When you think about it, this time period isn't so far away from us... For sure things have gotten better since the 19th century but we still have a long way to go.
Anyway.
Jo is an amazing character and I honestly wish I could be more like her. She's not afraid to speak her mind and uses her pen name Miss Sweetie to express herself in her column, giving advice to women. Here's one I loved:
or this one too:
Jo is such a good role-model. She is compassionate, deliciously smart and her sense of justice is to root for. She will definitely stay with me for a very long time and I believe this book has the potential to be studied in History class. I know for sure that I will talk about it with my teacher when I see her because it has so many important elements in it! The writing in this book is also exquisite, I was completely absorbed by the pages of this book and regretted not having time to sit down and read it all in one sitting.
To conclude, I need all of you to read this book because it is really important whether you enjoy reading Historical Fiction or not, but especially if you do. It has an amazing feminist main character and does not shy away from exposing the reality of 1890 for POC people. Truly an amazing reading experience and I cannot wait to read more books by Stacy Lee!
My Bookstagram
"The tricky thing about giving opinions is that sometimes they cost you more than you wanted to spend."
I think it is safe to say that The Downstairs Girl is one of my favorite books of 2019. I first heard about it thanks to Booktube and quickly became obsessed with getting my own copy as soon as it would be released. Well, it did not disappoint and I really recommend that all of you pick it up because it is absolutely amazing. Last year in college I had a class about the History of feminism and it was truly interesting to see quite a lot of elements I had studied in this book (the bicycle being revolutionary for example as a way for women to express their freedom). I keep saying I really enjoy reading Historical Fiction but I know I don't read enough compared to my Fantasy/Contemporary reading ratio and this book comforted me in the idea that I have to read more.
This book follows Jo Kuan, a seventeen-year-old Chinese American girl who works as a lady's maid by day and who writes anonymously a wildly popular feminist column in 19th century Atlanta. Jo lives with her uncle, Old Gin, after she was abandoned by her parents under the Bells' house. In 1890, racism and segregation were at their highest so I will let you imagine what Jo and her uncle have to face every single day, and even more with Jo being a woman. When you think about it, this time period isn't so far away from us... For sure things have gotten better since the 19th century but we still have a long way to go.
Anyway.
Jo is an amazing character and I honestly wish I could be more like her. She's not afraid to speak her mind and uses her pen name Miss Sweetie to express herself in her column, giving advice to women. Here's one I loved:
"The best way to boost your attractiveness is to accept yourself the way you are, which will free your mind to pursue creativity and joy."
or this one too:
"We are all candles, and whether we are single or joined with another does not affect how brightly we can burn."
Jo is such a good role-model. She is compassionate, deliciously smart and her sense of justice is to root for. She will definitely stay with me for a very long time and I believe this book has the potential to be studied in History class. I know for sure that I will talk about it with my teacher when I see her because it has so many important elements in it! The writing in this book is also exquisite, I was completely absorbed by the pages of this book and regretted not having time to sit down and read it all in one sitting.
To conclude, I need all of you to read this book because it is really important whether you enjoy reading Historical Fiction or not, but especially if you do. It has an amazing feminist main character and does not shy away from exposing the reality of 1890 for POC people. Truly an amazing reading experience and I cannot wait to read more books by Stacy Lee!
My Bookstagram
August 30, 2019
I put off writing this review. This book completely fumbled its amazing premise, crashed and burned. Will I ever find a book with good Chinese rep?
SPOILERS here, but this book was spoiled goods from the beginning anyway.
Some thoughts:
> The protagonist spends most of the book whining about how she doesn't want to marry an ~icky Chinese man~ (despite having never met one her age) because they're all soooo misogynistic and stifling. Then she falls in love with the first mediocre looking (her words) white man she meets, who is also her employer. She's also living secretly/illegally in his basement. Good thing she's coincidentally picked the most liberal white man in the south!
> There's a part in the book where Old Gin (protag's father) announces in a tramful of people that the two of them, as Chinese people are neither coloured nor white. This is treated as a massive wow moment of logic. The tramful of people are blown away. They get to sit up the front with the white people. Everyone claps. Obama is there.
> SPOILERS: the awful awful 'twist' offended me. Not politically, it was just so illogical that it offended me. In what universe do mixed white-Asian people look IDENTICAL to full-Asians? Believe it or not, there is nuance in the appearance and experiences between the two. Conflating our experiences is not fun. There are two instances of this "passing" in the book and the second is even more illogical than the first.
> Prose was some of the worst I've ever read in a YA book. Stilted, clumsy expression. Compare the first line of this book to the entry by Sarah Stanton in 2019's Lyttle Lytton contest (writing contest for who can write the worst first line to a book). Laugh.
> Never got a real sense of who Jo was. Her actions and words were spunky. Her first person narration was dry as sawdust. It was like being forced to listen to a D&D session where a very boring person has conceptualised a very interesting character, and promptly proceeded to burn them to the ground with the monotony of their voice.
Bleh. 1 star.
SPOILERS here, but this book was spoiled goods from the beginning anyway.
Some thoughts:
> The protagonist spends most of the book whining about how she doesn't want to marry an ~icky Chinese man~ (despite having never met one her age) because they're all soooo misogynistic and stifling. Then she falls in love with the first mediocre looking (her words) white man she meets, who is also her employer. She's also living secretly/illegally in his basement. Good thing she's coincidentally picked the most liberal white man in the south!
> There's a part in the book where Old Gin (protag's father) announces in a tramful of people that the two of them, as Chinese people are neither coloured nor white. This is treated as a massive wow moment of logic. The tramful of people are blown away. They get to sit up the front with the white people. Everyone claps. Obama is there.
> SPOILERS: the awful awful 'twist' offended me. Not politically, it was just so illogical that it offended me. In what universe do mixed white-Asian people look IDENTICAL to full-Asians? Believe it or not, there is nuance in the appearance and experiences between the two. Conflating our experiences is not fun. There are two instances of this "passing" in the book and the second is even more illogical than the first.
> Prose was some of the worst I've ever read in a YA book. Stilted, clumsy expression. Compare the first line of this book to the entry by Sarah Stanton in 2019's Lyttle Lytton contest (writing contest for who can write the worst first line to a book). Laugh.
> Never got a real sense of who Jo was. Her actions and words were spunky. Her first person narration was dry as sawdust. It was like being forced to listen to a D&D session where a very boring person has conceptualised a very interesting character, and promptly proceeded to burn them to the ground with the monotony of their voice.
Bleh. 1 star.
February 8, 2024
I started this book after waiting for months for my turn from the library. I do not typically read secular fiction, but I try to aware of different books with ethically diverse characters that may interest me. This one caught my attention of being set in the South in 1890 with the point of view of a young Chinese girl. It had all the makings of an enjoyable read, I however prefer my reads to be very clean in terms of language, content, and hints. While this book started out decent in those aspects, there quickly became more and more sexual references along with the writing becoming choppy.
I decided to DNF at 61% (223/375 pages) this story after an extremely unnecessary description of an older man (and creep) getting out of the bathtub. Thank you for the lovely images that I will be trying to burn from my memory for next few weeks.
Content up to what I read:
Spiritual:
'H's are capital when referring to (the Christian) God; Mentions of churches & the Christian God; Mentions of Jews; A few mentions of those in the Bible; A mention of a sister thumping Bible-sense into her brother; Mrs. Payne says that religion is what separates humans from animals; Jo recalls when a chaplain told her that Satan had already hooked one claw into her for being born a heathen and that she would have to pray extra hard if I wanted to escape his grasp; Jo thinks praying is a hit-or-miss thing.
*Mentions of ghosts, ancestors, & the Chinese beliefs of ancestral state of existence; A mention of a she-devil.
Negative:
Lots of racism, meanness, and slurs are said (and written); Mentions of the war, slavery, & slaves; Mentions of hangings & mobs; Mentions of blackmail; Mentions of drinking, hangovers, drunks, smoking, tobacco, & cigars; A few mentions of a snuff bottle; A few mentions of animals being hurt or possibly shot; A few mentions of a baby-eating spider; A couple mentions of curses; A mention of the Klu Klux Klan; A mention of gambling; A mention of a sheep's bladder ball.
*Cussing including racial slurs, a hint of "a**", and a "G*dd*amn".
Sexual:
An extremely unnecessary description of a older man when he gets out of the tub (he gets out while taking his time and goes to touch Jo's hair. He comes across as very perverted and a creep); Recalling when a man grabbed a young girl (who Jo was with) and had bad intentions; Jo has an urge to put her lips to a young man's lips; Mentions of a past rapist; Mentions of wolf-whistles & crude comments towards Jo; Mentions of women's figures and bosoms; Mentions of reputations & being ruined; A few mentions of cheating & lovers being alone together in a forest; A few mentions of a young cad & stealing kisses; A couple mentions of men being a cad in the sense of loving and then leaving a woman; A couple hints of prostitutes; A couple mentions of kisses; A mention of a man who hung himself after it was revealed he preferred the company of men; A mention of woman who has never seemed to be interested in men; A mention of a man having many wives; A mention of men's anatomy and riding horses; A mention of revealing maids uniforms.
I decided to DNF at 61% (223/375 pages) this story after an extremely unnecessary description of an older man (and creep) getting out of the bathtub. Thank you for the lovely images that I will be trying to burn from my memory for next few weeks.
Content up to what I read:
Spiritual:
'H's are capital when referring to (the Christian) God; Mentions of churches & the Christian God; Mentions of Jews; A few mentions of those in the Bible; A mention of a sister thumping Bible-sense into her brother; Mrs. Payne says that religion is what separates humans from animals; Jo recalls when a chaplain told her that Satan had already hooked one claw into her for being born a heathen and that she would have to pray extra hard if I wanted to escape his grasp; Jo thinks praying is a hit-or-miss thing.
*Mentions of ghosts, ancestors, & the Chinese beliefs of ancestral state of existence; A mention of a she-devil.
Negative:
Lots of racism, meanness, and slurs are said (and written); Mentions of the war, slavery, & slaves; Mentions of hangings & mobs; Mentions of blackmail; Mentions of drinking, hangovers, drunks, smoking, tobacco, & cigars; A few mentions of a snuff bottle; A few mentions of animals being hurt or possibly shot; A few mentions of a baby-eating spider; A couple mentions of curses; A mention of the Klu Klux Klan; A mention of gambling; A mention of a sheep's bladder ball.
*Cussing including racial slurs, a hint of "a**", and a "G*dd*amn".
Sexual:
An extremely unnecessary description of a older man when he gets out of the tub (he gets out while taking his time and goes to touch Jo's hair. He comes across as very perverted and a creep); Recalling when a man grabbed a young girl (who Jo was with) and had bad intentions; Jo has an urge to put her lips to a young man's lips; Mentions of a past rapist; Mentions of wolf-whistles & crude comments towards Jo; Mentions of women's figures and bosoms; Mentions of reputations & being ruined; A few mentions of cheating & lovers being alone together in a forest; A few mentions of a young cad & stealing kisses; A couple mentions of men being a cad in the sense of loving and then leaving a woman; A couple hints of prostitutes; A couple mentions of kisses; A mention of a man who hung himself after it was revealed he preferred the company of men; A mention of woman who has never seemed to be interested in men; A mention of a man having many wives; A mention of men's anatomy and riding horses; A mention of revealing maids uniforms.
August 22, 2019
4/5stars
I really liked this!! This was a book I was highly anticipating this year and it did not disappoint! The writing was good, the plot was interesting, there was hardly a romance and the character focused much more on herself and her fam than a boy, and it was very interesting reading about a problem in history I’ve read many times before (segregation and racism in America) but from a different side - our main character is a Chinese American and discusses the differences in treatment between herself and white people but also black people.
Highly recommend this to people who enjoy historical fiction !
I really liked this!! This was a book I was highly anticipating this year and it did not disappoint! The writing was good, the plot was interesting, there was hardly a romance and the character focused much more on herself and her fam than a boy, and it was very interesting reading about a problem in history I’ve read many times before (segregation and racism in America) but from a different side - our main character is a Chinese American and discusses the differences in treatment between herself and white people but also black people.
Highly recommend this to people who enjoy historical fiction !
February 13, 2022
historical fiction is not my genre. nevertheless, this book was impactful. it was slow at times but the message was definitely important!
Jo was a badass and I liked her, the other characters as well were fleshed out nicely. Although I couldn't connect and relate to them, i still found them fun to read about. The writing style was not for me, there were a lot of similes and metaphors but just meh to me. Overall, 3.25 stars!
Jo was a badass and I liked her, the other characters as well were fleshed out nicely. Although I couldn't connect and relate to them, i still found them fun to read about. The writing style was not for me, there were a lot of similes and metaphors but just meh to me. Overall, 3.25 stars!
March 4, 2020
This was such a fun, engaging read that I completely devoured it - sorry, people I was buddy-reading it with ;-;
Charming and witty, but also illuminative of the situations of PoC in 1890s Atlanta, THE DOWNSTAIRS GIRL is a perfect historical standalone that doesn’t become overly heavy or stodgy. Jo is a charming heroine, and I really enjoyed the cast of characters.
My only problem? The ending came upon too quickly and there’s no sequel *bookworm sigh*
Charming and witty, but also illuminative of the situations of PoC in 1890s Atlanta, THE DOWNSTAIRS GIRL is a perfect historical standalone that doesn’t become overly heavy or stodgy. Jo is a charming heroine, and I really enjoyed the cast of characters.
My only problem? The ending came upon too quickly and there’s no sequel *bookworm sigh*
May 4, 2021
Reading Stacey Lee’s YA novel The Downstairs Girl was truly a delightful experience – one that I honestly was not expecting. As I’ve mentioned before, I don’t read much YA because I’m not the target audience for the genre and, as such, I feel like it would be harder for me to appreciate the story and/or the characters. With the last few YA novels I’ve read though, I’ve been pleasantly surprised with how much I’ve enjoyed them. As an avid reader, one of the things I always hope for in any reading experience is the possibility of encountering a book that will resonate with me in ways I wasn’t expecting. With Lee’s book, this is exactly what happened – so much so that even now, a few days after finishing the book, I am still thinking about the characters and longing to revisit with them again.
The year is 1890 in Atlanta, Georgia. 17-year-old Jo Kuan works as a milliner’s apprentice making hats for society’s wealthy elite. Though the pay is meager, it’s a job that Jo is good at and is grateful to have given that she is a girl who, by necessity, has lived in the shadows all her life. Abandoned by her parents when she was a baby, Jo was taken in and raised by the elderly Old Gin, who works as a caretaker on the estate of one of the wealthiest families in Atlanta. Jo and Old Gin live quietly in a dilapidated basement that used to be a hideout for abolitionists – a basement located underneath a print shop owned by the Bell family, who have no idea that the space (or the Kuans) exist. When Jo is fired from her job unexpectedly (due to her being “too opinionated” according to her employer Mrs. English, though the real reason is because Jo is Chinese), she has no choice but to return to the Payne estate and work as a house maid for the family’s cruel daughter Caroline (who hates Jo with a passion). One night, through a pipe in the basement, Jo overhears a conversation between the Bells and their son Nathan that inspires her to start an advice column in their newspaper, using the pseudonym “Miss Sweetie.” The column, which focuses on addressing society’s ills from the female perspective, becomes wildly popular, but also garners backlash from those uncomfortable with society’s fixed notions being challenged. When Jo discovers a letter that provides clues to her past and who her parents are, she must decide whether to remain hidden or risk coming out of the shadows.
This is one of those books that proves, once again, that we shouldn’t judge a book purely by its genre. I know this book is largely categorized as YA, but to be honest, it really doesn’t read like a typical YA novel. In addition to the story being very well-written, with endearing yet realistically-drawn characters, I also thought the historical and cultural elements of the story were really well done – most impressive though, was how the author, Stacey Lee, was able to so seamlessly weave in complex social commentary about race, class, privilege, identity, etc., which actually made this an unexpectedly timely read despite its setting in the 19th century. Reading about society’s prejudices back in the 1890s and the discrimination that people of color faced during that time, it both frustrates and saddens me to be reminded, once again, that, even though our society and our country as a whole have both a come a long way, many of the attitudes and biases haven’t changed all that much. With that said, I am heartened by the increasing presence of books like this one in society nowadays — books that don’t hold back in terms of bringing important issues to the forefront and helping to initiate necessary conversations about social justice and the need for change in our society. I absolutely love the fact that the main protagonist in this story is a young Chinese woman who defies the typical gender and cultural stereotype — a woman who is smart and feisty, opinionated, yet kind and compassionate, and most admirable of all, bravely rises above her circumstances and stands up for her beliefs, even in the face of society’s harsh criticisms and prejudices. I also love how all the main characters — the most well-drawn and endearing characters — were either Chinese (Jo and Old Gin) or Black (Noemi and Robby).
Thinking back to my own childhood, growing up as a Chinese girl in a city as supposedly diverse as Los Angeles, it was nearly impossible to find books with Asian supporting characters in them, let alone Chinese characters (and female ones at that). I remember back then, the only way for me to read fiction books with characters in them who looked like me, was to have relatives buy books in Hong Kong and send them to me here. I wish there had been books like this back then that do a way better job of educating youths about diversity and acceptance than school textbooks; that would’ve been way more helpful for a Chinese girl like me — one of only 3 Asian faces my entire school — to actually stand up for myself, rather than constantly shrink into the shadows, stay quiet, keep my head down, and draw as little attention to myself as possible; that would’ve helped me navigate the contradictions of my identity and understand that it didn’t matter whether we were born here or grew up here, by virtue of our “foreign” faces, this will never truly be our home and we will never truly belong — but yet we must strive to make our situation more tolerable, if only for survival’s sake.
There were so many scenes in the book that I was able to relate to; that had me nodding my head in agreement at how true to life many of Jo’s and Old Gin’s experiences were; that had me both laughing and crying at various moments throughout the story. For me, one of the most heartbreaking scenes was that last segregated streetcar scene near the end of the book, which powerfully summed up what the Chinese experience has been for many of us in America.
There is a lot to unpack with this book and it’s impossible for me to do justice to it in such a brief review. I definitely recommend taking the time to read this one — if anything, for its glimpse into history and culture. Yes, this is ultimately a triumphant story and perhaps even a predictable one in terms of plot, but it is an absolutely worthwhile read — one that I’m sure will continue to stay with me for a long time to come!
August 28, 2021
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The Downstairs Girl is a compelling and poignant novel that follows seventeen-year-old Jo Kuan, a Chinese American girl living in 1890s Atlanta.
The story explores the way in which Jo, alongside other Chinese Americans, are virtually unseen by their society, a society which sees only in terms of 'black' and 'white'. Jo is constantly reminded by the people around her that she isn't a real American. Being a girl further complicates matters, as her future seems to offer few possibilities that don't involve becoming a wife.
Jo's upfront narration make her into an immediately sympathetic character. I admired her resilience and wisdom. Time and again she is forced to adapt to the hard reality around her: the people around exclude her, mistreat her, and worse still. After being unjustly fired from her hat maker position she is forced to work for an old childhood acquaintance, a girl who has grown from a child bully (who enjoyed tormenting Jo) into a cruel young woman with a vicious streak (I kept thinking of her as Charlotte LaBouff's evil twin).
Jo, together with Old Gin—an elderly man who has taken care of her ever since she was abandoned as a baby by her parents—secretly lives below the house of a newspaper family. Over the course of her life she has longed to belong to a family such as theirs but so far has contented herself to observing them. Luckily for Jo, the family is in need of an 'agony aunt' and she believes, quite rightly, that she has the skills for the job. By assuming the identity of Miss Sweetie, Jo can address issues regarding race and gender. Her columns of course aren't well received by all...
There are various interesting plot-lines that make The Downstairs Girl into an engrossing read. Jo is an interesting main character, which makes a change from most YA releases which usually star rather insipid protagonists. Here we have a narrator who you can really root for and truly admire. Her passion for words and great empathy made her all the more compelling.
The cast of characters is as complex as the protagonist herself. I must commend Stacey Lee for making each character into a nuanced one. Rather than condoning the behaviour or qualities of her characters, she allows Jo—and by extension the readers—to see that something or someone might have influenced their actions. She doesn't excuse their awfulness but rather she allows us to see the many different sides that make up a person's character.
The setting was almost frightfully realistic (racism and sexism are sadly an every-day reality). There are many western elements which balanced some of the heavier themes explored by the story, and I enjoyed the use of certain conventions of the historical fiction genre (for example, Jo dresses as a man). The novel portrays a particular type of American experience, one that focus on the individuals who are rejected by their own society (for example, Jo's friends are excluded by Atlanta's white feminists so form a group of their own). Jo is able to connect with those who similarly to her are marginalised by mainstream society.
Running alongside various other side-plots is the one of Jo's identity. While I wasn't necessarily surprised by certain revelations I was still completely captivated by the story and by Jo's quest for the truth.
The sweet and genuine romance between Jo and another character was a minor aspect of this novel, one that made for some lovely and heartfelt scenes, moments of repose for both Jo and her readers.
Overall, I would definitely recommend this one, especially to those looking for a YA take on western or for those who are looking for a thought-provoking story that explores the intersection between identity, family, and society.
“Their words comforted me on many a lonely night and made me feel like part of a family. ”
The Downstairs Girl is a compelling and poignant novel that follows seventeen-year-old Jo Kuan, a Chinese American girl living in 1890s Atlanta.
The story explores the way in which Jo, alongside other Chinese Americans, are virtually unseen by their society, a society which sees only in terms of 'black' and 'white'. Jo is constantly reminded by the people around her that she isn't a real American. Being a girl further complicates matters, as her future seems to offer few possibilities that don't involve becoming a wife.
Jo's upfront narration make her into an immediately sympathetic character. I admired her resilience and wisdom. Time and again she is forced to adapt to the hard reality around her: the people around exclude her, mistreat her, and worse still. After being unjustly fired from her hat maker position she is forced to work for an old childhood acquaintance, a girl who has grown from a child bully (who enjoyed tormenting Jo) into a cruel young woman with a vicious streak (I kept thinking of her as Charlotte LaBouff's evil twin).
Jo, together with Old Gin—an elderly man who has taken care of her ever since she was abandoned as a baby by her parents—secretly lives below the house of a newspaper family. Over the course of her life she has longed to belong to a family such as theirs but so far has contented herself to observing them. Luckily for Jo, the family is in need of an 'agony aunt' and she believes, quite rightly, that she has the skills for the job. By assuming the identity of Miss Sweetie, Jo can address issues regarding race and gender. Her columns of course aren't well received by all...
There are various interesting plot-lines that make The Downstairs Girl into an engrossing read. Jo is an interesting main character, which makes a change from most YA releases which usually star rather insipid protagonists. Here we have a narrator who you can really root for and truly admire. Her passion for words and great empathy made her all the more compelling.
The cast of characters is as complex as the protagonist herself. I must commend Stacey Lee for making each character into a nuanced one. Rather than condoning the behaviour or qualities of her characters, she allows Jo—and by extension the readers—to see that something or someone might have influenced their actions. She doesn't excuse their awfulness but rather she allows us to see the many different sides that make up a person's character.
The setting was almost frightfully realistic (racism and sexism are sadly an every-day reality). There are many western elements which balanced some of the heavier themes explored by the story, and I enjoyed the use of certain conventions of the historical fiction genre (for example, Jo dresses as a man). The novel portrays a particular type of American experience, one that focus on the individuals who are rejected by their own society (for example, Jo's friends are excluded by Atlanta's white feminists so form a group of their own). Jo is able to connect with those who similarly to her are marginalised by mainstream society.
Running alongside various other side-plots is the one of Jo's identity. While I wasn't necessarily surprised by certain revelations I was still completely captivated by the story and by Jo's quest for the truth.
The sweet and genuine romance between Jo and another character was a minor aspect of this novel, one that made for some lovely and heartfelt scenes, moments of repose for both Jo and her readers.
Overall, I would definitely recommend this one, especially to those looking for a YA take on western or for those who are looking for a thought-provoking story that explores the intersection between identity, family, and society.
June 18, 2021
Stacey Lee writes with a wisdom that speaks to the ancient philosophers. Her "Dear Miss Sweetie" responses were to the point yet gracious and insightful. I want a Miss Sweetie in my life! Jo's everyday musings on life are also a joy to read. Here is one of her gems: "Hammer Foot taught us that standing in another's shoes is good for our own postures, but today, I can barely manage to stand in my own." Lee gives us a view of Atlanta when segregation was rearing its ugly head in the late 19th century through Jo's eyes as a Chinese American. Powerful stuff and Lee deals it to us unvarnished, yet with charm and sensitivity. She is one of my favorite YA authors.
March 4, 2020
The plot is an intricate as one of Jo's complicated silk knots! So much is worked into this story: racial tension, segregation, voting rights, millinery, fashion, journalism, mystery, horse racing . . . I mean, what ISN'T in this book?
And it's all done so well! I love Jo's "saucebox" ways, and Old Gin's gentle wisdom. I love the friendships and frenemies and the extremely tight pacing that kept me turning the pages!
And it's all done so well! I love Jo's "saucebox" ways, and Old Gin's gentle wisdom. I love the friendships and frenemies and the extremely tight pacing that kept me turning the pages!
November 12, 2023
4.5 ⭐
❝maybe what I needed most of all was simply the freedom to walk out from the shadows of my hat.❞
I had such high expectations for this book, but it actually blew the roof off. It was better than I ever imagined.
The witty and unique writing, characters, plot, and representation were all amazing. I recommend this book to anyone who loves historical fiction <3
❝maybe what I needed most of all was simply the freedom to walk out from the shadows of my hat.❞
I had such high expectations for this book, but it actually blew the roof off. It was better than I ever imagined.
The witty and unique writing, characters, plot, and representation were all amazing. I recommend this book to anyone who loves historical fiction <3
January 23, 2020
I absolutely adored this!
August 16, 2019
Apparently historical fiction novels following badass teen journalist using their voices to stick it to societal norms and shine a light on injustice is absolutely my kryptonite.
Jo Kuan (with the help of Stacey Lee) proves the power words can hold and the changes that can unfold when you decide to use them for good. She is proof of just how strong women (especially women in marginalised communities) have been, are and always will be.
This was truly, completely and utterly wonderful.
Jo Kuan (with the help of Stacey Lee) proves the power words can hold and the changes that can unfold when you decide to use them for good. She is proof of just how strong women (especially women in marginalised communities) have been, are and always will be.
This was truly, completely and utterly wonderful.
July 16, 2021
The Downstairs Girl absolutely blew me away with its heart, boldness, and defiance.
Set in 1890s Atlanta, The Downstairs Girl shines a light on the life of Jo Kuan, a 17-year-old Chinese American girl trying to find her way in a world that is doing its best to box her in. Working as a lady's maid to a vicious mistress in a grand house, Jo finds solace in evenings at home where she and Old Gin, the kind man who took her in as an infant, live like stowaways in the basement under a print house. While listening in on a conversation in the rooms above and learning that the newspaper that is printed there is at risk of folding, Jo hatches a brilliant plan to anonymously pen a rousing advice column under the pen name "Miss Sweetie" in an attempt to save both the paper and her home.
In a poignant exploration of identity, belonging, betrayal, and the true meaning of family, Stacey Lee weaves the tale of the incomparable Jo into the fabric of a society on the brink of a seismic shift. The suffragette movement and their exclusion of women of colour take centre stage as Miss Sweetie tears down misconceptions of race and gender one witty and neoteric column at a time.
I adored Jo and that the focus of this story was on her goals and love of found family over a romantic relationship. Even the secondary characters were well-developed and vibrant, and the pacing felt just right. I couldn't put this one down and finished it in a single afternoon, crossing the finish line with tears in my eyes and my heartstrings thoroughly pulled.
I couldn't recommend this novel more. Please read it!
Trigger Warnings: racism, use of racial slurs, segregation, physical assault, sexism, adultery, abandonment of an infant
VIDEO REVIEW: https://youtu.be/y5sRzlqgopM
You can find me on...
Youtube | Instagram | Twitter
Set in 1890s Atlanta, The Downstairs Girl shines a light on the life of Jo Kuan, a 17-year-old Chinese American girl trying to find her way in a world that is doing its best to box her in. Working as a lady's maid to a vicious mistress in a grand house, Jo finds solace in evenings at home where she and Old Gin, the kind man who took her in as an infant, live like stowaways in the basement under a print house. While listening in on a conversation in the rooms above and learning that the newspaper that is printed there is at risk of folding, Jo hatches a brilliant plan to anonymously pen a rousing advice column under the pen name "Miss Sweetie" in an attempt to save both the paper and her home.
In a poignant exploration of identity, belonging, betrayal, and the true meaning of family, Stacey Lee weaves the tale of the incomparable Jo into the fabric of a society on the brink of a seismic shift. The suffragette movement and their exclusion of women of colour take centre stage as Miss Sweetie tears down misconceptions of race and gender one witty and neoteric column at a time.
I adored Jo and that the focus of this story was on her goals and love of found family over a romantic relationship. Even the secondary characters were well-developed and vibrant, and the pacing felt just right. I couldn't put this one down and finished it in a single afternoon, crossing the finish line with tears in my eyes and my heartstrings thoroughly pulled.
I couldn't recommend this novel more. Please read it!
Trigger Warnings: racism, use of racial slurs, segregation, physical assault, sexism, adultery, abandonment of an infant
VIDEO REVIEW: https://youtu.be/y5sRzlqgopM
You can find me on...
Youtube | Instagram | Twitter
August 23, 2019
This is such a beautiful book (inside and out.)
I forgot how much I truly love Historical Fiction & this just reminded me how fantastic they can be !! There’s so many twists and turns and that whole last half was just crazy!
I definitely recommend this and RTC (soon.)
I forgot how much I truly love Historical Fiction & this just reminded me how fantastic they can be !! There’s so many twists and turns and that whole last half was just crazy!
I definitely recommend this and RTC (soon.)
July 16, 2020
Actual Rating: 4.5✨
THIS WAS SO GOOD
THIS WAS SO GOOD
![Profile Image for laurel [the suspected bibliophile].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1645808644i%2F7494844._UX200_CR0%2C6%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
December 10, 2019
By day, Jo is a maid to the spoiled daughter of the wealthiest man in Atlanta. By night, she's agony aunt Miss Sweetie—viciously spearing down racists, misogynists and white feminists with the power of her pen.
This is probably one of my favorite books of 2019 (fuck I read so many great books this year).
This is historical fiction, mystery and feminist/equal rights rallying point all in one, while highlighting the racist and segregationist history of Reconstruction Atlanta.
I never knew that Chinese workers were carted into the South in droves to replace the slaves after the Civil War. Or that the same workers basically said "fuck you" to their white overlords and tried to go their own way...while still experiencing horrific discrimination from white people.
Stacey Lee does not shy away from the horrific bits in history, but uses them to highlight how things were and how people of color endured—and sometimes thrived—in spite of the disadvantages and systematic discrimination they faced.
However, this book isn't all about gloom and doom.
There's Jo, who is just a sharp-witted delight and wickedly talented in so many ways.
Despite living with Old Gin (OMG THE BEST PARENT EVER!!!!!!!), she wants to know her parentage. Who abandoned her as a baby so many years ago? Did they not love her? Were they happy? Were they still alive? And is Old Gin okay?
And the printing press and the Bells and Jo and Old Gin's hiding place in their basement. The power of words and knowledge, and the ways that strangers can have an impact and be interconnected with your lives without you ever even knowing. I loved that Jo knew the power of language, and that she was fearless in her attempt to do right—by herself, by her friends and by the people of Atlanta—while finding her place and where she fit in to a society that was starkly divided into Black and white.
I did like that the white suffragettes were put in their place hard, since they were fucking racist asshats. "It's our time now," indeed. Fuck those women.
Anywho, off my high horse.
This is a terrible review, but an awesome book. It's punny (groan-worthy puns), historical, and has horse racing, freedom bicycles, ruffians, a diverse cast, a Very Large, Fluffy Dog named Bear, and great friends (and very complicated friendships!).
Definitely a must-read if you're interested at all in the Gilded Age South—and what it was like for the people who weren't wealthy white landowners.
This is probably one of my favorite books of 2019 (fuck I read so many great books this year).
This is historical fiction, mystery and feminist/equal rights rallying point all in one, while highlighting the racist and segregationist history of Reconstruction Atlanta.
I never knew that Chinese workers were carted into the South in droves to replace the slaves after the Civil War. Or that the same workers basically said "fuck you" to their white overlords and tried to go their own way...while still experiencing horrific discrimination from white people.
Stacey Lee does not shy away from the horrific bits in history, but uses them to highlight how things were and how people of color endured—and sometimes thrived—in spite of the disadvantages and systematic discrimination they faced.
However, this book isn't all about gloom and doom.
There's Jo, who is just a sharp-witted delight and wickedly talented in so many ways.
Despite living with Old Gin (OMG THE BEST PARENT EVER!!!!!!!), she wants to know her parentage. Who abandoned her as a baby so many years ago? Did they not love her? Were they happy? Were they still alive? And is Old Gin okay?
And the printing press and the Bells and Jo and Old Gin's hiding place in their basement. The power of words and knowledge, and the ways that strangers can have an impact and be interconnected with your lives without you ever even knowing. I loved that Jo knew the power of language, and that she was fearless in her attempt to do right—by herself, by her friends and by the people of Atlanta—while finding her place and where she fit in to a society that was starkly divided into Black and white.
I did like that the white suffragettes were put in their place hard, since they were fucking racist asshats. "It's our time now," indeed. Fuck those women.
Anywho, off my high horse.
This is a terrible review, but an awesome book. It's punny (groan-worthy puns), historical, and has horse racing, freedom bicycles, ruffians, a diverse cast, a Very Large, Fluffy Dog named Bear, and great friends (and very complicated friendships!).
Definitely a must-read if you're interested at all in the Gilded Age South—and what it was like for the people who weren't wealthy white landowners.
January 22, 2020
This was a good enough young adult historical fiction. But it was not really anything beyond being a cute story about a plucky young heroine overcoming somewhat overwhelming odds. Her being Chinese-American almost seemed incidental. While I was reading it, I wasn't fully convinced of the sense of urgency. But it was really the soap opera level of melodrama at the end that took a star from my rating. I liked it enough and it was an easy read but I had expected more from the premise.
August 9, 2019
“No. What is this victory?” “It’s knowing your worth no matter what the crows tell you. Victory is waiting for us. We have to be bold enough to snatch it.”
On my blog.
Rep: Chinese mc, black side characters
CWs: racial slurs, violence, mentions of incest
Galley provided by publisher
There is no one I trust to write YA historical fiction quite as much as I trust Stacey Lee to write it. She’s out here giving us diverse, well-written and accurate historical fiction, with characters you will root for from page one and just a hint of romance. What more could you ask for?
The Downstairs Girl follows Jo Kuan after she loses her job at a milliner’s and becomes a lady’s maid (a job which she had previously been fired from). Jo and Old Gin, her father figure, live in the unused basement of the Bells’ house, and Jo spends her time listening to their newspaper printing press. The Bells are losing subscribers, so Jo takes it upon herself to become an anonymous agony aunt (and columnist), Miss Sweetie. But as she’s writing, other more sinister (and spoilerish) things are going on.
First and foremost, what I loved about this book was the main character. Stacey Lee has this knack of writing characters you’ll fall in love with within a page or so of meeting them, and Jo is no different in that respect. If I made a list of characters I would die for in this book, Jo would be top (closely followed by Bear, not gonna lie). I also loved the character development various characters went through, but also that particular characters’ development, while appreciated, didn’t mean Jo was obligated to forgive them. Sometimes I feel like forgiveness comes a little too easily in books (and without much work on the part of the one to be forgiven), but here Jo doesn’t forgive so easily and it’s refreshing.
As ever with Stacey Lee’s books, I also loved the setting and how well she wrote it. It’s clear just how much time and research has gone into worldbuilding (which, honestly, is a key reason I prefer adult historical fiction to YA historical fiction most of the time. It just feels like there’s been more research used). In this case, you can almost imagine yourself in the setting and among the characters.
If there was anything at all I didn’t like about it, it was just that its a fairly slow book to start with. Or, so it felt to me. When you get to the second half of the book, there’s a lot more happening, but the first quarter or so dragged just a bit for me. I mean, I still really enjoyed this book, it’s just I have a very short attention span and very little patience a lot of the time.
And all this leads me to say: read this book. Don’t let Stacey Lee go (criminally) underrated any longer.
Want to read
December 2, 2016*flails* I NEED THIS IMMEDIATELY.
March 20, 2020
Waffling between 3 and 4 stars.
There was SO MUCH to love about this book. We get to see the South between slavery and segregation (I mean, who actually writes about how the South was affected during the Gilded Age? We are LONG overdue for this sort of a book and I loved it), from the POV of a Chinese girl who was a natural-born American citizen! Like...I LOVE IT SO MUCH. Such a unique premise and unique perspective. Please write more books like this, my ladies.
And the whole Miss Sweetie column...oh my word. Jo's sass is something else and I loved every one of her columns. So Southern--sweet and yet BITING and it was brilliant. For not being from the South, as Lee admits in the acknowledgements, she nails Southern culture so well.
The reveals felt rushed, and I had a bit of a time keeping up with some of the side characters, but overall, the main plot and the main character hold this book together BEAUTIFULLY. Really good. Mostly clean (just a couple of bad words and a little mild suggestive content, as well as a couple of people talking about affairs). This is the kind of his-fic I enjoy.
3.5 stars, probably? SO GOOD THO.
There was SO MUCH to love about this book. We get to see the South between slavery and segregation (I mean, who actually writes about how the South was affected during the Gilded Age? We are LONG overdue for this sort of a book and I loved it), from the POV of a Chinese girl who was a natural-born American citizen! Like...I LOVE IT SO MUCH. Such a unique premise and unique perspective. Please write more books like this, my ladies.
And the whole Miss Sweetie column...oh my word. Jo's sass is something else and I loved every one of her columns. So Southern--sweet and yet BITING and it was brilliant. For not being from the South, as Lee admits in the acknowledgements, she nails Southern culture so well.
The reveals felt rushed, and I had a bit of a time keeping up with some of the side characters, but overall, the main plot and the main character hold this book together BEAUTIFULLY. Really good. Mostly clean (just a couple of bad words and a little mild suggestive content, as well as a couple of people talking about affairs). This is the kind of his-fic I enjoy.
3.5 stars, probably? SO GOOD THO.
April 14, 2021
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 4.8
First of all, what the heck
Second of all, what in the flipping heck
And third of all, WHAT IN THE FLIPPING HECKING MOTHER OF WATER HECK DID I JUST HAVE THE PRIVILEGE OF READING.
I- I cannot feel my face. What was all that. Why didn't I know this existed? WHY AM I JUST HEARING ABOUT THIS-
*deep breath* I want to write a review so badly, but I'm 87% sure I'm going to sound like this throughout it:
"It was marvelous, an absolutely stunning masterpiece that blew my non-existent socks to Jupiter and back. Stunning. Marvelous. Stunningly marvelous. Munning. Starvelous."
So for now, I'll just drown myself in books I didn't like so that I can find my missing vocabulary and actually do something worth reading about. Like this book.
Dang it. This was so fricking good. I can't-
I'm probably choosing to forget those moments in which I wanted to throw it out of the window, alas, selective memory is somewhat of a gift, at times
First of all, what the heck
Second of all, what in the flipping heck
And third of all, WHAT IN THE FLIPPING HECKING MOTHER OF WATER HECK DID I JUST HAVE THE PRIVILEGE OF READING.
I- I cannot feel my face. What was all that. Why didn't I know this existed? WHY AM I JUST HEARING ABOUT THIS-
*deep breath* I want to write a review so badly, but I'm 87% sure I'm going to sound like this throughout it:
"It was marvelous, an absolutely stunning masterpiece that blew my non-existent socks to Jupiter and back. Stunning. Marvelous. Stunningly marvelous. Munning. Starvelous."
So for now, I'll just drown myself in books I didn't like so that I can find my missing vocabulary and actually do something worth reading about. Like this book.
Dang it. This was so fricking good. I can't-
January 21, 2020
This was the perfect read at Christmas time. I didn’t plan it that way - just a happy coincidence.
Jo Kuan lives in the shadows both figuratively and in society’s 1876 Atlanta. Because of her Chinese ancestry, she’s overlooked or shunned as prejudice toward anyone not white is the norm.
However, don’t count her out. She’s an intelligent young woman of many talents. A very likable character, she not only wants to survive, but participate in creating her future. I loved reading her story!
This book covers more than one genre. Historical, coming of age, Woman’s rights and a mystery involving Jo’s background and unknown parents. Sounds like a lot but the book is beautifully written and everything reaches a satisfying conclusion.
Jo Kuan lives in the shadows both figuratively and in society’s 1876 Atlanta. Because of her Chinese ancestry, she’s overlooked or shunned as prejudice toward anyone not white is the norm.
However, don’t count her out. She’s an intelligent young woman of many talents. A very likable character, she not only wants to survive, but participate in creating her future. I loved reading her story!
This book covers more than one genre. Historical, coming of age, Woman’s rights and a mystery involving Jo’s background and unknown parents. Sounds like a lot but the book is beautifully written and everything reaches a satisfying conclusion.
February 4, 2024
I really enjoyed this book and I learned so many new things that were interesting and very sad about the Chinese experience in the South. I love that Jo is a badass and yet she is a proper young woman at the same time. I really wanted to continue reading this book, however, there’s two things that reminds me of trauma I experienced in college due to crushes who viewed me differently when they found out that I was disabled. This is why I have decided to DNF on page 150 and change my rating for this book.
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