A Short Synopsis of Last Night At the Telegraph Club
Finding Sapphic literature nowadays can be like searching for a needle in a hay-stack, so it was to my delight when I stopped by the Uni Library on the first day of school to discover Last Night At the Telegraph Club. When I browsed the shelves of the Uni Library, something about the book lured me in-maybe it was the enchanting cover art or the gasp of surprise I let out from the novel’s summary. Either way, I checked out the book, expectations set slightly high.
I should have set my expectations even higher. Last Night At the Telegraph Club by Malinda Lo might be one of the best books I have ever read. If not one of the best, at least one that would cycle through my mind over and over again. Last Night At the Telegraph Club is a haunting, heartwarming, and slow burning LGBTQ piece of literature that will both tear your heart to pieces while mending it together at the same time. Even though the story’s setting is an unfamiliar one, it will still send relatable pangs through your mind. Lo delves into the main character’s deep thoughts with so much raw emotion that I just can't help the shivers that run down my spine, or the raised hair on my arms. While the novel’s main premise is a Sapphic romance, it is so much more, and you will grow lost amidst the easy familiarity of Lo’s art of prose.
The novel officially begins in the 1950s, introducing Lily Hu, a 17 year old Chinese born American girl living in San Francisco, California, with a passion for space. Now, at the beginning of this book, I wasn’t very certain if I would enjoy it, as someone who is more of a fan of realistic fiction, or novels set in modern universes. However, with the heavily praised reviews from peers, I decided to try the book out despite my misgivings. To my surprise, the time period of the book didn’t negatively impact my experience of the novel at all. Instead, it actually improved my reading, creating a homey, rustic atmosphere, with all the intricate details giving homage to my imagination. I really enjoyed learning about the different styles of clothing, hobbies, and recreational places in 1950s California.
Malinda Lo then goes on to enrapture you into a beautiful tale of two girls who slowly begin to fall for each other even amidst the consequences. Yet what I love most about this novel is that the book isn’t just a heartfelt romance-it’s so much more. You aren’t reading a simple romance book-you are just following the twisted, tumbling journey of one girl’s life and passions. Lo gives you a mere snippet of Lily’s lifetime, and while it’s fictional, there is so much hidden truth to unpack in her story.
That is why I suggest you should stop by the Uni Library today and read Last Night At the Telegraph Club if you’re in need of a life-changing experience.
This is really good Steph! The way you described the book to your readers and your wording made me want to keep reading. I am interested in checking this book out, now that I have information about it. Great job!
ReplyDeleteThanks! 😊
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Such a great book!! You describe it perfecting!! I want to re-read it now!
ReplyDeleteWow Steph! This is such an amazing book review! I love all the detail and how you tied the book to certain feelings instead of just stating the plot and your thoughts on it. I'll definitely add it to my list of books to check out some time :D
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great book!! I've heard great stuff about Malinda Lo's books and this one in particular. I've been wanting to read this for a while but your review helped me a lot to moving it to the front of my to-read list.
ReplyDeleteGreat review! I could tell that you were VERY passionate about the book. I like how you described the setting despite it being in a completely different time period.
ReplyDeleteThe expressive and concise summary you wrote got to the point of the story. I like books where the mc has to work for what they get. The experience the author depicts leaves a sense of perseverance that readers can enjoy. In general, your review was well written and thanks for another book to read.
ReplyDeleteAmazing book review! The way you described the book makes me want to read it! The book sounds incredibly deep. I am not usually a fan of emotional books, but your blog sparked an interest in me. I will definitely add this to my reading list!
ReplyDeleteWow I really like this review!! I think I remember seeing you reading it along with seeing an advertisement for it outside the library. I had already read it before but now I'm really excited to read it! I'm gonna go request it from the library as soon as I can!!
ReplyDeleteI really like this review Steph. The review was very detailed and helpful in describing the book. It seems like a book that I wouldn’t read on the first glance but after the review it is definitely going on my reading list. Great Job!!
ReplyDeleteThis review is really good! I would most likely pick this book up after seeing the cover since i like the art. But after reading your review I will definitely make a mental note to read this if I see it.
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