“Olivia remembered the moment she’d realized that every Black person she knew was touched by the horror of slavery. Sometimes Olivia felt it like a wound hidden deep under smooth skin—one that she didn’t remember receiving but that ached nonetheless.”
― Krystal Marquis, The Davenports

Looking for a new young adult read? Look no further than The Davenports by Krystal Marquis. This new series started introduces readers to the world of the Davenports, one of the few immensely wealthy black families in 1910 Chicago. The Davenport sisters, their friend, and their maid are forced to reevaluate their friendships, familial relationships, and what they are willing to risk to find love as they struggle to keep society satisfied. With their parents determined to find them suitable matches, the two Davenport daughters, Helen and Olivia, push back against their parents’ decisions as they realize how big the world outside their estate is. All four girls soon learn that forging their own paths could mean throwing society’s and their families’ expectations to the wayside. What are they willing to risk for love and to follow their dreams?

This book was gorgeously written. Inspired by the life of C.R. Patterson and sons, Marquis infuses this book with rich historical references that are well-told and will have readers itching to learn more. This is the story of black excellence during a time period that is usually forgotten. I was invested in the lives of the characters and found myself continuously returning to this book as quickly as I could.

This title is also available as a Playaway audiobook.

“It’s no easy task balancing what you want for yourself and what your family wants for you.”
― Krystal Marquis, The Davenports