A review by bisexualbookshelf
Last Night at the Telegraph Club by Malinda Lo

emotional reflective tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

Malinda Lo’s Last Night at the Telegraph Club is a poignant, beautifully written novel that captures the complexities of coming of age as a queer Chinese American girl in 1950s San Francisco. The story follows Lily Hu, a shy and academically gifted teenager, as she navigates her burgeoning feelings for Kath, a fellow student, against the backdrop of a society steeped in racism, xenophobia, and homophobia.

Lo’s depiction of 1950s San Francisco is richly detailed, and the historical context is woven seamlessly into the narrative. I was particularly struck by how the book explores the intersection of race and sexuality. Lily’s identity as a Chinese American is constantly under scrutiny, both by the dominant white society and within her own community, which is further complicated by her emerging queer identity. The pressure Lily feels to conform to the expectations of both white supremacy and heteronormativity is palpable and heartbreaking, adding layers of depth to her character and her story.

The Telegraph Club, a lesbian bar that becomes a sanctuary for Lily and Kath, serves as a vibrant, almost magical setting where Lily begins to explore her identity. Lo captures the thrill and terror of this exploration with exquisite sensitivity. The club scenes are filled with queer joy, but they are also tinged with the ever-present danger of being discovered. I was also moved by how Lo portrays Lily’s queer awakening as a process of gradual self-discovery. The scene where Kath subtly comes out to Lily, described as an “opening,” was particularly touching. It’s a moment of possibility, and while Lily doesn’t fully accept it at first, she doesn’t reject it either, reflecting the slow, often painful journey of coming out.

However, the novel also doesn’t shy away from the darker realities of the time. The fear of the Red Scare looms large, with Lily’s family facing the threat of deportation due to their Chinese heritage. This fear adds another layer of tension to Lily’s life, as she must navigate the dangerous waters of being both queer and Chinese in a society that mistrusts both. The scenes depicting the harsh realities of the Red Scare and its impact on immigrant families were chilling, highlighting how xenophobia and anti-communist rhetoric were weaponized to marginalize entire communities.

Last Night at the Telegraph Club is a story of first love, self-discovery, and the courage it takes to live authentically in a world that demands conformity. Lo’s writing is lyrical and evocative, capturing the angst, joy, and uncertainty of Lily’s journey with remarkable tenderness. While the novel is set in a specific historical context, the themes of identity, belonging, and resistance resonate deeply with contemporary readers. It’s a powerful reminder of how far we’ve come, and how far we still have to go, in the fight for queer liberation and racial justice.

📖 Recommended For: Fans of historical fiction, those interested in exploring the intersection of race and LGBTQ+ identity, readers who appreciate richly detailed settings and character-driven stories.

🔑 Key Themes: Identity and Self-Discovery, Forbidden Love, Racial and LGBTQ+ Marginalization, 1950s America, Cultural and Historical Heritage.
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