Review: The Davenports, Krystal Marquis

The Davenports was one of my most anticipated reads of the year, so… let’s see if it met all of my expectations, shall we?

The Davenports (The Davenports, #1) by Krystal Marquis
Published by Dial Books on January 31, 2023
Genres: historical, romance, young adult
Format: Paperback
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In 1910, the Davenports are one of the few Black families of immense wealth and status in a changing United States, their fortune made through the entrepreneurship of William Davenport, a formerly enslaved man who founded the Davenport Carriage Company years ago. Now the Davenports live surrounded by servants, crystal chandeliers, and endless parties, finding their way and finding love—even where they're not supposed to.
There is Olivia, the beautiful elder Davenport daughter, ready to do her duty by getting married. . . until she meets the charismatic civil rights leader Washington DeWight and sparks fly. The younger daughter, Helen, is more interested in fixing cars than falling in love—unless it's with her sister's suitor. Amy-Rose, the childhood friend turned maid to the Davenport sisters, dreams of opening her own business—and marrying the one man she could never be with, Olivia and Helen's brother, John. But Olivia's best friend, Ruby, also has her sights set on John Davenport, though she can't seem to keep his interest . . . until family pressure has her scheming to win his heart, just as someone else wins hers.
The first book in a breathless new series, The Davenports offers a glimpse into a period of African American history often overlooked, while delivering a totally escapist, swoon-worthy read. Inspired by the real-life story of C.R. Patterson and his family, it's the tale of four determined and passionate young Black women discovering the courage to steer their own path in life—and love.

☂️ TRIGGER WARNINGS: (click to reveal)

racism, colourism

There are no spoilers in this review.

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I ENJOYED…

☂️

• The Davenports reminded me of these YA books I used to read, years ago, and quickly got obsessed with. Books like the Luxe, set in the past, with the big dresses, the complex, rich families and romantic dramas. I used to love these kind of books and… boy, it felt nice to get back to it with The Davenports, really. Maybe this review’s tainted a bit by nostalgia, but whatever. I really loved this.
• In The Davenports, we follow the family of the same name, one of the few Black families with immense wealth and prestige in Chicago.
  • Olivia, the eldest Davenport daughter, is ready to do her duty by getting married. She’s such an incredible main character and her growth as the story goes on was fantastic. I loved seeing her awaken to the social and political issues the minorities face, and (aside from her crush on a civil rights leader), I just loved how she wanted to stand up and fight for what was right, as well.
  • Helen, the youngest Davenport daughter, loves fixing cars way more than trying to find a suitor and following rules. All she wants is to take off her father’s shop along with her brother, but obviously, that’s frowned upon… I found Helen fiercely fun, her passion for cars shone through the story and her love story -a forbidden one, clearly, was fantastic.
  • Amy-Rose is the Davenports’ childhood friend turned maid and, I think, my favorite of the three. She dreams of opening her own hair salon and marrying the Davenports’ son, John. I found her determination so wonderfully endearing and you know me, there’s something about the childhood friends trope that just got my heart.
  • The last main character, Ruby, is the daughter of the aspiring new mayor of Chicago and Olivia’s best friend. I loved her schemes and how, despite her shallow appearance, at first, she’s way more than she seems to be. I quickly grew fond of her!

• Despite the multiple POV, I didn’t have a hard time differenciating the characters. Each of their storylines kept me entertained and wanting to know what would happen next.
• While this book definitely focuses on the romance more than the historical aspect, I personally appreciated the balance between the two. I knew I was looking for more of a romance, something light and entertaining and I got exactly what I wanted. The civil rights, racism, colourism and mixed-race experiences and talks lightly scattered in this story made it all the more interesting. That being said, please note that, if you’re looking for more of a focus on that, you might be disappointed.

OVERALL

☂️

If you’re looking for a lovely YA historical romance, I can definitely recommend The Davenports. I loved the romantic dramas, the characters and I’m curious to see what will happen in the sequel!

FINAL RATING : 4 stars!

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Did you read The Davenports, or do you want to? Any similar recommendations for me? Let me know in comments!

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