Malinda Lo’s book has become one of my favorite historical fiction novels. She faces an impossible choice: her family or being true to herself. When her father’s citizenship papers are taken by the FBI, Lily realizes her actions affect not just her, but her entire family. McCarthyism and the fear of communism threatens the livelihoods of Chinese-Americans. Lily’s feelings for Kath grow into love, but outside forces continue to complicate their relationship. But Tommy isn’t the only person Lily crushes on. They watch Tommy Andrews’s electrifying performance, and Lily is captivated by her. They meet women who openly flirt with one another and share kisses in the club’s shadows. But instead of the shame and humiliation she was anticipating, Lily realizes Kath may share her feelings.Īs their friendship grows, Kath and Lily sneak out and visit the Telegraph Club. As she begins to understand her sexuality, Lily becomes even more determined to hide her growing feelings-that is, until fellow classmate Kath Miller discovers her secret. On trips to the pharmacy, she flips through pages of pulp romance novels, particularly one about two women. Lily quickly hides the ad, and it becomes her secret, but it isn’t her only one. The ad promotes a male impersonator named Tommy Andrews and her performances at the local Telegraph Club. The year is 1954, and Lily lives in San Francisco’s Chinatown with her family. In the opening pages of “ Last Night at the Telegraph Club,” 17-year-old Lily Hu’s life is suddenly changed by a newspaper advertisement. “Last Night at the Telegraph Club” by Malinda Lo: A Review

Last night at the telegraph club cover