The historical aspects of this novel are fascinating and add to the story, though it's Lily's first love that shines through. Shirley follows the norms and can't understand why her friend would want to study math or other 'boy' courses. For example, there are scenes in which Shirley, a long-time friend, can't understand Lily's dreams which include a college education and science. Beautifully written scenes of San Francisco and Chinatown during the 1950s and the expectations required of all.Īlso shown are how childhood friendships can wane in time. The strength of this novel is the powerful writing. Lo does a great job showing readers the struggles Lily has in being true to herself during the 1950s where everyone had to fit a certain role or they were ridiculed or worse. She loves science, but is discouraged from it as it's only for 'boys'. Mostly though this is the story of Lily and Kath and the strong feelings they had for each other that had to be hidden due to the homophobia of that time. What worked: Strong coming-of-age story set in the 1950s amidst McCarthyism, the Red-scare paranoia, and deportation. All this happens during a tumultuous time in US history and the fear of coming out might mean being arrested. She tries to make sense of her feelings toward Kath, which are frowned upon and told are 'wrong'. At the club, she sees a community of women that speaks to her. And when a fellow classmate, Kath, finds the clipping and admits she's been to the club? Lily's curious and wants to go.

When Lily finds an ad announcing a male impersonator playing at the Telegraph Club, she's intrigued. Only she feels and questions what is expected of her. She's the dutiful daughter and tries hard to do the right thing. Lily is seventeen-years-old and lives in Chinatown in the early 1950s.

Last night at the telegraph club review