THE DAVENPORTS

THE DAVENPORTS by Krystal Marquis

The Davenports by Krystal Marquis is an interesting YA read set in Chicago in 1910. What makes this book so interesting is that it follows the lives of a very wealthy African American family, and it is inspired by a real family in history (see the bottom of this post for more info on the history).

Due to the entrepreneurship of William Davenport, founder of the Davenport Carriage Company, the Davenports are a family that live at the top of Chicago's society. Mr. Davenport who had his beginnings as a slave, learned the art of creating the most sought after carriages in society and after making his fortune, quickly joined its ranks.

The Davenports have 2 daughters and a son, Olivia, Amy-Rose, and John, whom they have very high hopes for. The three have only known privilege, but as life takes them in different directions they are exposed to politics and the working class. As a result, different dreams and purposes for their lives begin to come to light.

While there are historical situations swirled through the story, the majority of it focuses on the love lives of the three Davenport siblings The three are very dedicated to each other, so the twists and turns in the book will keep you a bit on the edge of your seat waiting to know how it will all turn out.

The Davenports will leave you in a cliffhanger and yes, it is book one in a series.

About the history- William Davenport is loosely based on the real life Charles Richard Patterson. Patterson was born into slavery and through a series of events became the owner of a carriage company, C.R. Patterson and Sons. He had several children, but not much is known about his three daughters. Marquis admits in her Author's Notes that she "wondered what life was like for women in their position." So she created a work of fiction about "examples of representation she wished she had as a teen." In her notes she shares some interesting history about the success of African Americans post Civil War that is not well known.

HEADS UP- There are a couple of swear words. (No f bombs). There are a few make out scenes - tongue kissing is normally mentioned in these.