Last Night at the Telegraph Club by Malinda Lo immerses readers in 1950s San Francisco, exploring themes of identity and belonging. Reviewers praise its rich historical context and nuanced portrayal of Chinese-American and LGBTQ+ experiences. Some find the pacing slow, but the heartfelt relationships and vivid setting make it a compelling read.

A reader who would enjoy Last Night at the Telegraph Club by Malinda Lo appreciates historical fiction with strong LGBTQ+ themes, like The Night Watch by Sarah Waters. They are drawn to coming-of-age stories exploring identity and societal constraints, similar to Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz.

Last Night at the Telegraph Club by Malinda Lo is a 2021 coming-of-age novel about Lily Hu, a Chinese American teenager in 1950s San Francisco, who navigates her emerging sexual identity and experiences societal racism. Discovering the Telegraph Club, a lesbian nightclub, through an ad, she bonds with her classmate Kath, leading to a secretive and transformative relationship over five months. Sensitive topics include racism and homophobia.

Mysterious / Romantic / Bittersweet / Contemplative / Emotional

- Last Night at the Telegraph Club won the National Book Award for Young People's Literature in 2021, making Malinda Lo the first Asian American author to win in that category.
- The novel was inspired by Malinda Lo's research into LGBTQ+ history and Chinese American communities in San Francisco during the 1950s.
- Malinda Lo highlighted the importance of spaces like the Telegraph Club in her novel, emphasizing their role as havens for marginalized communities during a time of widespread discrimination.

**Lily Hu**  
The main protagonist, Lily navigates her identity as a Chinese American teenager in 1950s San Francisco, balancing cultural expectations with her personal aspirations and sexuality.

**Kathleen ("Kath") Miller**  
Lily’s friend and primary love interest, Kath shares a strong interest in math and science with Lily and becomes a significant source of support and understanding.

**Shirley Lum**  
Lily’s childhood best friend, Shirley is confident and comfortable conforming to social expectations, though her relationship with Lily becomes strained over time.

**Grace Hu**  
Lily’s mother, who is protective yet presses Lily to conform to traditional Chinese American norms, especially in matters of appearance and behavior.

**Joseph Hu**  
A Chinese immigrant and Lily’s father, Joseph faces external pressures due to the political climate of the 1950s while also grappling with Lily’s nonconformity.

**Judy Fong**  
Lily’s aunt, she works at the Jet Propulsion Lab and initially supports Lily’s interest in space, though she also aligns with Lily’s parents concerning her path.

Malinda Lo

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Part 1: “I Can Dream Can’t I?:August-September 1954”

Prologue and Part 1

Last Night at the Telegraph Club Prologue and Part 1 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “I Enjoy Being a Girl: October to November 1954”

Grace and Part 2

Last Night at the Telegraph Club Grace and Part 2 Summary & Analysis

Part 3: “I Only Have Eyes for You: November 1954”

Joseph and Part 3

Last Night at the Telegraph Club Joseph and Part 3 Summary & Analysis

Part 4: “December 1954”

Judy and Part 4

Last Night at the Telegraph Club Judy and Part 4 Summary & Analysis

Part 5: “Lush Life: December 1954-January 1955”

Grace and Part 5

Last Night at the Telegraph Club Grace and Part 5 Summary & Analysis

Judy and Part 6, Epilogue, and Author’s Note

Last Night at the Telegraph Club Judy and Part 6, Epilogue, and Author’s Note Summary & Analysis

Last Night at the Telegraph Club

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