Citation: Lo, M. (2021) Last night at the Telegraph Club. Dutton Books.
Content Warning: Depictions of racism, homophobia.
Under the neon sign of a lesbian bar called The Telegraph Club, Lily and Kath fall in love. When Lily sneaks out at night to watch the performances of a male impersonator – a 1950s drag king – at the Telegraph Club, she begins to realize she isn’t alone, but she has to keep her nightly adventures a secret. Her family is in enough danger already with Red Scare paranoia and potential deportation looming.
Set in San Francisco’s Chinatown in 1954, Last Night at the Telegraph Club is a celebration of the persistence of truth, love, and individuality in a culture intent on control. This book is highly recommended for anyone looking to learn more about LGBTQ+ and Chinese American history, or anyone who just enjoys a good love story.