by Stacey Lee (Author), Emily Woo Zeller (Narrator), Tantor Audio (Publisher)

An Audiobook

   THE DOWNSTAIRS GIRL, by Stacey Lee, is a heartfelt story about a 17-year-old Asian orphan girl overcoming odds stacked high against her. Jo Kuan lives in Atlanta, Georgia in a time of prejudice and hate for anyone “different.” She is not black, in fact, her skin is ivory white, but her eyes, always the eyes, set her apart for disdain. It’s also a time when women are beginning to press for the vote.

She lives with an older male friend of her family who took her in when her mother died. She doesn’t know who her father was.  She works as a lady’s maid for the daughter of a wealthy man on a large estate.  Her older caregiver also works for him in his stables, caring for the racehorses. 

Jo Kuan struggles to overcome poverty and prejudice but gets into trouble often by her quick tongue. She is very smart and just can’t help giving out advice, often with a sharp bite, that turns people off.

She and her caregiver live “downstairs.”  No, not in the big estate house, but in the secret basement below a print shop. They have lived there since she was born.  There is a tube descending from the shop’s heater vent, and Jo Kuan has listened to adult conversations, world news, and interesting discussions all her life.  (Hence her knowledgeable mind.)

That eavesdropping gives her a dangerous idea. He overhears the print shop’s owner saying the newspaper will go out of business if it can’t get more subscribers.  Their talking gives Jo Luan the idea to become the pseudonymous author of an advice column for the paper.  She has MORE than enough opinions to give out!  The sharp-witted and biting “Miss Sweetie” is soon very popular and the newspaper begins to thrive.  (Their home beneath the shop is safe again.)

But this just isn’t a tale of Atlanta society and a secret advice columnist, it is a mystery and a wild adventure of independence for a beaten-down young woman that will thrill and encourage you.  Her bravery, strength, and insight will have you cheering long after you finish the book. 

Oh, and a notorious criminal and a fantastical horse race also come in, as well as a humongous surprise.  All great reading. I highly recommend this book.