We are only two words into the title (LAST NIGHT) and already so much is foreshadowed in the book. “Night,” therefore, is a time that is a perfect choice to highlight in the title. The main character is Chinese American, her father’s immigration status could be revoked if she is revealed to be a lesbian and at the time during which the novel is set, there is a heightened fear of the Chinese culture in America. This foreshadows the threatening situation central to the novel. While we are looking at “night” I’d also like to add the way that “night” can often lead to an association of fear (because humans are not biologically programmed to hunt at night – and many predators in the wild can sense us before we sense them at night).

“Night” gives us mystery, suspense, and, of course, romance. Moving to the word “night” we know the significance because key to this story is the night that the two young women fall in love (one night at a bar called The Telegraph Club.) Again, though, consider how different this title would be if any other time of the day were highlighted? TWILIGHT AT THE TELEGRAPH CLUB… It isn’t enough.

Consider the change that change that phrases like “AT THE TELEGRAPH CLUB” or “YESTERDAY AT THE TELEGRAPH CLUB”… doesn’t quite work, does it? We lose the lyricism entirely. Next, let’s get even closer… “Last” simply resonates with the word “lost” and foreshadows how this novel encourages us to examine what we (what you) would lose for the sake of love. (Both looking back, and the sense of nostalgia, weave beautifully into the history, themes, and lyricism of Malinda’s writing.) It is phrase that is, potentially, imbued with nostalgia. Let’s look closely at this brilliant title!įirst, “last night” is a phrase that gives us a sense of looking back upon events. While I recommend everything Malinda writes, including her excellent newsletter, and I hope that you’ll read and support it all, today’s focus is on not a novel in its entirety, but the title of her 2022 historical fiction, LAST NIGHT AT THE TELEGRAPH CLUB. I’ve been impressed with Malinda Lo’s talent since I read her debut novel ASH over a decade ago. LAST NIGHT AT THE TELEGRAPH CLUB, written by Malinda LoMalinda Lo is the National Book Award winning novelist of LAST NIGHT AT THE TELEGRAPH CLUB, and many favorite stories for young adults including ASH, HUNTRESS, A LINE IN THE DARK, and more. Padma creates the prompts based on a book from one of our Highlights Foundation faculty, and Chef Amanda shares a recipe from the kitchen at the Barn. Every month, our Chef Amanda and author Padma Venkatraman pair up to share a recipe and writing prompt for our Highlights Foundation family.

Last night at the telegraph club book