The Downstairs Girl Audiobook By Stacey Lee cover art

The Downstairs Girl

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The Downstairs Girl

By: Stacey Lee
Narrated by: Emily Woo Zeller
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About this listen

From the critically-acclaimed author of Under a Painted Sky and Outrun the Moon and founding member of We Need Diverse Books comes a powerful novel about identity, betrayal, and the meaning of family.

By day, 17-year-old Jo Kuan works as a lady's maid for the cruel daughter of one of the wealthiest men in Atlanta. But by night, Jo moonlights as the pseudonymous author of a newspaper advice column for the genteel Southern lady, "Dear Miss Sweetie". When her column becomes wildly popular, she uses the power of the pen to address some of society's ills, but she's not prepared for the backlash that follows when her column challenges fixed ideas about race and gender.

While her opponents clamor to uncover the secret identity of Miss Sweetie, a mysterious letter sets Jo off on a search for her own past and the parents who abandoned her as a baby. But when her efforts put her in the crosshairs of Atlanta's most notorious criminal, Jo must decide whether she, a girl used to living in the shadows, is ready to step into the light.

With prose that is witty, insightful, and at times heartbreaking, Stacey Lee masterfully crafts an extraordinary social drama set in the New South.

©2019 Stacey Lee (P)2019 Tantor
Fiction Historical Fiction History & Culture Literature & Fiction Young Adult Heartfelt Inspiring Witty Suspenseful
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Critic reviews

"Spectacular." (Booklist starred review)

Featured Article: The Best Women Narrators to Listen to Right Now


One of the biggest questions listeners have when it comes to approaching a new audiobook is whether or not they'll enjoy the narration style. This is understandable, as audiobooks are at least a few hours long (with many clocking in at 20 hours long—or more!), and sticking with one person's voice for that time period can feel like a big commitment. We rounded up some of the best female narrators with a robust list of audiobooks under their belts.

Unique Perspective • Compelling Characters • Likable Heroine • Unexpected Twists • Beautiful Writing • Clear Delivery
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Emily Woo Zeller is one of my favorite narrators. This book feels highly relevant and necessary in a racist society who needs to learn for its mistakes. I throughly enjoyed the South of the United States and how vividly and well portrayed this time period is. The story is a bit too slow paced for me and not developed enough in terms of the potential of some characters. I enjoyed the diverse cast and the feminist take on Jo.

Emily Woo Zeller always blows me away

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Amazing book! I loved every minute! The reader was fabulous also! You won’t be disappointed!

Bravo!

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Worth the credit or the purchase. Definitely would recommend to anyone looking for something uplifting.

Wonderful Listen!

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Sweet and sad. Great characters. Great plot with a little mystery. I do love Stacey Lee’s books.

Sweet and sad story

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I love historical fiction. I love books about other cultures. This book is both. What a gem!!! I wish that this author had more books!

Delightful Surprise!!

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The descriptive richness of the characters led credibility to the storyline and drew in the emotions of this reader.

Courage

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I always like the love stories hiding in the shadows. Also, who knew that horse racing was crooked?

This Story was exciting!!

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Loved it! It was interesting and engaging. Jo was is a great character and shows perseverance and grit.

I love historical fiction.

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This was a book I needed to read for class and I enjoyed it a lot. I love how the main charecter is relatable and understandable in her actions. Great book I strongly reccomend it👍

Loved this book!

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I just finished listening and am in wonder of it. The ability of the author to weave the subject into disgusting fascism with joyful words it just so heartbreaking yet hopeful.

Buy this book!

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