Last Night at the Telegraph Club

Its central strength is the way private self-recognition is shown as socially situated rather than separate from family, culture and history. Lily’s interest in rockets and engineering also gives her future possibilities beyond the romance.

The book contains sexual touching and masturbation, underage drinking and smoking, and a police raid in which women are handcuffed and emotionally distressed. Historical terms now regarded as offensive are discussed with an explanation of their period use.

How might Lily’s hopes for scientific work and her feelings for Kath each challenge the expectations placed on her? What forms of loyalty or honesty seem possible when personal discovery could affect a household?

Consider reading alongside a conversation about consent, privacy and historical language. Check in before the romantic and sexual scenes, and pause after the raid to discuss emotional impact without demanding personal disclosure.