
Her English governess tells her stories about England, making Anna long to travel there and see the marvelous green, warm countryside for herself. Unfortunately her wish is granted in a way that means the end of her family and way of life. After the revolution Anna and the surviving members of the family flee, penniless, with Anna's governess, who provides a place for them to stay. But Anna cannot bring herself to live there on charity, and when she finds an opportunity to take a temporary position as maid at a neighboring estate, she seizes it. She knows nothing of life as a servant, but she has her trusty copy of The Domestic Servant's Compendium to guide her. She is determined to keep her past a secret, and is laughably unaware of how obvious her gentle upbringing appears to those around her. Still, good servants are difficult to come by, and Anna's determination to do the exhausting work required of her, along with her impulsive, kindhearted nature soon endear her to the entire household, from the master's enormous dog Baskerville to the butler's eccentric invalid mother.
The plot of this novel is nothing new, and much of it is, in fact, quite predictable. But the way Ibbotson tells the story is so engaging that it is a joy to watch events unfold. Rupert, the handsome Earl of Westerholme, returns home from the war, the surviving younger brother who never imagined - or desired - to inherit the estate. His beautiful, wealthy fiancée will help solve the financial problems plaguing the property, and he will be able to keep the house, as he promised his older brother he would. Little does Rupert know that the Russian maid, gathered with the rest of the household staff to greet him upon his return from the war, will turn his life upside down.
The novel does have this element of romance, but it is mainly about a remarkable young woman finding her place in a new and strange world. When I closed the book I was truly sorry to let go of the many wonderful characters, whom I'd come to know and love in a way that only the very best novelists can inspire.
Virginia Gal, you will love this book!
A Countess Below Stairs by Eva Ibbotson (Speak, 2007)
Other blog reviews:
Angieville
Reading, etc.
Oh, this sounds just wonderful! I've been a fan of Ibbotson since Platform 13 too!
ReplyDeleteThis really does sound wonderful. I love it when a writer manages to make be get truly attached to the characters. Thanks for the lovely review!
ReplyDeleteI've read Journey to the River Sea and I always recommend it to customers in the shop, it was just lovely. So I think I'll read this one day (see neverending pile...)
ReplyDeleteIt's funny how this book as been recently re-printed here as "The secret Countess".
Ibbotson could well make my list of favourite children authors!
Nicola - yes, it was a wonderful book . I kept thinking about it when I wasn't reading it, just wanting to get back into that world for a little while. I think you will definitely enjoy it!
ReplyDeleteNymeth - you are so welcome! I honestly felt a bit like I do when I finish Austen, and I'm sorry to say goodbye to all those characters that make me feel as though they've been my neighbors for years. Ibbotson has an amazing ability to make me feel such sympathy for her characters, almost as soon as they're introduced. I can't figure out how she does it so (apparently) effortlessly.
And Valentina - can you believe I have not read Journey to the River Sea yet? It's on my list, of course, and I've heard so many wonderful things about it. It was funny with this one, when I was looking up the publication date, although this edition was from 2007, the copyright date was very old - from the 80s, I think (I've since returned it to the library). Which title do you like better? I think I like the "Below Stairs" one because she really isn't fooling anyone (even though they have no idea exactly who she is).
so funny I was reading your review and thinking "gee I'd love this book" and than you go and say "virginia gal you will love this book," tee hee. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteYes - I thought of you a lot while I was reading it - Russian royalty, missing jewels, handsome young earl, nightmare fiance just waiting for a comeuppance - definitely your cup of tea!
ReplyDeleteLet me know what you think if you read it!
I might have to have you grab me a copy - I can read it piecemeal till semester's end. LOL.
ReplyDeleteYeah, you know you'll never open that nightmare accouting book or whatever it is once you start this one! But I'd be glad to enable you, if you'd like! :-D Let me know when you'll be around and I'll get a copy for you.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like a fun book. I'm putting it on my list of TBR.
ReplyDeleteIt is fun! I hope you enjoy it - let me know what you think!
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