Kathleen Grissom, New York Times bestselling author of the highly anticipated Glory Over Everything , established herself as a remarkable new talent with The Kitchen House , now a contemporary classic. In this gripping novel, a dark secret threatens to expose the best and worst in everyone tied to the estate at a thriving plantation in Virginia in the decades before the Civil War. Orphaned during her passage from Ireland, young, white Lavinia arrives on the steps of the kitchen house and is placed, as an indentured ...
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Kathleen Grissom, New York Times bestselling author of the highly anticipated Glory Over Everything , established herself as a remarkable new talent with The Kitchen House , now a contemporary classic. In this gripping novel, a dark secret threatens to expose the best and worst in everyone tied to the estate at a thriving plantation in Virginia in the decades before the Civil War. Orphaned during her passage from Ireland, young, white Lavinia arrives on the steps of the kitchen house and is placed, as an indentured servant, under the care of Belle, the master's illegitimate slave daughter. Lavinia learns to cook, clean, and serve food, while guided by the quiet strength and love of her new family. In time, Lavinia is accepted into the world of the big house, caring for the master's opium-addicted wife and befriending his dangerous yet protective son. She attempts to straddle the worlds of the kitchen and big house, but her skin color will forever set her apart from Belle and the other slaves. Through the unique eyes of Lavinia and Belle, Grissom's debut novel unfolds in a heartbreaking and ultimately hopeful story of class, race, dignity, deep-buried secrets, and familial bonds.
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Amazing story and excellent writing. Some painful parts in the story but so well done.
Patricia M
Jan 2, 2014
Too much foreshadowing
Great approach to an uncomfortable topic. However, I could have done with less foreshadowing throughout the book.
Great description of characters and locations. I felt like I knew them and had been there.
emily8
Apr 26, 2012
Must read
My opinion is this is a much better book than "The Help" and we all know how highly that book is rated and I honestly believe this book would make a fantastic movie. I have already shared it with 2 friends and they loved it too!
This author MUST write more; she has outstanding talents.
granmommy
Mar 18, 2012
Wonderful story
This book showed another view of the slave and plantation days. The two worlds, (black and white) can be blended as the main character tried to do. This is a book I will recommend to my book group. It will be great for discussion.
Susan O
Feb 23, 2012
Excellent reading if you have read the Help, you will read this, hopefully.
