Customer Reviews: Read 226 more reviews...
 A bit weak in places but I enjoyed it October 14, 2008
Well Ive just finished this book, which I bought ages ago and never felt like picking up. I fancied a bit of light relief and thats what I got. I thought overall it was well written with some real strokes of genius together with some cliches. It seemed to me to be trying to be a bit "Atonementish" but in a 'holiday read' sort of way.
If you like the 20's and the whole upstairs downstairs thing I think you will like this because I think the author handles the relationships between the characters really well. I didnt have any trouble switching between young and old Grace. I imagine when (if) I get to her age I will do the same. I think the author herself likes the period she set the book in. I imagine "The Great Gatsby" is one of her favourites.
A good read that doesnt answer all your questions, but in a good way, and although you can guess the ending is one going to be one of 3 scenarios its still really well done and isnt quite at the end.
It has some themes that could become really sweet and sickly but the author doesnt let them become so - even though I kept thinking she would.
Not a classic of its type in my opinion but a good read nonetheless. I enjoyed it.
 You need to read it and make up your own mind October 14, 2008
Firstly to get the gripes out of the way;
As another reviewer has mentioned, this book does jump all over the place somewhat and could be hard to follow if you dont have good concentration. It is also worth mentioning that none of the characters are particularly likeable or easy to relate to and the book is slow starting but i'm glad I perservered.
I think it is fantastically researched and that is why im giving it 5 stars, descriptions are also excellent and in my imagination, I was just there.
The first part of this book is slow and you sometimes wonder why you are being told certain things but the second part and particularly the ending are fantastic, if somewhat predictable.
I thoroughly enjoyed it in the end and couldn't put it down.
I am looking forward to reading Kate's next book!
 An enjoyable novel September 29, 2008
This book takes place in the beggining of the 1900s. It is ideal for those who like rich English family novels full of intrigues. The book is told on first person by the servant of the house that is now on her late 90s. Thus, the author keeps going back and fowards in time. During her years as a servant, a man kills himself and the only witnesses are two sisters, who after that will never talk to each other again. The story unravells the mystery.
the only aspect I didn't like of this book is that the author keeps on revealling what will happen before it actually does. In spite of this, the ending still came as a total surprise to me.
 not convinced! September 26, 2008
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
I picked this up with high hopes, having loved another R & J recommendation (East of the Sun). However, I have found it a very slow read and the writing style clumsy, repetitive and, well, prosiac! I can't help feeling that the author never quite gets Grace's voice right - it's too formal for a housemaid and more importantly, it doesn't match the voice of present-day Grace who is narrating the novel from the 1990s and who we hear from in the present also. I am half way through and unsure if I will finish it. I can see that other readers loved it, but I just don't get it I'm afraid!
A real feel good book. September 22, 2008
When I first picked this book up I didnt think id like it much, not being a fan of romance novels but I have just finished reading this book and I really enjoyed it. Its a easy read without any complicated plots and you really feel yourself becoming absorbed into their lives. It is a perfect book for curling up on the sofa with in the long winter nights. Definately worth a read!
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