In 1790, Lavinia, a seven-year-old Irish orphan with no memory of her past, arrives on a tobacco plantation where she is put to work as an indentured servant with the kitchen house slaves. Though she becomes deeply bonded to her new family, Lavinia is also slowly accepted into the world of the big house, where the master is absent and the mistress battles opium addiction. As time passes she finds herself perilously straddling two very different worlds and when loyalties are brought into question, dangerous truths are laid bare and lives are at risk.
The Kitchen House is a tragic story of page-turning suspense, exploring the meaning of family, where love and loyalty prevail.
I picked up this audiobook totally based on the narrator Orlagh Cassidy, having heard recommendation after recommendation. This story was told in alternating voices of Lavinia and Belle, both narrators were fantastic. The author depicts the issues of slavery historically correct in all it's horrific nuances. You will come to love all the characters and hurt when they hurt and want so much better for them, but know it is impossible.Author: Kathleen Grissom
Published: May 2010
Narrators: Orlagh Cassidy and Bahni Turpin
Genre: Historical Fiction
Source: Library
13 comments:
I've read a few reviews of this one in the past and adding yours makes me want to read this one at some point!
How was the reader? I was wondering whether there was an accent as that is sometimes difficult for me for an entire book? It does sound like a good one.
DUH..sorry, just found my answer after putting on my glasses....LOL. Have a great week Nise.
I loved this book! It was a heart breaking story that made me feel so many emotions. I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.
OH I am checking the library for this one right away. I love good audiobooks, and this definitely sounds like one I'd enjoy!
This one's on my wish list. Good to know the audio is good.
Oh wow. This sounds fantastic -- if difficult. I'm going put this on my audio list.
This is one I've been meaning to download but wasn't 100% sure if I would like it - your review is enough to convince me! Off to download away :)
This one is on my tbr too. Thanks for the great review and reminder :)
I tried to read this but just never got absorbed in it, never cared about the characters. I finally gave up and just never finished it.
I read this for book club but really struggled through it. I just didn't like the way it was written or the fact that it was a bit over the top in terms of all the tragedies everyone experiences. But I'm glad you enjoyed it.
I really need to read this. I've had it on my nightstand for ages and have heard so many good things about it. I'm glad you enjoyed it.
I have this book on my TBR Shelves and the audiobook on hold at the library. I may just wait for the audiobook since that seems to have been a good experience for you.
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