Helpful Score: 7
Anna and her family are Russian nobles, refugees from the civil war that tears their country apart in the middle of World War I. They go to England, where Anna takes up as a housemaid at Mersham, an elegant estate full of personality. Rupert is the young new Earl of Westerholme and reluctant owner of Mersham, just discharged from the hospital where he recovered from a plane crash, and where he has found his fiancee, a pretty young lady named Muriel Hardwicke. Muriel, an orphan, has money but no connections, and is determined to get them by marrying Rupert, whose family has no physical or mental flaws that she knows of.
As Anna flies about Mersham determinedly carrying out her duties and endearing herself to all of the staff there, Rupert can't help but be attracted to her. And everyone in the house and out is beginning to realize how stuck-up and purist Muriel is. Her demands for physical, mental, and genetic perfection put many of Mersham's help in danger of losing their positions, their entire family. Can Anna's friends, everyone at Mersham, come up with a plan to save the day?
It has been a long time since I have read a refreshingly straightforward fairy tale. Anna is a resourceful and delightful female protagonist. I could've wanted more interaction between Anna and Rupert, but is the delightful way that Eva Ibbotson draws up her cast of characters that really make this simple story shine.
As Anna flies about Mersham determinedly carrying out her duties and endearing herself to all of the staff there, Rupert can't help but be attracted to her. And everyone in the house and out is beginning to realize how stuck-up and purist Muriel is. Her demands for physical, mental, and genetic perfection put many of Mersham's help in danger of losing their positions, their entire family. Can Anna's friends, everyone at Mersham, come up with a plan to save the day?
It has been a long time since I have read a refreshingly straightforward fairy tale. Anna is a resourceful and delightful female protagonist. I could've wanted more interaction between Anna and Rupert, but is the delightful way that Eva Ibbotson draws up her cast of characters that really make this simple story shine.
Helpful Score: 3
Great Cinderella story, a few twists and turns. Lively characters with starch and personality set in stuffy English period.
Helpful Score: 3
BRAVO to the author is what I thought when I was done with this book. It was just a fabulous fun book! Near the end it had me laughing out loud at the characters wonderful antics. Good book to have read!
Helpful Score: 3
Reviewed by Amber Gibson for TeensReadToo.com
Anna Grazinsky is a member of the Russian aristocracy, or White Russians, during the Russian Revolution. Her family is forced to flee from their comfortable life in Russia to England, where they are safe from the revolutionaries. But in England, the Grazinskys are left with nothing. Anna has a very resilient spirit, and instead of moping around and wishing for her old life, she is grateful for the safety of her family and secretly takes a job as a maid so that her little brother can still attend school. With her take-charge attitude, Anna proves that not all rich girls are snobby brats, like modern heiresses lead us to believe.
While many of the servants at the Westerholme residence are skeptical of the new foreign girl, Anna quickly charms her way into their hearts. With her deep curtsies, bright smile, and cheerful demeanor, Anna is beloved by all. She does each task assigned to her as best she can, never slacking on the job.
When the young and handsome Earl of Westerholme returns home from World War I, Anna is immediately drawn to him. And it seems that he feels a similar attraction to her. But Anna's identity as a countess is still a secret, and she does not have the social standing that she once held in Russia. Plus, the Earl is already engaged to the beautiful but vicious Muriel Hardwicke. Muriel nursed Earl Rupert back to health when he was wounded in the war, and he proposed to her. But that was before he met Anna.
In the weeks leading up to the wedding, Muriel begins to take over the Westerholme household, arbitrarily firing servants that do not fit in with her vision for Westerholme. None of the servants or neighbors are fond of Muriel, and as the wedding date approaches, all of Rupert's friends and family are leery of the impending marriage.
At the costume ball thrown prior to the wedding, Anna's true identity as a countess is revealed, and Anna and Rupert dance the night away. Everyone can see that they are a perfect couple, but can Rupert and Anna come to terms with their feelings for each other before his marriage to Muriel?
Although A COUNTESS BELOW STAIRS has a very fairytale-like romantic plot, Anna is far from the typical princess. She has a feisty spirit and genuinely fun personality that immediately draws you in. Eva Ibbotson does a great job in breathing life into the generic fairytale plot. Anna's story is very similar to what much of the Russian aristocracy experienced during the communist revolution, and Ibbotson shows that even though life is unpredictable and rarely kind, if you embrace all opportunities and make the most of your situation, you will find happiness.
Anna Grazinsky is a member of the Russian aristocracy, or White Russians, during the Russian Revolution. Her family is forced to flee from their comfortable life in Russia to England, where they are safe from the revolutionaries. But in England, the Grazinskys are left with nothing. Anna has a very resilient spirit, and instead of moping around and wishing for her old life, she is grateful for the safety of her family and secretly takes a job as a maid so that her little brother can still attend school. With her take-charge attitude, Anna proves that not all rich girls are snobby brats, like modern heiresses lead us to believe.
While many of the servants at the Westerholme residence are skeptical of the new foreign girl, Anna quickly charms her way into their hearts. With her deep curtsies, bright smile, and cheerful demeanor, Anna is beloved by all. She does each task assigned to her as best she can, never slacking on the job.
When the young and handsome Earl of Westerholme returns home from World War I, Anna is immediately drawn to him. And it seems that he feels a similar attraction to her. But Anna's identity as a countess is still a secret, and she does not have the social standing that she once held in Russia. Plus, the Earl is already engaged to the beautiful but vicious Muriel Hardwicke. Muriel nursed Earl Rupert back to health when he was wounded in the war, and he proposed to her. But that was before he met Anna.
In the weeks leading up to the wedding, Muriel begins to take over the Westerholme household, arbitrarily firing servants that do not fit in with her vision for Westerholme. None of the servants or neighbors are fond of Muriel, and as the wedding date approaches, all of Rupert's friends and family are leery of the impending marriage.
At the costume ball thrown prior to the wedding, Anna's true identity as a countess is revealed, and Anna and Rupert dance the night away. Everyone can see that they are a perfect couple, but can Rupert and Anna come to terms with their feelings for each other before his marriage to Muriel?
Although A COUNTESS BELOW STAIRS has a very fairytale-like romantic plot, Anna is far from the typical princess. She has a feisty spirit and genuinely fun personality that immediately draws you in. Eva Ibbotson does a great job in breathing life into the generic fairytale plot. Anna's story is very similar to what much of the Russian aristocracy experienced during the communist revolution, and Ibbotson shows that even though life is unpredictable and rarely kind, if you embrace all opportunities and make the most of your situation, you will find happiness.
Helpful Score: 3
I was looking for some light, feel-good reading and I found it! This is a typical riches-to-rags-to-riches Cinderella plot with clear-cut antagonists (eugenicists) and a likable heroine. Don't expect any literary feats or serious plot twists: this book is as uncomplicated as they come.
Helpful Score: 2
After the russian revolution turns her world topsy-turvy, Anna, a young russian countess, has no choice but to flee to england. penniless, Anna hides her aristocratic background and takes a job as servant in the household of the esteemed westerholme family, armed only with an outdated housekeeping manual and sheer determination. Desperate to keep her past a secret, Anna is nearly overwhelmed by her new dutiesnot to mention her instant attraction to rupert, the handsome earl of westerholme. to make matters worse, rupert appears to be falling for her as well. As their attraction grows stronger, Anna finds it more and more difficult to keep her most dearly held secrets from unraveling. And then theres the small matter of ruperts beautiful and nasty fiancée. . . .
A very fun and light read, thoroughly enjoyed it!
This is a great book! Funny and romantic, perfect for a relaxing read. The characters are engaging and relatable. Even the obligatory villaness is somewhat sympathetic. I would read anything from this author without question.
I adore this story. It was one of the best love stories I've read in a while. This story didn't have any of the cheesy sex scenes or corny lines. What this story did have was memorable characters and a wonderfully woven story which is laid out in way that draws you in and keeps you enthralled.
Anna is one of the most caring and endearing women I've read about and it's no wonder that Rupert a man with unspeakable honer becomes enchanted by her. It's just too bad that she's his maid. Surrounding characters like "The Honorable Ollie" who because of Polio now had one leg shorter then the other, Sergie Anna's cousin and displaced Prince of Russia who now found himself in England employed as a chauffeur, Tom an Earl and in love with Susie the only child of a wealthy Rag Merchant who was a Polish Jew, Muriel the fiance to Rupert who was self centered, self absorbed and felt entitled was just a few of the many colorful characters who came to life in this book.
If you love a good love story then pick up this book because it was amazing from beginning to end.
Anna is one of the most caring and endearing women I've read about and it's no wonder that Rupert a man with unspeakable honer becomes enchanted by her. It's just too bad that she's his maid. Surrounding characters like "The Honorable Ollie" who because of Polio now had one leg shorter then the other, Sergie Anna's cousin and displaced Prince of Russia who now found himself in England employed as a chauffeur, Tom an Earl and in love with Susie the only child of a wealthy Rag Merchant who was a Polish Jew, Muriel the fiance to Rupert who was self centered, self absorbed and felt entitled was just a few of the many colorful characters who came to life in this book.
If you love a good love story then pick up this book because it was amazing from beginning to end.
Oh how I love the writing style of Eva Ibbotson! Some may say it's too descriptive or too flowery, but I find it enchanting. Yes, her stories may be predictable but that is what I enjoy about her. I know I will be swept off my feet into another world.
Ms. Ibbotson can really string those words together beautifully! I admire her talent. This one wasn't quite as good As Company Of Swans. It seemed to be a little too "disney" for me. It was actually more about the wedding preparations of Lord Rupert and his nasty fiancé, Muriel, and boy is she nasty! I didn't quite understand why Rupert and Anna were attracted to one another, as the author didn't really show us, until towards the end they are declaring themselves to one another. Still, a very charming read and I enjoyed it.
I love this book! You can never go wrong with a book by Ibbotson.
I adore this story. It was one of the best love stories I've read in a while. This story didn't have any of the cheesy sex scenes or corny lines. What this story did have was memorable characters and a wonderfully woven story which is laid out in way that draws you in and keeps you enthralled.
Anna is one of the most caring and endearing women I've read about and it's no wonder that Rupert a man with unspeakable honer becomes enchanted by her. It's just too bad that she's his maid. Surrounding characters like "The Honorable Ollie" who because of Polio now had one leg shorter then the other, Sergie Anna's cousin and displaced Prince of Russia who now found himself in England employed as a chauffeur, Tom an Earl and in love with Susie the only child of a wealthy Rag Merchant who was a Polish Jew, Muriel the fiance to Rupert who was self centered, self absorbed and felt entitled was just a few of the many colorful characters who came to life in this book.
If you love a good love story then pick up this book because it was amazing from beginning to end.
Anna is one of the most caring and endearing women I've read about and it's no wonder that Rupert a man with unspeakable honer becomes enchanted by her. It's just too bad that she's his maid. Surrounding characters like "The Honorable Ollie" who because of Polio now had one leg shorter then the other, Sergie Anna's cousin and displaced Prince of Russia who now found himself in England employed as a chauffeur, Tom an Earl and in love with Susie the only child of a wealthy Rag Merchant who was a Polish Jew, Muriel the fiance to Rupert who was self centered, self absorbed and felt entitled was just a few of the many colorful characters who came to life in this book.
If you love a good love story then pick up this book because it was amazing from beginning to end.
I really like the story. The main character is so likeable, you really want the best for her. The antagonist is a horrible person who you come to despise. My only dislike is a personal one--too much description of every little thing. It probably comes with the style of writing, but it got old at times. Other than that, I loved the story.
I have read a couple other Ibbotson books before this one. I really loved âA Company of Swansâ but didn't enjoy âThe Morning Giftâ. This was a quick historical fiction read that I enjoyed. There is quite a bit of romance in here but it felt a bit unfinished.
This is a feel good story that is set in Russia and Europe right after/during WWII. It was a well done story but the writing was a bit simplistic. The main heroine, Anna, is almost too good to be true. Her absolute goodness in the face of everything was inspiring but also unbelievable.
I enjoyed the historical setting but throught the story was a bit contrived. Additionally the ending was abrupt and felt unfinished.
Overall this was engaging and easy to read but not great. It was an overly sweet story that was so happy throughout it felt contrived. I liked it better than The Morning Gift but not as much as A Company of Swans. Would recommend to those who enjoy light historical romance reads.
This is a feel good story that is set in Russia and Europe right after/during WWII. It was a well done story but the writing was a bit simplistic. The main heroine, Anna, is almost too good to be true. Her absolute goodness in the face of everything was inspiring but also unbelievable.
I enjoyed the historical setting but throught the story was a bit contrived. Additionally the ending was abrupt and felt unfinished.
Overall this was engaging and easy to read but not great. It was an overly sweet story that was so happy throughout it felt contrived. I liked it better than The Morning Gift but not as much as A Company of Swans. Would recommend to those who enjoy light historical romance reads.
