Helpful Score: 10
What stuck with most about this book was the overwhelming frustration, and powerlessness of the characters, whether, white or black, slave, indentured or free, the women and men of this story were at the mercy of some dark, cruel men.
Right from page one you know that Lavina, comes to the house to find it burned down and someone is dead, and Lavina's 7 year old daughter is with her. But you are compelled to read the story to find out who fathers this child, cause there are a few possible outcomes. For that reason you will keep reading to find out who, and what and why, and when. You just cant stop reading until you know.
Right from page one you know that Lavina, comes to the house to find it burned down and someone is dead, and Lavina's 7 year old daughter is with her. But you are compelled to read the story to find out who fathers this child, cause there are a few possible outcomes. For that reason you will keep reading to find out who, and what and why, and when. You just cant stop reading until you know.
Helpful Score: 10
A very well-written book. Intriguing, but dark. I was immediately drawn into the characters' lives. I really liked how the author uses two different voices to tell the story, because it gives the reader a more well-rounded viewpoint.
The actual subject matter of the book itself was rather depressing, but I couldn't tear myself away from it. I would definitely read another novel written by this author.
The actual subject matter of the book itself was rather depressing, but I couldn't tear myself away from it. I would definitely read another novel written by this author.
Helpful Score: 7
Before starting this book go to the back and read the author's note, I almost put it down after 50 pages but instead the pages just kept turning until I was engrossed in the story of plantation life about the slaves and their owners. Very well written.
Helpful Score: 5
I absolutely loved this book and couldn't put it down. A completely engrossing read that takes place in the late 1700s and early 1800s. Told in the alternating voices of an Irish indentured servant and the daughter of a slave and her white master. I was immediately pulled into the story, and became immediatley invested in the lives of the many characters who come to life so vividly on the page. Very accomplished debut effort which I highly recommend.
Helpful Score: 4
This is a disturbing but riveting book that provides a unique perspective on the relationship between white indentured servants and black slaves, while also highlighting the cruelties and horrors of slavery. And it shows how one's sense of family crosses color lines -- and what an impossible situation that is in late 18th c. Virginia. In general, I thought the book was excellent -- well worth reading, but be prepared for heartbreak and despair.
Helpful Score: 3
This is an amazing, touching story. This author was able to create characters that you fell in love with. On each page you felt what they were feeling and lived the story with them. This historical novel is not a story you will soon forget. There were parts that were hard to read, parts where you wanted to cry, and parts that touched your heart. This book is well worth reading!
Helpful Score: 2
This is a wonderful book. The character development is full and the story moves at a nice pace. I would recommend this book for anyone. I love historical novels because you always learn and appreciate the people and the culture from that time period. The author researched this era extensively and it shows. Several times in the novel I had a hard time reading it because it was so real and true to the time period. This is one of those books that you wish you could pull the characters from your mind and meet them personally. This is not a book that you merely read and put down, it stays with you. Papa George, Mama May, Belle and the host of other inhabitants of Tall Oaks pull you into their world and keep you hooked till the end.
Helpful Score: 2
The Kitchen House by Kathleen Grissom takes the reader on an incredible journey through the lives of both masters and slaves on a Virginia plantation in the late 1700's to early 1800's. Told from two points of view, the author writes as if the story is happening in front of your eyes. The development of the characters is like none other novel I've ever taken the pleasure of reading. Highly recommend!
Helpful Score: 2
What a good book...I really enjoyed reading it..I felt that it dealt with some of the bad things that happened in this time period with tact and emotion. It was extremely fast moving esp. toward the end. Make sure your have time to read it because it's a hard book to put down. I hope to see a sequel.
Helpful Score: 2
This book is very compelling in a stark, tragic way. It is the story of slavery, told by several different persons, but mainly from a white bond servant who arrives at the plantation as a child. I was disappointed in this character. She was betrayed as having no clue what was going on even after she had lived with the slaves for years. I didn't find that realistic in the least.
I kept waiting for someone to be the hero of this book. I didn't find a hero. People were caught in situations they had no control over and while they remained loyal to each other, no one stepped up and did anything about it. The slaves had NO choice in any of the treatment. The white girl, once she became a woman, could have had the power. She didn't take it and she didn't use it to help herself or others. She just kept taking the easy way out.
Yes - the book is compelling. But it certainly is not a book that will leave you feeling good in any way.
I kept waiting for someone to be the hero of this book. I didn't find a hero. People were caught in situations they had no control over and while they remained loyal to each other, no one stepped up and did anything about it. The slaves had NO choice in any of the treatment. The white girl, once she became a woman, could have had the power. She didn't take it and she didn't use it to help herself or others. She just kept taking the easy way out.
Yes - the book is compelling. But it certainly is not a book that will leave you feeling good in any way.
Helpful Score: 1
The year is 1791. A young, red-haired, white Irish girl who has become indentured to James Pyke. She has been brought to a plantation called Twin Oaks, in Virginia, and is handed to Belle and Mama Mae to learn how to help in the kitchen house. The young girls' name is Lavinia, although she can has repressed her memory of who she is or where she came from.
Belle is a black/white woman who helps Lavinia adjust to her surroundings and becomes very much like a mother to her. There are many other slaves who fill Lavinia's new life, some older and some her own age and younger.
Eventually, Lavinia recalls the loss of her parents, immigrants from Ireland, who passed away on the trip over to the United States, She also had a brother, Cardigan, who was indentured elsewhere.
Lavinia becomes a true member of the family at the kitchen house and at the plantation. She is very shy and aims to please all who come in to her life.
The Pykes, James (Cap'n) and Miss Martha, have two very beautiful blond children, Marshall & Sally. Lavinia does not have much interaction with them, as they are the children of the manse. There are occasions when they are allowed to interact, and Lavinia loves both of them.
A master is hired for Marshall Pyke, and things aren't right with how he is treating Marshall. The slaves can see this, but Miss Martha is often in a drug-induced state of mind, with her use of laudanum. This happens because her husband is often away on business in Philadelphia. Cap'n has hired a manager, Rankin, who takes care of the plantation. Rankin is very mean-spirited and extremely prejudice about the indentured individuals working at Twin Oaks.
Lavinia's life takes on many changes. As she is white, she is treated differently than the black slaves, especially at church.
This novel is based on real events researched by the author and there are some very happy events, but also some horrible events. I really like the way Kathleen Grissom switches the chapters between Belle and Lavinia. It gives you a true sense of both sides of plantation life at Twin Oaks.
Belle is a black/white woman who helps Lavinia adjust to her surroundings and becomes very much like a mother to her. There are many other slaves who fill Lavinia's new life, some older and some her own age and younger.
Eventually, Lavinia recalls the loss of her parents, immigrants from Ireland, who passed away on the trip over to the United States, She also had a brother, Cardigan, who was indentured elsewhere.
Lavinia becomes a true member of the family at the kitchen house and at the plantation. She is very shy and aims to please all who come in to her life.
The Pykes, James (Cap'n) and Miss Martha, have two very beautiful blond children, Marshall & Sally. Lavinia does not have much interaction with them, as they are the children of the manse. There are occasions when they are allowed to interact, and Lavinia loves both of them.
A master is hired for Marshall Pyke, and things aren't right with how he is treating Marshall. The slaves can see this, but Miss Martha is often in a drug-induced state of mind, with her use of laudanum. This happens because her husband is often away on business in Philadelphia. Cap'n has hired a manager, Rankin, who takes care of the plantation. Rankin is very mean-spirited and extremely prejudice about the indentured individuals working at Twin Oaks.
Lavinia's life takes on many changes. As she is white, she is treated differently than the black slaves, especially at church.
This novel is based on real events researched by the author and there are some very happy events, but also some horrible events. I really like the way Kathleen Grissom switches the chapters between Belle and Lavinia. It gives you a true sense of both sides of plantation life at Twin Oaks.
Helpful Score: 1
I really enjoyed this book. The characters are well formed and by the middle of the book you feel that you know them personally. The story is enlightening and taught me things about that time period I didn't know. A good story. I had trouble putting the book down.
Helpful Score: 1
What an amazing story! Author to watch for. :)
Helpful Score: 1
What can I say about this book other than it's absolutely AMAZING? I fell in love with the characters and felt the same feelings and emotions that they did. Though this book is fiction, it is a very important part of slavery in our history, and that's what made it seem so real. These people whether they are slaves or masters are all weaved together by lies and deceit, illegitimate children, and abuse beyond imagination. Family is not just those of blood relation, but those who love and care for you, whether you are white, black or mixed and this beautiful yet terrifying story shows all of that and more! I will be thinking of this book for a long time...
Helpful Score: 1
Sometimes you just don't agree with the majority and that is definitely the case with this book which currently averages a rating of 4.01 on LibraryThing...and I gave it only 2 stars. Maybe this book is a victim of circumstance since I'm reading it right on the heels of Gone With the Wind or maybe it is just not as well-written as I'd hoped. If the Enquirer or Star magazines from the grocery store checkout lanes were reincarnated as a novel, this would be that novel. There was so much sensationalism and zero subtlety and this meant that preposterous plot lines hit you over the head without mercy. I couldn't wait to get to the end and didn't really care how all of those plots resolved.
Helpful Score: 1
All I have to say is WOW. When I won this book I wasn't sure what to expect. This is not my usual genre but I decided to give it a shot. The story was wonderful. The author paints the characters in a way that makes you care about them and the things that happen to them. The story being told from two different perspectives also helps to give you a full view of the situation. The only thing that kept this book from being 5 stars for me was the ending. I thought it was a bit abrupt for my liking. Overall though a wonderful piece of historical fiction! I would definitely recommend this to friends.
Helpful Score: 1
A story told by 2 of the characters, Belle and Lavinia. On a tobacco plantation in Virginia young Lavinia was an indentured servant from Ireland in the late 1700's. Belle was the plantation owners illegitimate slave daughter. She runs the kitchen house off the main house. Lavinia learns all the chores that are done by the slaves, who become her family. But she is also accepted by the people of the main house. This was my bookclub selection this month and I recommend this book to all serious readers.
Helpful Score: 1
This book had my undivided attention from beginning to end. I felt like I knew the characters personally and was a part of their world. I cried with them and laughed with them. It has been a while since I have felt such emotional attachment to a book. I do not know why the people who rated it one star say that it is poorly written? I highly recommend this book and cannot wait to buy it for Christmas presents!
Helpful Score: 1
This book is a very, very good read. I finished it in one setting. The characters are so real. There is one part in the book where I literally burst out crying it was so emotional. And when telling my husband about it the next day, I actually burst out crying again. I highly recommend it.
A very compelling story about plantation life in Virginia in the 1790's.
The story moved so fast, I felt like I was watching a movie. The writing isn't particularly literary or special,
but it is a great story and I was happy to read to the end.
Explores how blacks and whites interacted and what happened when boundaries were crossed.
This book is filled with a lot of drama.
The story moved so fast, I felt like I was watching a movie. The writing isn't particularly literary or special,
but it is a great story and I was happy to read to the end.
Explores how blacks and whites interacted and what happened when boundaries were crossed.
This book is filled with a lot of drama.
Excellent first book by Kathleen Grissom. Well written, flows easily. Intesting plot and characters. Nice snap shot in time, 1800 Virginia. You really get involved in the character's day to day life.
Lavinia, an orphaned child from Ireland, is taken home by the captain of a ship to his plantation in Virginia where she becomes an indentured servant living with his slaves. She is cared for as if she is one of theirs, taught to do what "good slaves" do in the Kitchen House. Eventually though, she is moved into the Big House and taught by the captain's emotionally unstable wife to be a proper young lady. Because she was brought up lovingly by the slaves, she never stops loving them and treating them as her equal even though she ends up loving the captain, his wife, and their family. This is a sad story, showing the best and the worse in people. I was really impressed by Grissom's first novel. I loved it and became truly attached to the characters in this story.
When a white servant girl violates the rules of plantation society, she unleashes a tragedy that exposes the best and the worst traits of the people she has come to call her family.
In 1791, Lavinia McCarten is almost seven years old when she arrives on the steps of a tabacco plantation in Virginia. Having lost both her parents during the voyage from Ireland, she is subsequently placed with the family of the ship's captain - the Pykes - as an indentured servant. As one of the few white members of the household, Lavinia is raised by Captain Pyke's slaves: Jacob, Mama Mae, Papa George, and the master's illegitimate slave daughter, Belle. Soon, she learns to cook, clean, and serve food with the slaves of the kitchen house; all while being guided by the quiet strength and love of her new family.
In due time, Lavinia is also accepted into the world of the big house, caring for Martha, the master's opium-addicted wife and befriending his impetuous son Marshall - someone who is as dangerous as he is protective. As Lavinia attempts to straddle both worlds of the kitchen and the big house, she begins to realize just how much her skin color will always set her apart from Belle and the other slaves.
However, when she is forced to make a choice that she never thought she would have to make; loyalties are brought into question, dangerous truths are laid bare, and lives are put at risk. Ultimately, everything that Lavinia holds dear will be threatened. Through the unique eyes of Lavinia and Belle, Kathleen Grissom's debut novel unfolds into a heartbreaking yet ultimately hopeful story of class, race, dignity, deeply buried secrets, and familial bonds.
Actually, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. I learned more about slavery than I thought I would. In my opinion, this was a beautifully written but heartbreakingly sad story - poignant and thought-provoking. I would certainly give this book an A+! and will be on the lookout for more from this author in the future.
In 1791, Lavinia McCarten is almost seven years old when she arrives on the steps of a tabacco plantation in Virginia. Having lost both her parents during the voyage from Ireland, she is subsequently placed with the family of the ship's captain - the Pykes - as an indentured servant. As one of the few white members of the household, Lavinia is raised by Captain Pyke's slaves: Jacob, Mama Mae, Papa George, and the master's illegitimate slave daughter, Belle. Soon, she learns to cook, clean, and serve food with the slaves of the kitchen house; all while being guided by the quiet strength and love of her new family.
In due time, Lavinia is also accepted into the world of the big house, caring for Martha, the master's opium-addicted wife and befriending his impetuous son Marshall - someone who is as dangerous as he is protective. As Lavinia attempts to straddle both worlds of the kitchen and the big house, she begins to realize just how much her skin color will always set her apart from Belle and the other slaves.
However, when she is forced to make a choice that she never thought she would have to make; loyalties are brought into question, dangerous truths are laid bare, and lives are put at risk. Ultimately, everything that Lavinia holds dear will be threatened. Through the unique eyes of Lavinia and Belle, Kathleen Grissom's debut novel unfolds into a heartbreaking yet ultimately hopeful story of class, race, dignity, deeply buried secrets, and familial bonds.
Actually, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. I learned more about slavery than I thought I would. In my opinion, this was a beautifully written but heartbreakingly sad story - poignant and thought-provoking. I would certainly give this book an A+! and will be on the lookout for more from this author in the future.
Had to wipe a tear at the end of this one! Lavinia becomes an orphan on passage from Ireland to the United States back in the 1700's. A plantation owner brings her back home with him, and she is thrust among all the slaves that work for him. They raise her, and she is part of their family, more so than his. I did end up drawing up a family tree at first, because there were a lot of characters in this book. They all were well written and had their own story. Boy, would I love to cast this movie!!
One of the best books I have read in a long time. It still creeps into my mind now, and it has ben some time ago since I read this book. It had laid on my TBR shelf for a long time and my online book club chose it as one of its reads. Already having the book I read it. Wonderful book. fully developed characters, great story plot, bits and pieces of historical fact - not a lot but just enough - written from the view of two totally different charaters. My only wish is that Grissom had added a third view and that would have been from Ben. Of course the book would probably have doubled in size, but that would not have been a factor in my opinion.I seldom give 5 stars for a book - this one definately deserves it. I cannot wait until Grissom finishes her research and wrties "Mary Crow".
Book clubs picked this book as a top-15 favorite in 2012. They are so right. I don't like reading about slavery but this story blew me away. It took me awhile to get used to the author's writing style, but decided it fit the book. My first four-star book of the year!
This is the first book I have read by Kathleen Grissom. The story made me: happy, sad, angry and cry. At times I felt relieved. It was hard to believe that people could own each other, and treat them so bad. I was even more disgusted by the behavior of the children. It was understandable that people functioned with-in the norms of their society and its expectations, but it is hard to understand that it didn't seem wrong.
I still felt this was a good book, and look forward to reading more books by Grissom.
I still felt this was a good book, and look forward to reading more books by Grissom.
The Kitchen House is an amazing book. Every character that appears in this story is so well developed that I felt like I knew them. I could feel their love for each other, their fear, their sorrow, and their joy. I was gripped by this book from the first page and I have a feeling it will be a long, long time before I am released from that grip. This story will stay with you. I sincerely hope that Kathleen Grissom continues in her writing career.
This is a very interesting book about the South and slavery and indentured servitude. The author is very good at creating an environment and the story moves along at a fairly good clip. While the details are not too pronounced it does deal with incest and rape, but not in a graphic manner that is difficult to read. Grissom moves from perspective to perspective of each individual but the story is cohesive and engaging. It also appears to be well researched and is a good read. I recommend it.
This was the July pick in my online book club The Reading Cove.
While I was very much engaged in the storyline and invested in wanting to know how things turned out, the writing style suffered at times from too much summarization. There was so much told but not shown. There were so many key scenes and events that begged to be written out, witnessed by the reader, but were not.
Lavinia and Belle narrate the story, and it's an uneven narration. Belle's chapters are far shorter than Lavinia's. Yet, Belle with her stubbornness and impulsiveness managed to annoy me more than Lavinia, LOL.
All in all, I give it a B- on the Cove scale. I can't say it was a satisfying read, but I enjoyed it more than not. It kept me turning the pages, and I did care about the travails of the characters and how things would turn out for them. It was a very eventful and sobering read.
While I was very much engaged in the storyline and invested in wanting to know how things turned out, the writing style suffered at times from too much summarization. There was so much told but not shown. There were so many key scenes and events that begged to be written out, witnessed by the reader, but were not.
Lavinia and Belle narrate the story, and it's an uneven narration. Belle's chapters are far shorter than Lavinia's. Yet, Belle with her stubbornness and impulsiveness managed to annoy me more than Lavinia, LOL.
All in all, I give it a B- on the Cove scale. I can't say it was a satisfying read, but I enjoyed it more than not. It kept me turning the pages, and I did care about the travails of the characters and how things would turn out for them. It was a very eventful and sobering read.
This is rewarding historical fiction at it's best!
It is rich, empathetic and shocking in how it describes the heartbreak and terror of the black & white slaves experience. It certainly surprised me with historical facts that I did not know before reading the book!! Grissom clearly conveys what it would be like to have your life and fate determined by someone you do not trust or who you may even despise! And there are plenty of despicable characters in this story as well as loveable and funny ones! I cannot recommend this book highly enough, easily runs neck in neck with "The Help" as far as the balance of touching and outrageous climatic events!
(Look for my other review of this book in the thread, Best reads of the month in Hidden Gems Community dicussion Boards)
It is rich, empathetic and shocking in how it describes the heartbreak and terror of the black & white slaves experience. It certainly surprised me with historical facts that I did not know before reading the book!! Grissom clearly conveys what it would be like to have your life and fate determined by someone you do not trust or who you may even despise! And there are plenty of despicable characters in this story as well as loveable and funny ones! I cannot recommend this book highly enough, easily runs neck in neck with "The Help" as far as the balance of touching and outrageous climatic events!
(Look for my other review of this book in the thread, Best reads of the month in Hidden Gems Community dicussion Boards)
Kathleen Grissom combined everything from unconditional love to bitter hatred, from extreme prejudice to complete acceptance. My emotions were as varied as the characters in the book. I loved this book & it's ending was not at all what I expected. A must read - could not put this one down. 5 stars!!!
This was a very well written and probably well researched story of slavery, black and white, and the south. I liked it even better than The Help which I read immediately after reading this one.
Had to wipe a tear at the end of this one! Lavinia becomes an orphan on passage from Ireland to the United States back in the 1700's. A plantation owner brings her back home with him, and she is thrust among all the slaves that work for him. They raise her, and she is part of their family, more so than his. I did end up drawing up a family tree at first, because there were a lot of characters in this book. They all were well written and had their own story. Boy, would I love to cast this movie!!
This is a debut novel, and reads like one. It's shallow - it has about as much depth as a soap opera. There's nothing original about it. Read Roots or The Oldest Living Confederate Widow Tells All or even Gone With The Wind.
One of the best books that I've read in a very long time. I think that it was even better than "The Help".
A reminder that family are the people who care for you, regardless of race or station in life.
I love historical fiction when it is well written and researched, as was this amazing book. I thought the writing style excellent, and never lost interest for a moment.
Excellent read! Absolutely loved it! You will not be disappointed!
Every now and then I read a book to find out it is written by a first time author and it just takes my breath away. This is an amazing book and kept me up a couple of nights unable to sleep because I needed to keep reading. I was so deeply drawn into the story line. These characters feel like flesh and blood people. They will make you laugh at times, which is a challenge in itself given the book was written during the slavery period. Mostly I found my heart racing as this family clung together to protect each other as much as humanly possible throughout all their suffering...and then I cried. Absolutely loved!
The best book I have read in awhile! I had high hopes for this book after reading so many favorable reviews online, and I was not disappointed!
Lavinia is a young, orphaned white girl who becomes an indentured servant to a rich white family on a plantation in Virginia. She is sent to work in the kitchen house with the slaves, who care for her like family, although her skin color sets her apart. As she grows, she struggles to find her place in the world of black and white.
A very good book. I could not put this book down. I loved the familial relationships between the slaves in the big house and kitchen house. I loved how they took in Lavinia and treated her as their own. I also liked how the book switched off narrative between Lavinia (the white indentured servant) and Belle (the black slave). It was interesting to get the two different perspectives. I read some reviews that said they hated the book because it lacked character development. I don't really agree with that statement. I fell in love with some of the characters. Could the author have had more character development? Yes, but i don't think it was lacking in that it made the book awful to read. I also liked that there was a little bit of romance to the book, but it wasn't too mushy or overwhelming. This is Grissom's first novel; I would definitely read more of her work and would recommend this book.
A very good book. I could not put this book down. I loved the familial relationships between the slaves in the big house and kitchen house. I loved how they took in Lavinia and treated her as their own. I also liked how the book switched off narrative between Lavinia (the white indentured servant) and Belle (the black slave). It was interesting to get the two different perspectives. I read some reviews that said they hated the book because it lacked character development. I don't really agree with that statement. I fell in love with some of the characters. Could the author have had more character development? Yes, but i don't think it was lacking in that it made the book awful to read. I also liked that there was a little bit of romance to the book, but it wasn't too mushy or overwhelming. This is Grissom's first novel; I would definitely read more of her work and would recommend this book.
I enjoyed this book so much. I usually don't read many novels but this was one of a kind. Its the story of a little girl who's parents died coming to America. The captain of the boat brought the little girl home and was given to the black slaves in the kitchen house. All the trials and adventures of this little girl is quite exciting. It reminded me somewhat of The Help although a different situation. Anyone would love this book.
I was enthralled with this story of plantation live from the perspective of slaves and indentured servants.
Very good! It was like going back in time.
Read this book for a book club discussion. Enjoyed the author's writing style and her ability to place me, as the reader, in the midst of the daily routine at the Tall Oaks Plantation.
The two-character narration fit well with the story until the older of the two characters left the plantation and wasn't a key figure in the plot. From then on the plot disconnected for me.
I don't regret reading "The Kitchen House", however, I think overall the story had more potential than it was given.
The two-character narration fit well with the story until the older of the two characters left the plantation and wasn't a key figure in the plot. From then on the plot disconnected for me.
I don't regret reading "The Kitchen House", however, I think overall the story had more potential than it was given.
I enjoyed The Kitchen House. Interesting story about the intertwining of master/servant relationships in the old south. The characters were well developed and the story moved along smoothly.
Lavinia is orphaned while crosssing from Ireland with her family. At the tender age of 6 she becomes an indentured servant to the captain of the ship. He takes her to his plantation in Virginia and turns her over to the care of Belle who works in the kitchen house. Mama Mae, Papa George, Uncle Jacob and the other children on the plantation become her family and she does not really realize that the color of their skin makes them different. As she gets older she is made to realize that she is different because she is white. She gets opportunities the rest of "her family" will never have but that does not always let her be happy.
This is a story full of love, hate, passion, cruelty, sadness, desperation and every other emotion that a disfunctional family can bring. I laughed, I cried, I cringed but am glad I read the book.
This is a story full of love, hate, passion, cruelty, sadness, desperation and every other emotion that a disfunctional family can bring. I laughed, I cried, I cringed but am glad I read the book.
This was a really good book but also very sad, about a plantation owner in the south during the days of slavery. It really dug into the heart and soul of the slaves and some of the people who werent slaves but were involved with them and loved them.
Loved it. Can't wait till she releases another.
An amazing book, I read it in one sitting, I could not put it down. Reading the back of the book with the interview the author was unbelievable and very moving. She knew she had a story to tell.
The pain and heartbreak of the life of a slave and family on a plantation. Rich characters and storyline that keeps you turning the pages. A don't miss reading book.
The pain and heartbreak of the life of a slave and family on a plantation. Rich characters and storyline that keeps you turning the pages. A don't miss reading book.
Without a doubt, one of the best books I've ever read! A poignantly told tale of two women: one an indentured servant from Ireland; the other a black slave woman and how their lives unfolded from the late 1700's to the early 1800's, on a plantation in Virginia. A MUST read for everyone!
I really did not want to read this story. However, it was the selection for the month for my book club so I knuckled under and read it anyway. The story is a very hard one to read. I had to make sure and stay outside the story as an observer. I have a tendency to include myself in the time and place myself in the action. Of course, it was one of those stories that had to be prodded along by the main characters making stupid choices. (One of my pet peeves.) The author did a good job of developing most of the characters. There were a lot of them and sometimes I got lost about who was who.
Great book. I enjoyed the story, very well told. While the subject matter is quite disturbing at times, it is a good history lesson in how things were in the early 1800s.
Great story based on something the writer heard...then her imagination takes you away. Great read!
I liked the story, it was interesting to have a white slave that can't fit in any world. The trials and tribulations kept you reading.
One of my favorite books ever. Historical fiction, so well written and full of twists and turns.
The Kitchen House by Kathleen Grissom is about life on a Virginia plantation during the late 1700s/early 1800s. The story is told from the points of view of two people: Lavinia, an Irish girl orphaned aboard a ship to America and raised by the plantation's slave family, and Belle, the mixed race illegitimate daughter of the plantation owner. Life on the plantation is harsh, to say the least. Death visits early and often. Mental illness, sickness and abuse exist unchecked. The secret of Belle's parentage causes needless jealousies and harmful lies. Wrong assumptions keep Lavinia from her true love. Freedom is elusive not only for the black slaves, but the women as well. Yet, despite the bleak conditions, the characters in the novel find love, family, and friendship often in unexpected places. These bonds are the heart of the story. The Kitchen House can be melodramatic at times, but overall I found it to be a gripping, well-researched tale.
The Kitchen House is a wonderful historical fiction about plantation life in Virginia. Lavinia lost her parents on the trip from Ireland to America when she was only 7 years old. The ship captain, sold her brother and gave Lavinia to Bella, the kitchen slave to raise as her child and to help in the kitchen. As Lavinia grew, her love for her adoptive slave family grew as well. The characters are well developed and the page turning story gives us a glimps into live on a plantation for both the slaves and the slave owners in the late 1700s.
Awesome Book. Intriguing from beginning to the end. It is gritty and disturbing, but you'll love the characters and the sense of family on the plantation. They all took care of each other as best as they could. A tough life made for many brave souls.
I cant believe it took me so long to find The Kitchen House, this book resonated to my very soul and will stay with me forever. I even took the time to send an email to the author telling her how much I enjoyed the book and she responded. If you haven't read this book, you need to.
The story is told by Lavinia, an orphan taken into a southern family, and Belle, a daughter of the plantation owner, and one of his slaves. However, I found myself most drawn to Lavinia. As I often do, I read the author's notes prior to starting. Lavinia is of Irish descent, had two brothers, and lost her parents and younger brother en route to this country. She seems very bright but needs affection so much. As she begins to remember her family, I couldn't help feeling sorry for her. Her tender heart and consideration for others makes her a cherished member of the household.
The author does an excellent job of describing how the common treatment for depressed women like Miss Martha, wife of the plantation owner, actually made it worse. Her son, Marshall, is a troubled young man. I suspect that he was sexually abused by his tutor.
Another interesting character is Meg Madden. I quite liked her. She's intelligent, curious and strong willed. The Maddens are uncle and aunt to Marshall and Lavenia is sent to live with them to be educated. When her engagement falls through because her fiance tries to rape her, she marries Marshall. However, she finds herself ensnared in an impossible situation where she is unable to help anyone, even herself.
As the novel spiraled to its end, I just couldn't stop reading. There are deaths, beatings, and more but to know how the story plays out pick up this novel for yourself. Marshall is the primary culprit. He was surely a product of his upbringing, becoming a warped mad human being who is unable to find happiness or love. What happens as a result of his madness and out of control behavior is sad and frightening. Nevertheless, I'm glad I read this one. It's emotional, gut-wrenching and a most outstanding read that gives a view of what life as a slave was often like on a southern plantation.
The author does an excellent job of describing how the common treatment for depressed women like Miss Martha, wife of the plantation owner, actually made it worse. Her son, Marshall, is a troubled young man. I suspect that he was sexually abused by his tutor.
Another interesting character is Meg Madden. I quite liked her. She's intelligent, curious and strong willed. The Maddens are uncle and aunt to Marshall and Lavenia is sent to live with them to be educated. When her engagement falls through because her fiance tries to rape her, she marries Marshall. However, she finds herself ensnared in an impossible situation where she is unable to help anyone, even herself.
As the novel spiraled to its end, I just couldn't stop reading. There are deaths, beatings, and more but to know how the story plays out pick up this novel for yourself. Marshall is the primary culprit. He was surely a product of his upbringing, becoming a warped mad human being who is unable to find happiness or love. What happens as a result of his madness and out of control behavior is sad and frightening. Nevertheless, I'm glad I read this one. It's emotional, gut-wrenching and a most outstanding read that gives a view of what life as a slave was often like on a southern plantation.
Well I would have liked SOMETHING to have redeemed all of the depressing sadness! I had to skim most of the book because I knew if I became too involved with a character they would more than likely have a tragic end. This book probably gives a rather true depiction of the time but it IS a fiction novel, the author could have given us some little hope of happiness somewhere in all of this. Certainly not a keeper.
Story of an orphaned Irish girl raised with slaves in early 1800's America. Interesting storyline; well drawn characters.
I didn't enjoy it much....lots going on in my life so I didn't finish it.
