Customer Reviews: Read 235 more reviews...
 Wonderful - if a little dissapointing ending November 25, 2008
I decided to buy this book after reading the magnificent 'The Forgotten Garden' by the same author. I had missed all the hype when it was on the Richard & Judy book list.
I found this a really good read, I liked the way that it was created through a series of flashbacks experienced by Grace, a housekeeper in the House At Riverton in the 1920's, as she draws together her memoirs for her grandson, an author.
Telling the story of the family who lived in the House it talks throughout of the death of a famous poet at the house during a family party and makes clear from the start that the book will seek to answer the questions surrounding his death. And the book does this magnificently, if a little crammed into the last few chapters.
I found the book began to pad out nicely around the lives of the main characters and almost the death of the poet became a by-plot that the author felt compelled to finish rather than building the novel around this plot. I also feel that not enough attention was given to the paternity of Grace the Housemaid, a lot of build up is put into her finding out potentially whom her father is but this fails to be explored fully which was dissapointing.
Altogether though a good novel - if a little dissapointing after reading The Forgotten Garden
As advertised November 21, 2008
A non-demanding book, an easy read. This book has in it every thing bad that other reviewers have mentioned; simplistic in plot, heavily contrived events and cliched characters but thoroughly enjoyable for all that.
Grace, the narrator is a mixed up character; in her younger persona she fancies herself as a lady detective but questions nothing. The people around her act strangely and have confusing conversation about and to her but she investigates nothing. Later, outside the book, she must find her brain and becomes a professor of archaeology unearthing secrets of history. For the main part of the novel she is a little mouse accepting her position in life and the chaos going on around her with equal helplessness. Other characters are also strange, why did we need to know about the dust phobic Danish grandmother?
The fact of the writer not being British shows in places where the plot swerves even further from reality. The characters also become more cliched but this did not distract too much and this reader, at least, did not guess the poet's nemesis.
As the blurb points out this is a summer read and is a page-turner exactly as described on the cover. Do not expect more than that and enjoy this book.
 Best book I've read in a long time November 16, 2008
I brought this book when it was first published, due to a recommendation by Richard and Judy's Book club. Which I find always chooses great books to read.I finally got around to reading the book last week, and was unable to put it down. The story is is brilliant, it keeping you on your toes, and wanting more after ever chapter. I think the story touched me, due to my grandmother being in service her self in the 1920's. So the book gave me a glimpse of what life in service would have been like for her. The characters in the book are truly lovable both upstairs and downstairs. After reading this book I found myself wondering if they would make it into a film, I hope they do it would be a great one.
A fantastic read! November 16, 2008
A friend recommended this book to me and I was thoroughly impressed! The story and characters are captivating - I couldn't put it down!
Historic November 3, 2008
I found this book a bit slow to start with, and struggled a bit to get into it. However, I eventually began to enjoy Grace's memories at Riverton. The lavish partys, the central characters, Hannah and Emmeline, and a secret Grace could never forget. Hannah and Emmy being close, and playing 'The Game' as young girls, with their brother. Things change as the sisters get older, and secrets and mysteries begin to unfold. I am glad I read this book, but did not find it as good as The Secret Garden.
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