Helpful Score: 12
Jane Harris has written a wonderful debut novel. Set Scotland in 1863, it tells the story of a young girl from a hardscrabble background who becomes a servant and her relationship with the lady of the house. The lady, Arabella, has many secrets and her strange behavior at first mystifies and then draws in young Bessy. Bessy, acting as narrator, relates the story in a believable and many times witty voice, although the story is a dark and tragic one. This is a book not to miss out on.
Helpful Score: 8
This is a very enjoyable story, full of mysteries, set in 1890s Scotland. The main character is a naive but spunky girl who finds herself working as a servant for a strange and enchanting mistress. Slowly the mysteries surrounding both women's pasts and their current relationship unfold. Their loyalty and friendship creates a bond that overcomes social status, age, lies, and betrayals. Although the pace was at times laborious, it was worth finding out the secrets of these engaging unlikely friends.
Helpful Score: 7
I absolutely fell in love with this book it is very uniquely written and the star of this one is a very likeable character. This is also the first book I ever sent out and have been wanting it back ever since! Great book great story and very different not the same old same old going on here.
Helpful Score: 2
Excellent historical tale! Mysterious and haunting!
Helpful Score: 1
This book is wonderful and very intriguing, hooked from the start to finish. Many curves and turns. Enjoyed this very much. So very interesting. Wanted to skip words to find things out LOL it is a very good book.
