It is interesting that this book has recently been republished having first been published in 1939, perhaps because of the current popularity of Downtown Abbey and the fascination with Upstairs Downstairs life. Monica Dickens wrote this book aged only 22, already a lively and interesting writer with a subtle sense of humor. For women who now work outside the home as well as cook and do their own housework today the chapters devoted to Monicas stories of working as a full time cook general in quite small households are amazing, perhaps less so when she mentions the all- prevailing grime and soot of pre war London.

Kevin Peterson
http://www.schoolanduniversity.com

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The great-granddaughter of Charles Dickens, Monica Dickens has been writing novels and autobiographical books since she was twenty-two, when she wrote ONE PAIR OF HANDS about her experiences as a cook-general, the only job that her upbringing as a debutante had fitted her for.

From back cover:

ONE PAIR OF HANDS is an uproarious backstairs view of the English upper classes in moments of comedy, drama, selfishness, and childish pique. Here is fun, wit, malice and - in the face of the tartars who rule on both sides of the green baize door - courage.

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