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Jan 10 2009

The House at Riverton

Published by Carrie at 12:19 am under Books, Reviews Edit This

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Title: The House at Riverton
Author: Kate Morton
Genre: Historical fiction
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
First line: “Last November I had a nightmare.”

The House at Riverton is the story of Grace, a young girl who comes to Riverton to work as a housemaid at the age of 14. She arrives right before the dawn of World War I, and her life becomes inextricably linked to the Hartford family, and especially the two granddaughters, Hannah and Emmeline. Grace is the same age as Hannah, and the two girls grow up together through the turbulent war years and the changes that are forced upon the aristocracy.

At the age of 98, Grace begins to look back at her years at Riverton and then as a lady’s maid to Hannah, ready to take out the memories and the guilt that is associated with them. Perhaps in reliving her story, she will come to a measure of peace.

As I was reading The House at Riverton, I was continually reminded of Brideshead Revisited, and wasn’t surprised to see Kate Morton list Evelyn Waugh as an influence in her acknowledgements. Like Brideshead, Riverton deals with a time in Britain’s history when the world was changing. The aristocracy and upper class were steeped in tradition and propriety, and when war dawned and changed society, and especially the younger generations, they weren’t prepared to change with the times.

There is a mystery at the heart of this book, a secret, and it is unwrapped slowly and carefully, each clue placed at just the right moment to remind you that something is coming. I was caught up in the story of Grace and the two Hartford sisters, and although I wanted to know the secret, I wanted to savor the story. When the mystery was finally revealed, it was much different than I had expected, even though Morton had artfully planted hints along the way. I love a book with a twist at the end - especially when I don’t see it coming.

4 out of 5 stars

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33 Responses to “The House at Riverton”

  1. Sandraon 09 Jan 2009 at 10:09 pm edit this

    Good review, I really liked this book too. It made me want to read another by this writer. Thanks for reviewing it.

  2. Margon 10 Jan 2009 at 12:25 am edit this

    I liked this book. I am looking forward to this authors future books and to seeing how she develops as a writer.

  3. Beth Fon 10 Jan 2009 at 6:24 am edit this

    This one is new to me. And it sounds great! Thanks. I like the HF mixed with a bit of mystery.

  4. Carrieon 10 Jan 2009 at 10:19 am edit this

    Sandra - I think she has another book coming out this summer.

    Marg - me, too!

    Beth - I think you’ll like it. :)

  5. vivienneon 10 Jan 2009 at 11:04 am edit this

    I loved this book too. My hubby bought me her second book for Christmas. It is called ‘ The Forgotten Garden’ . It is meant to be better than the first.

  6. Carrieon 10 Jan 2009 at 11:27 am edit this

    Vivienne- Ooo, I can’t wait to read it! I’ll have to add it to my wish list.

  7. J. Kayeon 10 Jan 2009 at 4:20 pm edit this

    “There is a mystery at the heart of this book…” Now that sounds like my kind of book! Great review!!

  8. J. Kayeon 10 Jan 2009 at 4:22 pm edit this

    Oh, is the book header new? Or was I so shocked at the change last time I was here that I completely missed it? Either way, I love it!

  9. Carrieon 10 Jan 2009 at 8:05 pm edit this

    J. Kaye - yes, it’s a great read. And yes, it’s new - I had to figure out how to resize a header and get it up there. At least there’s some individual personality to the blog now.

  10. vivienneon 11 Jan 2009 at 1:14 am edit this

    No problems - I hope you enjoy it when it comes out.

  11. DW Goldenon 11 Jan 2009 at 9:48 am edit this

    Hmmm, I’m usually all for fantasy, but this does sound interesting. I wonder if my daughter would read it?

    DW Golden
    Fly with Fairies in a new young adult novel: Purple Butterflies

  12. Carrieon 11 Jan 2009 at 10:30 am edit this

    DW Golden - depends on your daughter’s age - there are a few adult topics - nothing major, but one character has an extra-marital affair.

  13. wendyon 12 Jan 2009 at 5:34 am edit this

    I read this book last year and loved it. Glad to see you liked it too. Hopefully, Morton’s next book is equally as good!

  14. Carrieon 12 Jan 2009 at 6:14 am edit this

    Wendy - I’m always so amazed when an author’s first novel is brilliant - and wonder if they can keep writing up to that level. I’m very interested in reading Morton’s next work to find out.

  15. ilianaon 12 Jan 2009 at 6:11 pm edit this

    I enjoyed reading your review! This is one of those books that I was determined to read when it first came out and for some reason I just didn’t get to it. It’s still on my wish list though so hopefully one of these days :)

  16. Carrieon 12 Jan 2009 at 6:15 pm edit this

    Iliana - Yes, it’s very much worth moving up to the top of the list!

  17. Jeanetteon 14 Jan 2009 at 4:42 pm edit this

    I need to read this. I am reading a book right now about an upper class family in England that is having a hard time adjusting to life after the war. Very interesting topic, I think. So much change for so many people following a war.

  18. Carrieon 14 Jan 2009 at 4:54 pm edit this

    Jeanette - yes, it is - and this book is wonderful!

  19. Barbara H.on 17 Jan 2009 at 6:44 am edit this

    This sounds intriguing!

  20. Carrieon 17 Jan 2009 at 8:46 am edit this

    Barbara - Hi! Thanks for stopping by. :)

  21. Lauraon 17 Jan 2009 at 9:04 am edit this

    I bought this book months ago based on a review I read of it in a library newsletter. I’m glad you’ve reviewed it. Your comments are very helpful. I’m going to have to get it off the shelf and read it!

  22. Carrieon 17 Jan 2009 at 9:17 am edit this

    Laura - good! I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. :)

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