Jan 10 2009
The House at Riverton
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
Good review, I really liked this book too. It made me want to read another by this writer. Thanks for reviewing it.
I liked this book. I am looking forward to this authors future books and to seeing how she develops as a writer.
This one is new to me. And it sounds great! Thanks. I like the HF mixed with a bit of mystery.
Sandra - I think she has another book coming out this summer.
Marg - me, too!
Beth - I think you’ll like it.
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.
Vivienne- Ooo, I can’t wait to read it! I’ll have to add it to my wish list.
“There is a mystery at the heart of this book…” Now that sounds like my kind of book! Great review!!
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!
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.
No problems - I hope you enjoy it when it comes out.
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
DW Golden - depends on your daughter’s age - there are a few adult topics - nothing major, but one character has an extra-marital affair.
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!
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.
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
Iliana - Yes, it’s very much worth moving up to the top of the list!
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.
Jeanette - yes, it is - and this book is wonderful!
This sounds intriguing!
Barbara - Hi! Thanks for stopping by.
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!
Laura - good! I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
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