The Kitchen House

The Kitchen House by Kathleen Grissom

Kathryn Stockett wrote an immensely popular novel called The Help, later adapted into an Academy Award winning film. For those of you who enjoyed either the book or the movie, Grissom's debut novel will keep you captivated.  Find the answers to the gut-wrenching prologue... 

Lavinia is a seven-year-old orphan from Ireland who arrives as an indentured slave on the steps of a tobacco plantation. It is determined that she will work and live under the direction of the slaves of the kitchen house not far from the spacious, elegant big house. Belle, the master's illegitimate daughter, accepts her role as caregiver and mentor to the frightened child. As time passes, Lavinia bonds with her new adopted family, even though she is constantly aware of her  own skin color. It becomes increasingly difficult for her to straddle both worlds, especially when the opium-addicted master's wife Martha, expects Lavinia to spend countless hours  at the big house bringing comfort and consolation. Enter Marshall, the troubled  master's son who harbors a childhood memory destined to destroy him.    

Many, many strong characters fill each chapter of this book and you will delight in the revelations each one brings to the story. Belle and Lavinia alternate as narrators throughout the book. It is a story of friendship, loyalty, deep, hidden secrets and misunderstandings, tragic endings, and hope. Lavinia  is forced to make difficult decisions as the story of slavery is expertly examined. At the heart of it all-Belle and Lavinia's  profound love and devotion regardless of race or class.

Heartwarming............Heartbreaking