Tuesday, October 2, 2012

A Countess Below Stairs by Eva Ibbotson

genre: young adult historical fiction

As the daughter of a Countess, Anna has a fairy-tale upbringing in Russia, living a dream life with no wants and the adoration of her family and social circle.  With the Revolution, however, comes the kind of change that could break a weak person, and Anna ends up in England, penniless, with nothing but her own will and a handbook on British houskeeping.  So, she goes into service and in the house of the Earl of Westerholme, and Anna's natural abililty and desire to remain anonymous create a new sort of home for her.  Once the Earl's fiance arrives, however, things begin to get tricky and Anna has to decide where her loyalties are.

What is true: Anna is almost TOO amazing and good and the bad character is TOO bad to be believed.  I knew how it would end almost as soon as it started.

What is also true: I fell for this book hook, line and sinker and read it in one sitting.  Even though I KNEW Anna was being painted as too good to be true, I just didn't care.  I loved her.  I felt like everyone else should love her.  I loved her Russian world and her depth and her kindness.

Also, please note that if you are a fan of Downton Abbey, you cannot help but be sucked into the "upstairs, downstairs" relationships and drama.  It's totally that kind of story.  That might be half of why I loved it so much.

note: if you're interested in the content of the books I read, please go to http://ratedreads.com

2 comments:

bermudaonion said...

I've heard a lot of good things about this author!

Shannon said...

I read this book a few years and completely loved it! This is my favorite of her books

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