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The Kitchen House

A Novel

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The Kitchen House

Written by: Kathleen Grissom
Narrated by: Orlagh Cassidy, Bahni Turpin
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Summary

 Kathleen Grissom, New York Times bestselling author of the highly anticipated Glory Over Everything, established herself as a remarkable new talent with The Kitchen House, now a contemporary classic. In this gripping novel, a dark secret threatens to expose the best and worst in everyone tied to the estate at a thriving plantation in Virginia in the decades before the Civil War.

Orphaned during her passage from Ireland, young, white Lavinia arrives on the steps of the kitchen house and is placed, as an indentured servant, under the care of Belle, the master’s illegitimate slave daughter. Lavinia learns to cook, clean, and serve food, while guided by the quiet strength and love of her new family.

In time, Lavinia is accepted into the world of the big house, caring for the master’s opium-addicted wife and befriending his dangerous yet protective son. She attempts to straddle the worlds of the kitchen and big house, but her skin color will forever set her apart from Belle and the other slaves.

Through the unique eyes of Lavinia and Belle, Grissom’s debut novel unfolds in a heartbreaking and ultimately hopeful story of class, race, dignity, deep-buried secrets, and familial bonds. Coming of Age Fiction Genre Fiction Historical Fiction Literary Fiction Heartfelt
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I fell in love with the characters and the rawness of the story. Such a sad tale that left me in tears, but glad I read it nonetheless.

Captivating and emotional

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This is the best read of the year! I wish it went on for much longer.

Superb!

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Started a bit slow and I decided very early in that I didn’t like this book. I continued on and now have given it five stars.

Excellent

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The narration of this book is wonderful. The voices are distinctive and add even more characteristics and believability to the main characters. The story line flows easily and you can imagine the people and places and the livelihoods described. I listened to this book almost all at once! I wanted to keep listening and I applaud the author and actors that gave me that experience.

Impressive

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It's a hard read. painful and at times hopeless. But its honest and paints a most vivid picture not likely for the reader to forget. the author's notes at the end.... pierced my soul.

I'm not the same after reading this book

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