The Kitchen House

A Novel

By: Kathleen Grissom

Narrated by: Orlagh Cassidy, Bahni Turpin

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.

©2010 Kathleen Grissom (P)2017 Simon & Schuster

Captivating story

I can envision a movie more epic than our beloved Gone With The Wind. This story kept me captivated and interested to see what would come next.

Great story & performance, but summary misleading

While the summary is technically correct, the overwhelming story line without giving too much away is "how to create a monster". The 2 main character story lines were distinct and while somewhat overlapping provided alternate points of view of the same scenes which added depth to the characters. However, the central character that shadowed both story lines is the boy growing into a man/monster. I was not expecting that given the summary provided.

Had it not been for the incredible writing that pulled me into the story and the narrators' fantastic performance and variety of voices, I'm not sure I would have made it through the darkness of the story. The tale was truly gripping, raw, and provided uncomfortably honest examples of life in slavery.

Irish Orphan who found her Family

This book had me from the start. All of the characters were so well developed and the alternating perspectives were well done. At times, it was difficult content and I was brought to tears, but loved it very much.

Exciting Drama

What a page turner. I loved how the author toggled between characters. Every chapter was exciting and full of details. I learned so much and wanted more. The narrators were perfect. I appreciate how the voices matured with age.

Amazing book!

I absolutely loved this book. I highly recommend it. The narrators were very good and I appreciated the personality they gave each character. This novel produced so many feelings, which any good book does.

Great Book

I could not put this book down! Finished it in just a few days. Very moving and great narrators!

Could not stop listening

I loved this book. I loved the characters in this book, I loved the story this book told. I loved listening to this book, the person who read belles voice was so fun to listen to. Anytime they did one of the southern black accents, I loved it. It was so full of life. I would recommend this book to anyone.

Engaging narrative

The characters were clearly drawn and very easy to visualize. It was easy to see how this fictional work could actually have happened.

Not the typical antebellum novel

This story is full of surprises and does not portray an easy life for any of the characters. The compassion for and understanding of family was keenly expressed and the recognition of class and place within society noted as the story developed. The ability to keep secrets and the various misunderstandings left some of the characters living a sad and lonely existence, but only the hardest hearts were unreconciled as the story concluded.

Excellent

Very much enjoyed this book. Hard topic but well written, had me rooting for heroine and several other sporting characters.