The Observations

By: Jane Harris

Narrated by: Jane Harris

In this novel, set in Scotland in 1863, Bessy Buckley attempts to escape her past by taking a job as a maid in a big house outside of Edinburgh, where she works for the beautiful Arabella. Bessy is intrigued by her new employer, but puzzled by her increasingly strange requests.© Jane Harris; (P) Clipper Audio

Critic reviews

"Bessy's unique, witty voice distinguishes this boisterous novel." (Booklist)
"Sharp, funny and tender-hearted." (Publishers Weekly)

Great book!

Favorite things about this book: 1) Narrator does a great job on the different voices/accents and the manners of speech, i.e. some of Bessie's pert smart-alec comments. She made me laugh out loud in a few places, a rarity in a rather gothic tale, 2) Ms. Harris also kept me guessing. I have read other reviews that complained that some characters are not fleshed out other than Bessie, but that is what keeps me (and Bessie) guessing, 3) the writing is terrific!

I am partial to historical fiction - if you liked The Thirteenth Tale, you'll probably enjoy The Observations. Most gothic-type stories do move rather slow but with a good author there is a joy and delight in the words as you move to the conclusion.

Funny and touching

Bessie is the first-person narrator of this account and I can't get enough of her! She is around 15 when the story begins and is earthy, observant, and altogether original. The story is set in 1860's Scotland and Bessie is herself Irish, so be forewarned that she uses some period slang that may not be familiar, but most of it is clear from the context. The author narrates and does a wonderful job. I don't want to give away too much of the plot, as Bessie reveals shocking details of her background in her own good time.

Difficult to Define or Classify

What an interesting concept and unique plot. Most of the time it worked very well. But the book was almost too strange and too cold to say I actually enjoyed it. I thought the premise was fascinating. But I felt I should have more empathy or sympathy for Bessy and I couldn't seem to muster any.

I also found the ending abrupt and unnatural.

PBS Masterpiece!

What a riot. I'll be looking forward to more from this reader/author. They ought to make a movie or TV show out of this: it is sooooo funny, and the reading is the best audiobook performance I've heard so far. The character driven plot has enough detail and description to be vivid without dragging.

Surprised the author is also an excellent reader!

I was dismade when I realized the the author was also the reader. It's been my exerience that this usually doesn't work out. The professionals IMO are the best at reading. It turns out this is an excellent story and excelletly read. I loved the story and the characters. It only seemed to drag a little at the very end after I had finally figured out the little mystery. The ending was good, just to say there was an ending (hate stories with no ending). I won't say if the ending was "good" or "bad". You'll just have to fine out.

oh. okay. yeah, I guess that was fine.

I enjoyed the entire story. It was performed well enough. The story was unique, for sure. But in all it doesn't feel like a lot happened.

Funny & Extremely Well-Read

Normally, I shy away from books read by their own authors, but after listening to the audio sample, I made an exception. Jane Harris has not only written a highly entertaining book about a sharp-witted Irish girl, working as a maid for a strange English woman in 19th century Scotland - but she also gives voice to her characters with a level of skill that few professional readers possess.

Do yourself a big favor & get this audiobook. You won't be disappointed.

Fabulous narration

Jane Harris is the perfect narrator for this Scottish story. It was a joy to listen to her various sayings and voices. Her humor was delightful. The story is unlike any I have read: from the perspective of a servant rather than the aristocracy. I really enjoyed the book on Audible.

Wonderful

The story was funny without being flip, and the writing excellent. But, best of all was Harris' narration. Sometimes when I'm listening to a book I wonder whether the author intended a particular pronunciation or emphasis. Here, we don't have to guess. I wish there were more Harris books to listen to.

Weird

Extremely odd, can't reccomend it I'm afraid