Carnegie's Maid

A Novel

By: Marie Benedict

Narrated by: Alana Kerr Collins

From the author of The Other Einstein, the mesmerizing tale of what kind of woman could have inspired an American dynasty.

Clara Kelley is not who they think she is. She's not the experienced Irish maid who was hired to work in one of Pittsburgh's grandest households. She's a poor farmer's daughter with nowhere to go and nothing in her pockets. But the other woman with the same name has vanished, and pretending to be her just might get Clara some money to send back home.

If she can keep up the ruse, that is. Serving as a lady's maid in the household of Andrew Carnegie requires skills he doesn't have, answering to an icy mistress who rules her sons and her domain with an iron fist. What Clara does have is a resolve as strong as the steel Pittsburgh is becoming famous for, coupled with an uncanny understanding of business, and Andrew begins to rely on her. But Clara can't let her guard down, not even when Andrew becomes something more than an employer. Revealing her past might ruin her future -- and her family's.

With captivating insight and heart, Carnegie's Maid tells the story of one brilliant woman who may have spurred Andrew Carnegie's transformation from ruthless industrialist into the world's first true philanthropist.

Delightful!

I am so glad that I listened to this book. Although I’m certain it’s a good read as well, the wonderful Irish lilt of the narrator of this selection made it all the more real. A truly good story. I highly recommend this one!

An instant classic

This is a very well researched novel. If you like Ruta Supety or Francine Rivers this is for you. An incredible story about a man and a woman who changed life on this planet forever. Carnegie is a hero and stands on the shoulders of Guttenberg, teachers and Abraham Lincoln as someone who created the written word to he accessible to everyone. I have long felt honored to be a librarian and loved how this book so pinpointed the exact opportunity that makes the most difference in someone's life. it is the learning about things outside of your own circle. Broadening your knowledge base is what will change your world and that of those around you. When a dictator takes over a country the first thing they do is take away the books from the people. If you are reading this then you understand. Change others lives by giving books instead of other junk. Books change the world.

Relevant to todays debate about income equality

interesting discussion about juxtaposirion of philanthropy and wealth. revealing how stuck people were in their status at birth.

Carnegie's Maid is a Good Story

it helps one to understand the problems and life of Irish immigrsnts who fled the "Green Isle " to come to America. You also see theirr dire circumstances they needed to live under when they arrived, especially when contrasted to the weslthy wheelers and dealers who had rich life and power but didn't realize the hardship they inflicted on the poor! Beautiful picture of how a rich businessman and tycoon could wake up to how he had escaped the poverty of his youth and turn to help those less fortunate than himself to build their livilihood as he had done!

Wonderful Story about a Remarkable Man

Loved the fictional story because it seemed so real. The story, reader and inspiration were delightful. Thank you.