The Kitchen House

A Novel

By: Kathleen Grissom

Narrated by: Orlagh Cassidy, Bahni Turpin

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.

Powerful

This is another of my MUST read and listen , I enjoyed this one so much! Not only a great story line and well written characters but an incredibly well done for the audible work. A time in our American history that should never be forgotten. When I find an audible I like I will look for the ' voice or voices of the book again . #sadeyes,#feelgood,#quirky family #Tagsgiving

I became so attached to these characters

Close family by circumstance you see how loving each other has nothing to do with blood.

Great character development

Although this story was heartbreaking, it was also heartwarming and beautiful. I would recommend to anyone who enjoys historical fiction.

I wish it didn’t end

Such a wonderful book! Sad and difficult to listen to at times but history was sad and difficult at times so I can at least hear about it if others have lived through such times. Wonderful story, perfect narration and a book that stays with you.

Great story

Excellent narration. Great book. I have long ago read the book and just listened to the audio version. Looking forward to others by this author.