Author Eva Ibbotson is best known for her enchanting historical fiction, such as Journey to the River Sea and The Star of Kazaan. In A Countess Below Stairs, she turns her pen to an older audience with fabulous results.
Anna is a young Russian countess whose opulent world is turned upside down by the Russian Revolution. She has no choice but to flee for England with her family, losing her homes, wealth and status in the process. Despite her troubles, Anna retains the charming, optimistic nature that endears her to all. In a Cinderella-like plot, Anna takes employment as a housemaid in Rupert Westerholme's mansion. When he returns to his home after fighting in the Great War, he slowly and inevitably falls in love with the lovely Anna, and she with him.
Of course, there is a catch. Rupert is engaged to the grasping, conniving Muriel, a lady of the Nouveau Riche who has her heart set on Rupert's title (and not his heart). Rupert is a true gentleman, and Anna knows that he will never break his word to Muriel by jilting her, regardless of her manipulative and cruel actions.
Will they find their way to true love, despite all that stands against them? Of course! This is, after all, a lovely and romantic fairy tale of a book. But the author's graceful writing and vivid characters will keep you on the edge of your seat right until the final page, even if you can guess the happy ending.
Romantic Fiction
Grades 10-12
Click here to check out the Port Moody Public Library's catalogue.
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