Set in a grand English country house, 'The House at Riverton' follows the life of Grace Bradley, a former servant, as she reflects on the mysterious death of a young poet that occurred during a society party in 1924. Through Grace's reminiscences, readers are taken on a journey back to the early 20th century, exploring the intertwined lives of the aristocratic Hartford family and the secrets that have been kept hidden for decades. The narrative weaves together themes of love, loyalty, class distinctions, and the impact of past events on the present, creating a rich historical mystery that slowly unravels to reveal unexpected truths.
The writing style of 'The House at Riverton' is described as beautifully crafted, engaging, and evocative, transporting readers to a bygone era filled with drama, tragedy, and intricate relationships. The novel skillfully blends elements of gothic fiction with historical accuracy, offering a compelling narrative that delves into the complexities of the human experience, the societal norms of the Edwardian era, and the enduring power of secrets and memories.
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Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
The book includes content warnings for themes of suicide, trauma related to war, and discussions of mental illness.
Has Romance?
The book features a medium level of romance, but it is not the primary focus of the narrative; rather, it serves as a backdrop to the central plot.
From The Publisher:
From the #1 internationally bestselling author of The Forgotten Garden comes a gorgeous novel set in England between World War I and World war II. Perfect for fans of Downton Abbey, it is the story of an aristocratic family, a house, a mysterious death and a way of life that vanished forever, told in flashback by a woman who witnessed it all and kept a secret for decades.
Grace Bradley went to work at Riverton House as a servant when she was just a girl, before the First World War. For years her life was inextricably tied up with the Hartford family, most particularly the two daughters, Hannah and Emmeline.
In the summer of 1924, at a glittering society party held at the house, a young poet shot himself. The only witnesses were Hannah and Emmeline and only they-and Grace-know the truth.
In 1999, when Grace is ninety-eight years old and living out her last days in a nursing home, she is visited by a young director who is making a film about the events of that summer. She takes Grace back to Riverton House and reawakens her memories. Told in flashback, this is the story of Grace's youth during the last days of Edwardian aristocratic privilege shattered by war, of the vibrant twenties and the changes she witnessed as an entire way of life vanished forever.
The novel is full of secrets-some revealed, others hidden forever, reminiscent of the romantic suspense of Daphne du Maurier. It is also a meditation on memory, the devastation of war and a beautifully rendered window into a fascinating time in history.
Kate Morton's first novel, originally published to critical acclaim in Australia, and quickly becoming a #1 bestseller in England, The House at Riverton is a vivid, page-turning novel of suspense and passion, with characters-and an ending-readers won't soon forget.
Ratings (26)
Incredible (6) | |
Loved It (13) | |
Liked It (5) | |
It Was OK (2) |
Reader Stats (60):
Read It (26) | |
Want To Read (27) | |
Not Interested (7) |
3 comment(s)
This book was spectacular. It kept my interest until the very bitter end. I'll be thinking about this one for a long time, mulling the various threads of the story over in my mind and missing the characters very much. The only thing I would criticize is that the Emmeline character didn't seem very developed. It makes sense that we don't know very much about her inner thoughts and motivations since the narrator was the other sister's lady's maid rather than Emmeline' s, but I would've like to have known her better. Other than that, which is a very small criticism, I loved it! I think this book would especially appeal to those who are fans of Downton Abbey, being that it's set in the same era in a similar setting.
The characters were interesting
The book is a really good example of an Upstairs Downstairs/Downton Abbey style of book. A great period drama but with a mysterious twist. Loved the servants and aristocracy divide. A really good read.
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The House at Riverton?
About the Author:
Kate Morton is the award-winning, New York Times bestselling author of The House at Riverton, The Forgotten Garden, The Distant Hours, The Secret Keeper, The Lake House, and The Clockmaker's Daughter. Her books are published in 34 languages and have been #1 bestsellers worldwide. She is a native Australian, holds degrees in dramatic art and English literature. She lives with her family in London and Australia.
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