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The Observations

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Set in Victorian Scotland, 'The Observations' by Jane Harris follows the story of Bessy, a maid with a mysterious past who takes up a position in a country manor house. Her employer, Arabella, exhibits strange behavior that hints at sinister secrets lurking beneath the surface. The novel is narrated by Bessy, whose unique voice brings humor and depth to the tale as she navigates through a blend of comedy, gothic horror, and social commentary. As the story unfolds, readers are drawn into a world of hidden meanings, secrets, and unexpected twists, making it a compelling Victorian thriller that delves into the roles of women during that era.

Bessy's character shines through as a delightful mix of sassiness, sweetness, cruelty, and vulnerability, making her a relatable and believable protagonist. The interactions between Bessy and Arabella, along with the quirky sayings and phrases used by Bessy, add a touch of humor and lightness to the otherwise dark and mysterious narrative. Despite the slow build-up and the lack of a big reveal towards the end, 'The Observations' stands out as a captivating read that keeps readers guessing and invested in the fates of the characters.

Characters:

The characters are richly developed, with Bessy being a contradictory and engaging narrator, and Arabella as a flawed and mysterious figure.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is characterized by authentic dialect, dark humor, and emotional depth, effectively drawing readers into Bessy's perspective.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot features a young girl escaping a troubled past, discovering dark secrets in her new life, and confronting the consequences of her actions, all wrapped in psychological suspense.

Setting:

The setting is a dilapidated estate in 1860s Scotland, creating a vividly oppressive atmosphere that aligns with the story's themes.

Pacing:

The pacing varies throughout the novel, with a slower build-up that eventually leads to a more gripping and intense narrative.
I had reason to leave Glasgow, this would have been about three four years ago, and I had been on the Great Road about five hours when I seen a track to the left and a sign that said ‘Castle Haivers’....

Notes:

The story is set in Scotland during the year 1863.
Bessy Buckley is a 15-year-old Irish girl escaping a troubled past with her mother.
Bessy finds work as a maid at a mansion called Castle Haivers, which is not as grand as it sounds.
Her employer, Arabella Reid, exhibits strange behavior and has her keep a detailed journal of her life.
Arabella is conducting odd experiments on her maids, which Bessy discovers by snooping.
The plot contains elements of psychological suspense, satire, and irony.
Bessy has a complex character arc, shifting from a confused maid to a guilt-ridden tormentor of Arabella.
The book weaves themes of betrayal and obsession throughout the narrative.
The ending received criticism for being too convenient and undermining the story's tension.
Bessy's voice is presented in a streetwise, slangy dialect, making her character unique and engaging.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

There are themes of mental health issues, violence, sexual exploitation, and elements of horror that may be distressing to some readers.

From The Publisher:

'Vastly original… Bessy is surely one of the most striking characters in recent fiction: cynical, disruptive, tender and very, very funny.' Independent on Sunday

Shortlisted for the Orange Prize

Scotland, 1863. In an attempt to escape her past, Bessy Buckley takes a job working as a maid in a big country house. But when Arabella, her beautiful mistress, asks her to undertake a series of bizarre tasks, Bessy begins to realise that she hasn't quite landed on her feet. In one of the most acclaimed debuts of recent years, Jane Harris has created a heroine who will make you laugh and cry as she narrates this unforgettable story about secrets and suspicions and the redemptive power of love and friendship.

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About the Author:

Jane Harris was born in Belfast and brought up in Glasgow. Her debut novel, The Observations, was shortlisted for the 2007 Orange Broadband Prize for Fiction, and she was also shortlisted for the British Book Awards Waterstone's Newcomer of the Year and the South Bank Show/Times Breakthrough Award. It was followed in 2011 by the highly acclaimed Gillespie & I, and that same year The Observations was chosen by Richard and Judy as one of their 100 Books of the Decade.

 
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