The Kitchen House by Kathleen Grissom

The Kitchen House by Kathleen Grissom

Orphaned at the age of 7 on the crossing from Ireland to the US, Lavinia is sent by the ships captain to the plantation of James Pyke. She is to be part of the staff of servants in the home and the only white person in service. She is raised by the slaves who run the household and becomes deeply bonded to them as her "family". Set apart by the color of her skin, she walks the tightrope over the two cultures. As she tends the mistress of the house who battles an opium addiction, she becomes close to her and is eventually accepted into the main house. This is the beginning of her life as part of both the kitchen house and the main house.

As a result of a number of difficult circumstances, she marries the son of the plantation owner, an unworthy and cruel man. She, of course, then becomes the mistress of the house where she was raised as a servant. Her loyalties and her love of her "family" is tested over and over as she attempts to live the life expected of her. Her story is one of hope, tragedy, love and sacrifice.

I recommend this book, not only for the compelling story, but for a new look into the lives of the people of the South just prior to the Civil War.

Review by: Dianne