Scan barcode
heychrissy's review
5.0
Absolutely fantastic book. It was a well written and moving piece of historical fiction that highlighted the injustice and struggle of the poor in Georgian England. The FMC was gritty and strong and so easy to root for. The story was told in a way that draws you in and you find yourself desperate to know what will happen next, desperate for Justice and filled with the sadness our FMC feels. I was left in tears at some moments and overcome with hope in others. It was an excellent read. I absolutely devoured this book and I would highly recommend it.
portybelle's review
4.0
Maidservant Hannah Hubert really does go through the most appalling times over the course of this novel. When we first meet her she’s beginning a new position in the home of a aristocrat and his wife and what an evil pair they are. Hannah is an intelligent girl who soon uncovers what is going on in their household, knowledge which puts her in danger. It’s hard to remember at times that she’s just a teenager, only 15, as she seems quite worldly wise for her years. She’s learned how to read in a previous position and also learned that its sometimes safest to keep quiet about that.
Maggie Richell-Davies clearly shows the contrasts between rich and poor in 18th century London, not just in terms of wealth and lifestyle but also opportunities available to them and the way they are perceived. She brings vividly to life the horrendous living conditions of the poor and how they were utterly at the mercy of those supposedly above them in society. My heart went out to poor Hannah when she lost her job through no fault of her own and reading about the living conditions she then had to endure. Thankfully she had a few people looking out for her, notably kind-hearted Nellie, and Peg who was her eyes in her previous employers’ house.
While I was reading about Hannah and so invested in what was happening to her, I sometimes forgot there was a crime element to the book too. What she uncovered was quite awful and it seemed she would never be able to get anyone to believe her. It really made clear the helplessness of the so-called underclasses in all aspects of life. I really hoped that Hannah would find safety, contentment and happiness. Realistically though, a woman in her position had little chance of aiming for more than survival.
The Servant is obviously well researched, with the author weaving the facts of everyday life in this period into her story making it feel like a very authentic representation of 18th century life. For all the bleakness of Hannah’s life, there are brighter moments too with friendships and unexpected kindnesses offering some hope to her. It is particularly poignant to read from the author’s note at the end that at least part of Hannah’s experiences were inspired by true happenings. The Servant is an engaging and touching novel, recommended for readers who enjoy historical fiction featuring strong women.
Maggie Richell-Davies clearly shows the contrasts between rich and poor in 18th century London, not just in terms of wealth and lifestyle but also opportunities available to them and the way they are perceived. She brings vividly to life the horrendous living conditions of the poor and how they were utterly at the mercy of those supposedly above them in society. My heart went out to poor Hannah when she lost her job through no fault of her own and reading about the living conditions she then had to endure. Thankfully she had a few people looking out for her, notably kind-hearted Nellie, and Peg who was her eyes in her previous employers’ house.
While I was reading about Hannah and so invested in what was happening to her, I sometimes forgot there was a crime element to the book too. What she uncovered was quite awful and it seemed she would never be able to get anyone to believe her. It really made clear the helplessness of the so-called underclasses in all aspects of life. I really hoped that Hannah would find safety, contentment and happiness. Realistically though, a woman in her position had little chance of aiming for more than survival.
The Servant is obviously well researched, with the author weaving the facts of everyday life in this period into her story making it feel like a very authentic representation of 18th century life. For all the bleakness of Hannah’s life, there are brighter moments too with friendships and unexpected kindnesses offering some hope to her. It is particularly poignant to read from the author’s note at the end that at least part of Hannah’s experiences were inspired by true happenings. The Servant is an engaging and touching novel, recommended for readers who enjoy historical fiction featuring strong women.
lukesblog1's review
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
bookworm_oakey's review against another edition
5.0
This was such a gripping read. A look into the gritty underbelly of 1700s London.
The easy to champion protagonist Hannah, is really put through the wringer, we follow her on her perilous journey, giving us an insight into how hard life could be for young girls in that era.
I thoroughly enjoyed this whole story and recommend it highly to any historical fiction fan
The easy to champion protagonist Hannah, is really put through the wringer, we follow her on her perilous journey, giving us an insight into how hard life could be for young girls in that era.
I thoroughly enjoyed this whole story and recommend it highly to any historical fiction fan
xsymphonica's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
fran_mcbookface's review
5.0
I have read so many glowing reviews about this one that it was definitely on my radar. I was delighted when the author kindly offered to send me a copy in exchange for an honest opinion.
Here is that honest opinion - this book is one of my books of the year.
Right from the get go I was invested in the story of Hannah and her life as a servant in a household with a dark secret at its core. She is such a strong character looking to better her lot in life.
Only 15 years old and an orphan, you really root for Hannah throughout the novel. She has to make such brave decisions that I couldn’t help but admire and I was cheering her on the whole way.
The writing is so good and the story and the rich historic detail that is woven through really lets the reader immerse themselves in 18th century London. The conditions for women and especially women in service and poverty are so strongly portrayed.
Great supporting cast of characters too. Hannah’s master Mr Chalke and his wife are such nasty pieces of work and you are just praying for them to get their just desserts! Also have to admit to being half in love with Thomas by the end of the novel - what a man!
A great story so well written and I am certainly joining the legion of fans and urging you to read this book
Here is that honest opinion - this book is one of my books of the year.
Right from the get go I was invested in the story of Hannah and her life as a servant in a household with a dark secret at its core. She is such a strong character looking to better her lot in life.
Only 15 years old and an orphan, you really root for Hannah throughout the novel. She has to make such brave decisions that I couldn’t help but admire and I was cheering her on the whole way.
The writing is so good and the story and the rich historic detail that is woven through really lets the reader immerse themselves in 18th century London. The conditions for women and especially women in service and poverty are so strongly portrayed.
Great supporting cast of characters too. Hannah’s master Mr Chalke and his wife are such nasty pieces of work and you are just praying for them to get their just desserts! Also have to admit to being half in love with Thomas by the end of the novel - what a man!
A great story so well written and I am certainly joining the legion of fans and urging you to read this book
travelsalongmybookshelf's review
4.0
✨BOOK REVIEW✨
The Servant - Maggie Richell-Davies
1765.
London. Hannah Hubert is sent to be maidservant to the house of a disgraced aristocrat, with a cruel mistress and a locked room with auctions being held behind closed doors. She has little power, but can read, unbeknownst to her employer and it is through this that she finds herself in great danger. Discovering damning evidence that she cannot ignore, she knows she has to act but at what price and can anyone help her?
I really loved this immersive historical mystery. It is quietly immersive, tense and gripping. I really connected with Hannah the main character, she is bright and kind and wants to do the right thing. I also loved quietly chippy Peg and Thomas reminded me a bit of Gabriel Oake in some ways. You get a real sense of time and place and the conditions of work of people at this time were frankly awful for some.
It’s full of suspense and would make a brilliant TV drama I think!
I definitely want to read more from this author!
The Servant - Maggie Richell-Davies
1765.
London. Hannah Hubert is sent to be maidservant to the house of a disgraced aristocrat, with a cruel mistress and a locked room with auctions being held behind closed doors. She has little power, but can read, unbeknownst to her employer and it is through this that she finds herself in great danger. Discovering damning evidence that she cannot ignore, she knows she has to act but at what price and can anyone help her?
I really loved this immersive historical mystery. It is quietly immersive, tense and gripping. I really connected with Hannah the main character, she is bright and kind and wants to do the right thing. I also loved quietly chippy Peg and Thomas reminded me a bit of Gabriel Oake in some ways. You get a real sense of time and place and the conditions of work of people at this time were frankly awful for some.
It’s full of suspense and would make a brilliant TV drama I think!
I definitely want to read more from this author!
samturnspages's review
5.0
TW: The book does deal with sexual assault and abuse.
It’s 1765. We meet Hannah, a 16 year old maidservant, as she is sent to the home of The Chalkes. Mistress Chalke is strict and Hannah finds herself alone, except for Peg, another servant who urges her to find new work before she completes a year. Hannah can’t understand what has terrified Peg and feels she must find out why. Not just that, but what are the secret auctions that take place upstairs behind the locked door? And what does her Master write all day? When she uncovers the terrible truth and understands how much danger she’s in - who can she turn to? Not Peg - she’s scared out of her mind! Maybe the friendly farmer, Thomas? Or maybe Jack the young apprentice she delivers her Masters papers to? Or will Hannah have to go it alone in a world not at all in favour of women?
This book really caught me by surprise. I was looking for my first book to read on my new kindle and saw that this was available on kindleunlimited. I was blown away by this debut historical fiction novel. Richell-Davies really captures the struggles of 18th century women to be seen, heard and respected. In Hannah we have the perfect protagonist up to the task. She is a realistic and likeable heroine of her time and you can’t help but root for her and want her to succeed.
There are some difficult themes that are dealt with (TW above) but the author has clearly given a lot of time and thought in how to portray these in a way that is, whilst uncomfortable to read, handled with care.
On the other hand, we do find a balance. Whilst we experience the harsh realities lived through by many women of the time, we also find hope glimmering in the darkness. We find kindness in small gestures. We find friendships in unlikely places.
This is clearly well researched and there are sources on the last few pages to read at your leisure.
Easily my second 5 star read of 2021.
It’s 1765. We meet Hannah, a 16 year old maidservant, as she is sent to the home of The Chalkes. Mistress Chalke is strict and Hannah finds herself alone, except for Peg, another servant who urges her to find new work before she completes a year. Hannah can’t understand what has terrified Peg and feels she must find out why. Not just that, but what are the secret auctions that take place upstairs behind the locked door? And what does her Master write all day? When she uncovers the terrible truth and understands how much danger she’s in - who can she turn to? Not Peg - she’s scared out of her mind! Maybe the friendly farmer, Thomas? Or maybe Jack the young apprentice she delivers her Masters papers to? Or will Hannah have to go it alone in a world not at all in favour of women?
This book really caught me by surprise. I was looking for my first book to read on my new kindle and saw that this was available on kindleunlimited. I was blown away by this debut historical fiction novel. Richell-Davies really captures the struggles of 18th century women to be seen, heard and respected. In Hannah we have the perfect protagonist up to the task. She is a realistic and likeable heroine of her time and you can’t help but root for her and want her to succeed.
There are some difficult themes that are dealt with (TW above) but the author has clearly given a lot of time and thought in how to portray these in a way that is, whilst uncomfortable to read, handled with care.
On the other hand, we do find a balance. Whilst we experience the harsh realities lived through by many women of the time, we also find hope glimmering in the darkness. We find kindness in small gestures. We find friendships in unlikely places.
This is clearly well researched and there are sources on the last few pages to read at your leisure.
Easily my second 5 star read of 2021.
jferrell526's review
5.0
I found this a delightful read. A servant taking on her employers. Something not done at that time. And a romance to add to the mix. Definitely a very good read.
bronwynandbooks's review
3.0
In the year 1765, Hannah Hurbert is one of many that have learned how quickly one can fall from grace. Now a servant girl, recently placed with an aristocrat who has also fallen from grace, she realises that something is going on behind the scenes, and only she is able to stop it. Content warnings include rape, murder, human trafficking, and emotional, physical and sexual abuse.
Long story short, I enjoyed it. I was engrossed, it was clearly well researched, and the realities of living in that period of time were not romanticised or skated around. I loved the focus on Hannah and her journey, and although romance was a theme, it did not define her as a character. You rooted for her from the start. The main downside for me was that there were two parts of the plot that almost appeared out of nowhere, and they interrupted the flow of the story. These parts were integral to the narrative and I would have preferred it if they were introduced more seamlessly.
Overall, I’d recommend to people who enjoy historical fiction, period dramas, and historical romance. There are strong female characters, an interesting plot and an authentic setting.
Thank you to the author, Maggie Richell-Davies, for gifting me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Long story short, I enjoyed it. I was engrossed, it was clearly well researched, and the realities of living in that period of time were not romanticised or skated around. I loved the focus on Hannah and her journey, and although romance was a theme, it did not define her as a character. You rooted for her from the start. The main downside for me was that there were two parts of the plot that almost appeared out of nowhere, and they interrupted the flow of the story. These parts were integral to the narrative and I would have preferred it if they were introduced more seamlessly.
Overall, I’d recommend to people who enjoy historical fiction, period dramas, and historical romance. There are strong female characters, an interesting plot and an authentic setting.
Thank you to the author, Maggie Richell-Davies, for gifting me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.