A review by bookmadjo
The Servant by Maggie Richell-Davies

5.0

I find myself constantly drawn to historical fiction which contains a strong female character, and Hannah in The Servant was the perfect protagonist. As a servant she was in the lower echelons of society in Georgian England, but having been taught to read and write by her late mother, she was at a definite advantage to her peers.

This novel was clearly thoroughly researched and I felt myself almost immediately transported to the Georgian world inhabited by Hannah and the other characters in this book. It is clear from the outset that women in Georgian society are placed in difficult circumstances because they are, at all levels of society, placed in positions where they must rely upon the kindness and protection of good and decent men, in a world where in many cases women are treated as commodities to be bought, sold or traded.

I loved Hannah’s strength of character and her determination to uncover the secrets contained in the household to which she was appointed the servant. I found the tension rising when she was so focused on finding the truth, and this really was a drama that kept me on edge throughout.

The characters Hannah comes into contact with are a varied collection. Peg the other servant becomes a steadfast friend, albeit with a nervous constitution because of her past experiences. I enjoyed the connection that Hannah has with Thomas, the gentleman farmer. He was the perfect romantic hero, with Jack the apprentice bookseller and competitor for Hannah’s affections the complete opposite. I also loved Nellie, with her open heart and constant unconditional help.

Although the criminal element of the mystery is the primary focus, taking a glimpse at the seediest elements of society, this is a story about a strong young woman who faces adversity, and strives to turn her life around, and the lives of those around her. Throughout her troubles, Hannah is faced with those she should not trust, and those who show her unlimited kindness and charity.

There is a darkness to this story, and there is a scene of rape, but it is sensitively written, and the lightness within the story will carry you through. This was certainly a page turner, and Maggie Richell-Davies writes so well that she truly brought Georgian London to life for me. It is not surprising that this book received an award earlier this year from the Historical Writers’ Association, a well-deserved award for an outstanding debut novel.