The House at Riverton by Kate Morton

[Janet]

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y65/Bagpuss/Bagpuss_Books%202007/016-2007-27-TheHouseatRiverton.jpg

The House at Riverton by Kate Morton (http://www.amazon.co.uk/o/ASIN/0330448447/ref=s9_asin_title_1/202-2992764-5030225?pf_rd_m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&pf_rd_s=center-1&pf_rd_r=1BP46CNDHDHNJR8A0D53&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=139045791&pf_rd_i=468294)

The ‘Blurb’
Summer 1924
On the eve of a glittering Society party, by the lake of a grand English country house, a young poet takes his life. The only witnesses, sisters Hannah and Emmeline Hartford, will never speak to each other again.

Winter 1999
Grace Bradley, 98, one-time housemaid of Riverton Manor, is visited by a young director making a film about the poet's suicide. Ghosts awaken and memories, long-consigned to the dark reaches of Grace's mind, begin to sneak back through the cracks. A shocking secret threatens to emerge; something history has forgotten but Grace never could.

Set as the war-shattered Edwardian summer surrenders to the decadent twenties, The House at Riverton is a thrilling mystery and a compelling love story.

This is a Richard and Judy book, although I didn’t realise when I bought it. I was drawn to it by its cover as I’ve not heard of Kate Morton before, which is hardly surprising as this is her debut novel.

It tells the story of Hannah and Emmeline, two girls from a privileged background, and of a young housemaid at Riverton, Grace.

The story is told by Grace by use of flashbacks and these flashbacks are very neatly integrated into the story so you don’t even consciously notice it switching from present to past as it does it seamlessly.

The characters are very well written, and the author has researched life in a big house with many servants and writes convincingly. She references some of the books/TV programmes that inspired her in the back of the book. I was quite surprised to read that she is actually Australian - she obviously has a keen interest in UK history.

The story drew me in very quickly and kept me wanting to know more. The event at the party in summer 1924, mentioned in the ‘blurb’ doesn’t happen until very near the end of the book, and it kept me guessing right up to its conclusion.

All in all, it was a great story. I must confess to shedding a few tears towards the end!

The paperback is 599 pages long and is published by Pan. The ISBN number is 978-0330448444.

8½/10

(Read June 2007)

[Gyre]

Great review Bagpuss, I enjoyed reading it, I have been hearing a lot about this book over the last few weeks, I think I know what I am buying tomorrow.

Thanks again x

[JudyB]

I was drawn to this when I saw it but put it back - after reading this I shall pick it up again and read it. Thanks Bagpuss - it sounds a good read and another contender for Chunky Challenge.:D

[Icecream]

I might just have to add this one to my tbr. It looks amazing. i hope not to be disappointed..

[Hazeltree]

I was given this for my birthday but I've not started it yet. Looks like it's going to be good!

[JudyB]

I was looking at this today at work as we've set up an area for the Richard and Judy summer reads - think it will be my August chunky.

[nicx27]

I've just finished this and loved it so much. It was actually a 10/10 book for me. Superbly written and plotted, and the characterisations were excellent. Spoilers here so don't read them unless you have read the book:

I liked the affair between Hannah and Robbie as it really brought her to life, and gave her the adventure she needed, and it was really true love.

I loved the fact that Alfred tracked down Grace in her 60s - that bit was where I started crying!

Also liked the fact that Ursula, the film-maker, was Florence's granddaughter (Hannah's child, probably by Robbie) and that she was becoming close to Grace's grandson, Marcus, which seemed to tie up the connections between Grace and the Hartfords.

Such a wonderful read. The author has a website if anybody is interested Kate Morton (http://www.katemorton.com)


PS Bagpuss, I LOVE your avatar!!!

[Janet]

Such a wonderful read. The author has a website if anybody is interested Kate Morton (http://www.katemorton.com)


PS Bagpuss, I LOVE your avatar!!!
Thanks for the link. I'm glad you enjoyed the book - I'm sure some people will be put off by the Richard and Judy connection, which is a shame as the book was great.

The avie is from the BBC LoM download section! :)

ETA: I see from her site that the book is being discussion on R&J this Wednesday, 18 July. I will have to try to remember to put it on - I don't normally watch this show.

[nicx27]

For the first time, I am reading along with the R&J reads, and so I'm really looking forward to the discussion on Wednesday. Perhaps we should agree to report back when we've seen it?

[Louiseog]

They seem to be much better this year, I have just read How to Talk to a Widower and loved it.

[Janet]

For the first time, I am reading along with the R&J reads, and so I'm really looking forward to the discussion on Wednesday. Perhaps we should agree to report back when we've seen it?
Sounds like a good idea. I will try to remember to put it on! :)

They seem to be much better this year, I have just read How to Talk to a Widower and loved it.
I liked the sound of that one too and have it on my Amazon Wish List!

[Icecream]

Last night I dreamt that I bought this book!

[Janet]

Last night I dreamt that I bought this book!
Ah-ha - it's a sign!

[nicx27]

Last night I dreamt that I bought this book!

Sounds like the start of Rebecca!

[Icecream]

Ah-ha - it's a sign!

Must be. I actually dreamt that I had two book tokens in some kind of booklet/newsletter type thing. I spent ages looking round and then bought The House at Riverton. I saw the book clearly on all sides as I pickd it up. Even the blurb was visible. It was somewhat larger than I imagine it to be though, although it was the right thickness..

I shall have to keep a look out for it now!

[JudyB]

Sounds like the start of Rebecca!

LOL - that's what I thought when I read that!!:lol:

Did anyone see Richard and Judy today - I ended up turning the sound down as I was afraid that there would be spoilers - Richard had just come very close!!!

[nicx27]

I saw R&J - they didn't actually mention any spoilers, which is not like them! Everybody concerned loved the book, and I really enjoyed hearing people discuss a book that I had loved so much.

[Janet]

I remembered to watch R&J too. Nobody had a bad word to say about the book! :)

[JudyB]

I can't wait to read it - it wasn't in the library today - all have been issued to readers - but I've earmarked it for my August chunky so will be waiting until then to read it.

[Michelle]

I do have this one upstairs, but have others that I need to get to first. Looking forward to it now. :)

[Icecream]

I have read this and written down some thoughts. I will post them tomorrow when I am (hopefully) not tired.

[Inver]

I have just won it in a RABCK draw on Bookcrossing.....look forward to reading it:readingtwo:

[Spooncat]

this is on my reading list:readingtwo:

[Icecream]

I will post tomorrow. It is a great book. OH has been hogging the computer all day and I think he'll want it back when he is off the phone.

EDIT: Great: Now I have lost the note book I wrote it all in! I thought I had left it by the bed.

[The Library Nook]

I have just started this book but have been very good and not read everyones thoughts. I look forward to finishing and sharing with you all!

[supergran71]

I have just started this book but have been very good and not read everyones thoughts. I look forward to finishing and sharing with you all!
I will be interested to know what you think of it because I keep looking at it but not buying.

[The Library Nook]

I did that for ages too but then found it in the library so was happy! I will most definitely let you know what I think when I finish. At the moment I am enjoying it but think I have guessed something that might happen so am intrigued to see if I am right!

[happyanddandy]

I will be interested to know what you think of it because I keep looking at it but not buying.


I have it - don't buy it!! :smile2:

[supergran71]

I have it - don't buy it!! :smile2:
OK thanks!!:friends0:

[Icecream]

I think this is a great book. I still cannot find my notebook. Has anyone seen it??:lurker::irked:

Anyway, I guessed one of the secrets. It was obvious, but the other one I really had no idea. I suppose it was because I just could not believe it could have happened that Hannah could have killed Robbie. I shall have to find the notes. I can't remember anything else.

[The Library Nook]

Oh my goodness my email alert on this thread just came through and it doesnt do spoilers so now I know something that happens! lol!

[Icecream]

Aww, sorry. Well now you know to come to the site instead of reading the email.:lol::)

[The Library Nook]

Aww, sorry. Well now you know to come to the site instead of reading the email.:lol::)

lol the stupid thing is the site was open in the background on my computer! But yes, a lesson well learned:lol:

[happyanddandy]

What a thoroughly enjoyable read. It was like watching a period drama every time I picked it up to read. Such a lot of detail and so well written.

It is an 'Upstairs Downstairs' saga (for those old enough to remember that one) narrated by Grace a lowly maid at Riverton. Throughout I was trying to guess the ending and I was wrong! I though Grace might have killed Robbie. Fantastic irony in the shorthand note that Grace could not read. I thought that the story would explore the secret about Grace's father but it was left unfinished. A bit too well tidied up a the end.It would definitely be a great film or TV drama with Judy Dench as Lady Clem and the other handsome chap of period dramas whose name I can't think of as Robbie. :smile2:

[Gyre]

Happy to hear you enjoyed HappyandDandy. :D

Sorry a.book.in.the.life that it was ruined for you, but I hope you still read it.

HappyandDandy, I thought there would have been more about the relationship between Grace's Mum and Frederick, as you said, very tidied up indeed.

[chicken]

Right now I am intrigued, need a break from Diana Gabaldon - I am going to buy this tomorrow and see what all the fuss is about. I knew this site would turn me to the dark side :mrgreen:

[happyanddandy]

Right now I am intrigued, need a break from Diana Gabaldon - I am going to buy this tomorrow and see what all the fuss is about. I knew this site would turn me to the dark side :mrgreen:

You wont regret it!!

[Janet]

Right now I am intrigued, need a break from Diana Gabaldon - I am going to buy this tomorrow and see what all the fuss is about. I knew this site would turn me to the dark side :mrgreen:
The dark side?

[chicken]

Yeah like in Star Wars, the young immpressionable one (me) gets turned to the dark side (led astray) by the naughty people (thats you lot encouraging me to buy new books !!!!!) - It was a joke :mrgreen: :blush: I thought it was quite funny - Sorry.

[Janet]

Yeah like in Star Wars, the young immpressionable one (me) gets turned to the dark side (led astray) by the naughty people (thats you lot encouraging me to buy new books !!!!!) - It was a joke :mrgreen: :blush: I thought it was quite funny - Sorry.
No need to apologise - I'm sure that if I'd ever watched Star Wars I'd have found it funny! :blush: I'm one of the few who hasn't, so it went right over my head!

[Icecream]

I thought that avenue might be explored more too, but at least Grace knew who she was even thought she never (as far as we know) got to know her sisters properly and explore their relationship. It was nice that she ended up with a relative at the end. I like to think that her and the grandson would have worked everything out after hearing the tape and she could have shared her experiences with him.

[chicken]

No need to apologise - I'm sure that if I'd ever watched Star Wars I'd have found it funny! :blush: I'm one of the few who hasn't, so it went right over my head!

Oooo errrr, fancy never seeing Star Wars, I couldn't imagine life without Star Wars, it is my escape film! Any way back to books.......I have bought The House at Riverton and have been reading it all morning at work (boss is on holiday today!) Loving it so far :D Unfortunatley Waterstones have a special offer on and some books are 3 for 2 - so I bought 3 ;) See what I mean about Dark Side - how am I going to explain THAT to OH :lol::readingtwo::lol:

[chicken]

Well managed to get the books home and into the house, arranged on the bookcase as if they have always been there, so hopefully I have got away with that one :blush: The House at Riverton is smashing I cant put it down............

[chicken]

Work and a sore throat are SERIOUSLY interfering with my reading time, but I am still loving the book, I think it may well be one of my favourite ever books. :readingtwo:

[chicken]

Finished ! Its a really good story and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. Highly recommended. :mrgreen:

[Janet]

I'm glad you enjoyed it. :)

I can't wait to see what she comes up with next - I hope it's as good!

ETA: The Forgotten Garden! To be published in paperback on 6 June 2008!

1913: On the eve of the First World War, a little girl is found abandoned after a gruelling ocean voyage from England to Australia. All she can remember of the journey is that a mysterious woman she calls The Authoress had promised to look after her. But The Authoress has vanished without trace. 1975: Now grown up, Nell travels to England to discover the truth about her parentage. Her quest leads her to Cornwall, and to a beautiful estate called Blackhurst Manor which had been owned by the Montrachet family.What had prompted Nell's journey after all these years? 1995: On Nell's death her grand-daughter, Cassandra, comes into a surprise inheritance. Cliff Cottage, in the grounds of Blackhurst Manor, is notorious amongst the locals for the secrets it holds - secrets about the doomed Montrachet family. But it is at Cliff Cottage, abandoned for years, and in its forgotten garden, that Casssandra will uncover the truth about the family and why little Nell was abandoned all those decades before.

[chicken]

Thanks Janet - I cant wait for that it sounds great. JUNE 2008 thats 6 months away :irked:

[Icecream]

:exc::exc:I finally found my notes after all this time. I knew OH had stolen them:mrgreen:. I actually found them a few weeks ago, but with Katie's ceiling falling in and everything.. He had taken my notebook upstairs with a pile of his paperwork and thrown it on his desk with heaps of other stuff, which we have recently started to sort out.

Anyway I shall try to decipher my notes:irked:. The first thing I have written is a question


How did hannah find out that Emmeline had died?



It was sad that Grace was never properly recognised as a family member. I know there was some slight recognition, but to not be a part of the family must of hurt. I wonder if that is why her daughter didn't like Riverton, because she saw it as a place she could have grown up?


Another question..


What was in the box that Hannah left?



I am glad Hannah showed sisterly love by shooting Robbie in the end.

Grace and Ursula were related. I would like to think she found out, but did she? Did Florence know who she was?


Robbie's character changed from rogue to lover, and Teddy went the opposite way, which was interesting.


Hannah and Emmeline were always different, and also went in opposite directions. Me and my sister are like that

Grace and Marcus were very lovable characters.

I liked the book very much. The shift between times served to bring the reader to the correct point of view, and, for me, did not disturb the flow. It was partly historical being set around the war, and also romantic. It showed the essence of family virtue, but mixed into a time where strict lines existed between classes and cultures. I think the point of the book is to make the reader think about these divides, and realise, not just the importance of family, but also that love between all human beings.

I hope this makes sense. It is a while since I read the book. I can't read some of my notes properly.

[Spooncat]

Have just finished this book and really enjoyed it. I couldnt put it down and found that it was one of those books that you have to keep reading to find out more!

I think it should have been called "The Curse of the Hartfords" as none of that family seemed to have any luck! Secrets were definately the main theme and eventually Hannah's down fall. I did find myself getting annoyed with Hannah and Emme as they didnt seem to appreciate what they had compared to a lot of people in that day and age. All they seemed to want to do was "escape" . I did guess that Grace was the daughter of Frederick and that Robbie hadnt shot himself but I thought it was Emme that killed himnot Hannah

[supergran71]

The House at Riverton - Kate Morton

Synopsis on back of book

Summer 1924 On the eve of a glittering society party by the lake of a grand English country house, a young poet takes his life. The only witnesses, sisters Hannah and Emmeline Hartford will never speak to each other again.

Winter 1999 grace Bradley, ninety-eight, one time housemaid at Riverton Manor, is visited by a young director making a film about the poet's suicide. Ghosts awaken and old memories - long consigned to the dark reaches of Grace's mind - begin to sneak back through the cracks. A shocking secret threatens to emerge, something history has forgotten but Grace never could.

Set as the war-shattered Edwadian summer surrenders to the decadent twenties, the House at Riverton is a thrilling mystery and a compelling love story.

Review

I think the synopsis is a tad misleading - probably on purpose;).

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is a spanking good read. A story cleverly woven taking the reader through the years after the first world war and giving a really great insight into society and the way each level of society viewed each other. It is an "upstairs/downstairs" story with the characters on both sides of the spectrum richly drawn. The two sisters are described in a way which illustrates their turmoil in the changes going on around them, particularly Hannah, who wants to break free from the old ideas. There is humour as well as drama in the story which flows along easily. Tension builds up in the last few pages and you are wondering what is going to happen. There are many puzzles and revelations which create surprises.

I liked the idea of Grace the maid looking back at the time she was lady's maid to Hannah and I felt great sympathy with her as she reveals the sacrifices she made and the dreadful tragic secret she has kept until the end of the 20th century.

A wonderful story, I would read again and again. I give it 10/10

[whispering_pines]

oh....i just got this book..its cover is really good and i am just going to start on it.:readingtwo::mrgreen:

[Spooncat]

oh....i just got this book..its cover is really good and i am just going to start on it.:readingtwo::mrgreen:

There is also a great discussion on this in the reading circle section :mrgreen:

[Kell]

Yup, you can find the discussion HERE (http://www.bookclubforum.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=5222).

[The Library Nook]

Great book and I saw another one of hers in Asda that I am considering getting as well although the title escapes me now!

[grammyva]

I was not familiar with Kate Morton before reading about her books here! I've placed a hold on The House at Riverton, ordered The Shifting Fog on ILL, and will wait for The Forgotten Garden to become available. They all sound so good. Thanks for suggesting this author!

[Janet]

I don't know what ILL is, and I hate to tell you this, but you've ordered the same book twice. :( The Shifting Fog is the same book as The House at Riverton. I believe it was originally called the former but then changed to THAR.

Is it too late to cancel one?

[grammyva]

I don't know what ILL is, and I hate to tell you this, but you've ordered the same book twice. :( The Shifting Fog is the same book as The House at Riverton. I believe it was originally called the former but then changed to THAR.

Is it too late to cancel one?
OOps! ILL stands for Interlibrary Loan and I ordered The Shifting Fog from another library through my local library. Had no idea it was the same book with a different title. I am confused as my library had The Shifting Fog on CD but not in print. Guess I'll cancel it and save them the work locating a copy for me. Thanks for the tip! :)

[Janet]

No problem. :) It's a good job you hadn't ordered them from a paying site rather than a library.

It's rather annoying when books are rebranded for different markets without the fact being made clear. I know some of Emily Barr's books have different titles in the USA/UK, as do Sophie Kinsella's!