This is a strange and intriguing tale of the relationship between maid and mistress in 1860’s Scotland. Both have secrets to keep. I must admit to being increasingly drawn in as the story progressed and more of the mystery was revealed. This is far better than most in this area; genuinely interesting and enjoyable.
Reviewed by Sarah Broadhurst Sarah Broadhurst spent her early working life in the book trade in both retail and wholesale until the arrival of children forced her to look for freelance work she could do from… More reviews by Sarah Broadhurst
About The Observations
'Vastly original. Bessy is surely one of the most striking characters in recent fiction: cynical, disruptive, tender and very, very funny.' Independent on SundayShortlisted for the Orange Prize
'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.
Jane Harris was born in Belfast and brought up in Glasgow. Her short stories have appeared in a wide variety of anthologies and magazines and she has also written several award-winning short films. In 2000 she received a Writer’s Award from the Arts Council of England. She lives in London with her husband Tom.
'Vastly original. Bessy is surely one of the most striking characters in recent fiction: cynical, disruptive, tender and very, very funny.' Independent on SundayShortlisted for the Orange PrizeScotland, 1863.
The Observations features in the following genres: Historical Fiction, Debut Books of the Month, Modern and Contemporary Fiction, eBooks of the Month, Fiction, Recommendations, General Fiction
Paperback, Paperback (b Format), Hardback. Not Available.
The Observations was written by Jane Harris and published by Faber & Faber
