TL;DR
In 'The Kitchen House,' Kathleen Grissom tells the poignant story of Lavinia, an Irish orphan who navigates the complex, divided society of a 1790s Virginia tobacco plantation.
What is The Kitchen House about
'The Kitchen House' by Kathleen Grissom is a historical novel set in the late 18th century. It follows Lavinia, a young Irish orphan who becomes an indentured servant on a Virginia tobacco plantation. Lavinia bonds deeply with the enslaved African American family in the kitchen house while slowly integrating into the privileged but troubled world of the big house. The narrative explores themes of loyalty, family, and social divides, revealing dangerous truths that threaten the lives of those Lavinia cares about.
The Kitchen House 5 Key Takeaways
Lavinia's Arrival
Seven-year-old Lavinia arrives at the tobacco plantation as an indentured servant, with no memory of her past. She is placed in the kitchen house with the slaves, forming deep bonds with them.
Integration into the Big House
Lavinia is gradually accepted into the world of the big house, where she cares for the opium-addicted mistress and befriends the master's dangerous son. This duality creates a complex social dynamic.
Straddling Two Worlds
As Lavinia grows older, she finds herself caught between the kitchen house slaves, whom she loves like family, and the privileged but morally bankrupt inhabitants of the big house.
Unveiling Dangerous Truths
Loyalties are tested, and hidden truths come to light, putting lives at risk. Lavinia's position between two worlds places her in a perilous situation.
Climax and Resolution
The story reaches a climax as the tensions between the two worlds Lavinia inhabits escalate, leading to dramatic and life-changing consequences for all involved.
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The Kitchen House Best Reviews
- Publishers Weekly: 'Grissom's debut novel is a gripping tale that brings to light the complex relationships and harsh realities of life on a Southern plantation.'
- Booklist: 'The Kitchen House is a beautifully crafted story of love, loss, and the search for family, with characters that will remain with readers long after the final page.'
Top The Kitchen House Quotes
- 'You aren't a nigger. You're Irish. You work for the captain. You're white.'
- 'I was beginning to understand that I could not love any one group of people more than the other; to love all equally, I had to love myself more.'
Who should read The Kitchen House?
'The Kitchen House' is perfect for readers who enjoy historical fiction that delves into complex social issues and explores deep emotional bonds. Fans of novels like 'The Help' by Kathryn Stockett will find this book equally compelling and thought-provoking.
The Kitchen House FAQs
What is the sequel to the book The Kitchen House?
The sequel to 'The Kitchen House' is 'Glory Over Everything,' which continues the story of Jamie Pyke, the son of a slave and the master of Tall Oaks, as he navigates his dangerous secret and journey through the Underground Railroad.
What is the symbolism in The Kitchen House?
The kitchen house symbolizes the struggle between two worlds for characters like Belle and Lavinia. It represents home and safety for Belle after she leaves the big house, and it reflects Lavinia's complex understanding of family and belonging.