A Countess Below Stairs

Eva Ibbotson
1981

Back of the Book: After the Russian Revolution turns her world topsy-turvy, Anna, a young Russian countess, has no choice but to flee to England. Penniless, Anna hides her aristocratic background and takes a job as servant in the household of the esteemed Westerholme family, armed only with an outdated housekeeping manual and sheer determination. Desperate to keep her past a secret, Anna is nearly overwhelmed by her new duties --- not to mention her instant attraction to Rupert, the handsome Earl of Westerholme. To make matters worse, Rupert appears to be falling for her as well. As their attraction grows stronger, Anna finds it more and more difficult to keep her most dearly held secrets from unraveling. And then there’s the small matter of Rupert’s beautiful and nasty fiancée…

Thoughts: Whoever wrote the above was embellishing a lot. Yes all those things happen, but not as dramatically as they are letting you think. Anna doesn’t really care if people find out her secret; she only keeps it hidden to get the job. And, she is not “overwhelmed by her new duties”!!! She makes up new ones to stay busy. But, despite the exaggerations, it is still a good book. Eva Ibbotson is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. The book was fun and easy to read and understand.

Ending: I knew they would end up together, but I was not sure how they were going to get rid of the psycho fiancée. Things just really worked out in the end and I was so glad they got their jewels back. I absolutely loved the part when she is going to cut her hair and he bursts in and tells her he can’t do it. She may have been “instantly attracted to Rupert” as the back of the book said, but it wasn’t until then she discovered her love for him. I think this is one I will read again.