MADreads

Romance: upstairs, downstairs style

July 25th, 2008 Jane J. - Central Library

Originally published as a young adult novel in 1981, A Countess Below Stairs has recently been re-printed as a trade paperback edition - and legions of Eva Ibbotson fans rejoice.

The first line of Ibbotson’s most beloved novel sets the tone:

“In the fabled, glittering world that was St. Petersburg before the First World War there lived, in an ice-blue palace overlooking the river Neva, a family on whom the gods seemed to have lavished their gifts with an almost comical abundance.”

The family in question are the Grazinsky’s and the Bolshevik revolution has sent them into exile.  Anna Grazinsky is the titular countess.  Once in England, Anna and her mother and brother are left to fend for themselves.  Determined to help, Anna secretly takes a job as a maid at a stately manor named Meersham.

Meersham is the home of Rupert, the new Earl of Westerholme. Rupert, recently returned from WWI, never expected to inherit the title.  The loss of his brother in the war changed that and now he is pressed to find a way to pay the debts owed and save his family home.  Enter the wealthy Muriel.  Muriel nursed Rupert’s war injuries and is now his fiance - much to the dismay of his household and family.  Rupert too has his doubts, but it isn’t until he meets Anna that his real turmoil begins.

This is a classic set-up in a novel that is considered by many readers to be a classic.  What elevates this fairy-tale story to make it a classic is the charm and humor and honesty with which Ibbotson writes.  Certainly the sweet, but clever Anna and honorable Rupert leap off the page.  But Ibbotson doesn’t rely on that to tell her story.  Every character adds shape to the narrative.  Here is Rupert’s friend and neighbor (who I loved) getting ready for a costume ball:

“Lord Byrne looked at his wife. He had married her blind, knowing nothing about her except that she had a quiet voice, a sensible manner and some spare cash. Now, eight years later, he would have died for her without a second’s hesitation. To dress up as a hussar in Wellington’s army would be harder, but he would do it.”

Countess has a little bit of A Little Princess and a little of Anne of Green Gables and more then a touch of Jane Austen.  Add that to Ibbotson’s sparkling writing and you’ll find it doesn’t get better then this.  Now if only the Brits would give this the North and South treatment, I’d be a very happy camper.

Entry Filed under: Romance, Young Adult