Lily at Lissadell

Lissadell #1

by Judi Curtin

When Lily is a young teenager, the time comes for her and her friends to leave school and find work; some are emigrating to America, some going to work in shops. Lily is going into service in the Big House – Lissadell.

Lily’s employers, the Gore-Booth family, are kind, but life as a young housemaid can be hard: Lily works long days, she has to learn to get along with the staff, particularly her roommate, the sullen and uncommunicative Nellie, and she misses her home and family.

But when Maeve, daughter of Constance Markievicz and niece of the Gore-Booths, comes to visit and decides to paint a portrait of Lily an unusual friendship begins between the two girls from such different worlds.

A warm and engaging story about friendship, life in the early 20th century and how the political world affects everyone.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Middle Grade, Historical, Childrens, Ireland, Irish Literature

288 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2019

Reviews

[Aoife · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book from O'Brien Press in exchange for an honest review.

When Lily is told she needs to leave school, and put her dreams of becoming a teacher to one side, to go to the big house to work to help her family, she is devastated but willing to do what it takes. As soon as she arrives in Lissadell House, Lily meets her unfriendly roommate and learns the differences between how people live depending on the class system they were born into. Despite everything, Lily gets on with her job with a smile and befriends her employer's niece Maeve - whose mother is Irish revolutionary leader Countess Markievicz.

This was a really, really lovely book about a little Irish girl who loves her family and will do anything to help. This is set in 1913, when it was usual for young girls and boys to leave school to go and work and help their family (particularly children like Lily with only one parent left alive to look after the young ones). Lily is a wonderful character with a sunny disposition and she was a joy to read - her willingness to do what was needed, as well as her kindness to befriend those who were being mean to her is really the perfect character for children of a similar age to read.

There no badness in this book - all the characters (despite some at the start) are nice and kind to Lily - including her employers the Gore-Booths. There was a lovely scene at Christmas time with a doll that's a beautiful reminder to the reader of Lily's age and innocence which I really loved. There was also a bit of fun reading, knowing that the Gore-Booths, some of the servants mentioned and Maeve were all real people and you couldn't help but wonder what their real lives and personalities were like.

I 100% recommend this one for both young and older readers!

[Margaret Madden · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fabulous book! Ideal for any young girl who dreams big. The blend of fact and fiction makes the story come to life and young readers are sure to pester their parents with requests to visit Lissadell House. Would make a perfect classroom novel.

[Mary Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

With a keen and understanding eye for clearly revealing the journey of friendships, growing up and what lies in the hearts of everyday people, Judi Curtin gives us a glimpse into the life of one young girl. Set in Sligo in 1913, there is a beautiful descriptive quality to the writing that allows the reader to dive into the time and feel as if they are there, right alongside Lily as she learns her new tasks and ponders about those surrounding her. A sense of empathy and humour runs through the story, as we get a feel of what life was really like at the time. But the heart and soul of the book is friendship. Learning to trust, showing kindness, offering what talents and gifts you have to others and seeing through anothers' eyes; it's all there. There are marvelous day-to-day adventures, clever observations and, as the book ends, the reader is left wanting to know more. Wonderful historical fiction that is a real joy to read.

[Grace Cox · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lily lives with her mother and four younger siblings. She attends school with her two best friends in a rural part of Ireland. Despite being poor, Lily is a very happy little child.

However the family are struggling and there is not enough to feed the whole family. So sadly Lily has to leave school, her friends and her family behind and go and work in a big house, Lissadell, in Sligo. Life is very different in Lissadell.

I loved this book. The author gives a very clear picture of what life was like in Ireland in the early 20th century. I look forward to continuing Lily's adventures in the next book.

[Lynsey Baxter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this with my 10yo daughter. At the end of the first chapter she looked a little troubled, then said "i don't think i want to read any more of this". However, the next morning she told me she couldn't help herself and carried on without me 😂 We absolutely loved it. Great blend of history and story telling.

[Karina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vividly written middle grade book that brings a young Irish girl, Lily, to work in the Big House.

She has always lived with her mother and siblings, but as they need money she is sent to Lissadell as an under chambermaid. The part where she encounters a staircase for the first time really brought home how alien her new world is - this is a charming, warm story which is perfect for readers of 9+

I would love this to be the beginning of a series...

[Gemma · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very nice children’s book by an Irish author.

[trijnewijn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lief verhaal over het gewone leven in Ierland, ruim honderd jaar geleden. Gek hoe veel er veranderd is in zo'n relatief korte periode.

[Aoibhín · Rating 3 out of 5]

At the start this book didn't catch my interest but I slowly got to like it more. it is very short.

[EdenB15 · Rating 4 out of 5]

i really enjoyed this book which is about lily’s adventures when she goes to work as a servant. Great piece of work by Judi Curtin

[Zara O'Byrne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book about the history f Irelad

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the story

[Ava · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think it was really good! All the words were so simple witch made it soo easy and fun to read so it went really fast!

[Diane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute story and interesting at times in relation to the current events of that time period in Ireland.

[Milda]

2.5

[Jayne · Rating 3 out of 5]

a very light nice book.