Keeper of the House: A Novel

by Rebecca T. Godwin

Keeper of the House is Rebecca T. Godwin's unforgettable novel narrated by the lively Minyon Manigault, a young black woman from a coastal South Carolina Gullah community.

In 1929, due to mysterious family circumstances, Minyon is given up by her grandmother to the employment of Ariadne Fleming, a white madam in the famously elegant brothel called Hazelhedge. At the age of fourteen, she becomes a pair of eyes and hands, watching and working almost invisibly in a world where men and women leave their inhibition, and their pasts, at the door. As Minyon grows up in the household with other black people who provide behind-the-scenes support of Hazelhedge, she cannot escape her haunting childhood memories. Even while bearing witness to the events unfolding around her, Minyon seeks to find her place in the world, and her pace within herself.

Genres: Fiction, Historical Fiction, Southern, Coming Of Age, Adult, African American

288 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1994

Reviews

[Barb · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my all time favorite books. It has such a lovely cadence with the use of the Gullah 'language'. Being from the South, I found the story quite realistic. That is how I felt before I was talking with a patient's wife (who is a librarian) told me the setting is based on a real place in Georgetown, SC. And then I really felt it made an even more memorable 'movie in my mind'. A must for anyone who loves Southern authors.

[Marianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I closed my eyes against them, and that’s when I knew: I was more than just the keeper of this house; I had to keep the memories, too.” Keeper of the House is based on a true story of a brothel in South Carolina. Being here for two months, I have geared most of my reading to either local authors or local settings. I felt this book so similiarly described a town like Georgetown, SC, close to where we spend 2 months each winter. Much to my surprise, this book WAS based in the area. A brothel, that operated 3 miles out of Georgetown, was called the Sunset Lodge and was operated from the 1930s to 1969 when it was finally closed down. The fictional part lies in this wonderful story of the owner and her girls, told through the character of Minyon Manifault, a 14 yo black teenager sent away by her grandmother to work as a housemaid for Hazelhedge’s madam, Miss Ariadne Fleming (Hazel Weiss). The development of the relationships, on the edge of which Minyon lives, achieves brilliantly the author’s objective of creating a character that, though nearly invisible in the house itself, is the glue that holds together this consortium of misfits and social undesirables. Written in the rich Gullah dialect, Keeper of the House, draws the reader into the role of voyeur in this house of ill repute. An engaging and historic read.

[Marshawc · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a delight.... easily whisks the reader away to a different time in the Old South...a time when a high class men's *sporting house* just might exist and thrive, and be filled with women in long elegant dresses, and a gracious *lady* madam and her staff would have many tales to tell and even more secrets to keep.
I could almost hear the tinkling of the ice in their whiskey glasses, see the hundreds of prisms in the big chandelier, smell the good Southern cooking smells coming from the kitchen out back...
ahhhh yes,
I would list this one as one of the 10 best books I've read in recent years.

[Molly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I was concerned since it took place in a house of ill repute that it might be a little sketchy, but it was rich and colorful and captivating.

It has been compared to The Help, but there are some ways that I like this book more and that might just be because (to me) the Carolina South is more like Kentucky South than Alabama or Mississippi.

[Teresa Page · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hmmm I don’t know?

There are some books you never want to end and some you just want to end as quickly as possible this book was the latter. I still don’t know what made Jesse so evil or why her grandmother allowed him to be so evil and mean….he should have been in jail! Or what happened to the first original girls. But the main character just went on and on and on about really nothing. When I was about 75% in I just wanted this book to end. I don’t know why I gave it 3 stars but I did.

[Sarah · Rating 1 out of 5]

I'm finding the plot rather tedious--not a lot happens and, for such a quiet story, there's not a lot of introspection from the narrator. The book strikes me as a particularly painful effort by a white writer to capture a black voice. It's perhaps a little too earnest in its desire to represent a particular dialogue, in my mind to the detriment of having an actual story line that is in any way captivating. The long ending of this book brought to mind Forrest Gump and his ability to be involved in all the important happenings of his era. The plot has its characters touching on WWII, Jim Crow, Civil Rights---all with no real depth or conviction at all. A thoroughly unenjoyable book.

[Susan Coster · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book "had me at hello" so to speak! I loved it from beginning to end! At age 14, Minyon (as in filet Mignon) is sent to a brothel to work as a maid. This book chronicles her 40 years there as Keeper of the House as she eventually lords over the prostitutes and develops an everlasting friendship between herself and the Madam, Ariadne Fleming. Published in 1994, I don't know why I haven't read it sooner!

[Mary Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful!!

[Shimiah Grow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another must read!

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was surprised at what a good story this is, as the book goes on. It is written with the Gullah dialect in mind, which is spoken by only a small population of people in the world, along the coasts of S. Carolina and Georgia, who were slaves from Africa with influences of other islands and places as people had to learn to communicate from slightly different cultures. It's easy enough to read, though, and the story has many great qualities and well drawn characters.

I loved this book! It's the story of a young black girl and the madam of a well known brothel who spend years together as Minyon, the black girl, comes to work at the large house of the brothel, doing the work that others also do to keep the place running smoothly. Their relationship stand the test of years and situations and many other things, and Minyon becomes more than even she realizes, taking care of everything and everyone over the years, as well as the business of the brothel and the employees. It will tug at your heart and also surprise you.

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

Liked it, but hard to articulate why. I liked that the main character was as clueless as I am about how things work in the world (race in America, sex, love, evil, people with bad intentions, money), and she explains to me (the reader) what she learns, and somehow it's all very interesting to me.

Some of the descriptions were nicely done, for example, the description of the appearance of the Missus on page 18:
"There was just enough evening glow seeping through the bushes to light up her hair. I thought to myself if the angel Gabriel was a woman, he must would look something like that."

I found the main character's name "Minyon" distracting. Up front she explains to Missus (and to the reader) on page 5: "Minyon, like the very best cut of meat, Missus. Dark and juicy and expensive." [This is the French word "mignon."] Okay, I see, but I kept hearing it in my head as minion, the person who does all the work. Maybe that was the author's point.

[Robert · Rating 1 out of 5]

Being from the town (Georgetown, S.C.) where the novel is set and living there in the 50's and 60's, I am quite familiar with the geographical setting, the people and so forth. Also, have some anecdotal knowledge (not first-hand) of the actual house of prostitution and its demise. It is a novel, so naturally there is a lot of variation from facts. Do not believe it makes the story any better - and probably worse.
I heard people speaking Gullah and actually had records of Gullah speaking. The language in the book is not similar.
I found the first half barely interesting, mostly because of my knowledge of the area and the facts re: Sunset Lodge and Georgetown (Jameston). Most names of people, streets, towns, businesses and so forth were changed. Not sure why.
However, the second half was very wordy and boring. Pushed through it though.

[Amanda C · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had all of what I love so much about historical fiction...a beautiful setting (which just happens to be familiar to me since it's in SC), good characters (the FMC in this one is sooooo good!), and true to life tie ins (this one is supposedly loosely based on a real brothel from the area). I always feel like I learn a lil something reading historical fiction 😅 I will say that the dialect in the story is said to be based on the Gullah way of the area, but it really isnt...my grandmother was what we always lovingly called "Geechie" because of how she spoke and where she grew up, so I'm familiar and the dialect was cute but not Gullah at its core.
A touching story highlighting race relations, loyalty, family, and belonging.
Overall, a really good read...☺️

[Susan · Rating 1 out of 5]

I chose Keeper of the House for our book club selection. I just couldn't connect with the novel. I think perhaps I couldn't get into the novel because I was rushing to finish it. So, don't judge my review solely. I have spoken to several of my book club members, and the my local independent book store. Everyone said they loved it.

I really wanted to like this book. Because the book takes place locally in my area of Georgetown, SC. The story is a Afro-American girl in the 1920's who is hired to be the caretaker of the Bordello. I think part of it was the language. Minn, the main character was talking Gullah.

[Chip · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent Peek Into A World Not So Long Passed

If you are a baby boomer and have ever lived in or have had the privilege of being born in the eastern parts of South Carolina, this is an excellent story to help you remember a world that is fine but not too long gone. It has all the elements of a good folk story; mystery, secrets new and old, plenty of sin and sinners along with hero's and heroines. A nice look back to a time when certain things a bit sordid in the human condition were not reveled in by the media 24 hours a day.

[Jane Shoemaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I purchased the book at the Edisto Island Bookstore. It was very interesting to be drawn into Minyon’s world. The Gullah community and language and history of this particular story I will carry with me.

[Kay Bingner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loveable Protagonist

Excellent story telling. I enjoyed the protagonist 's many life lessons and the pace of the book. I appreciate the irony that she had many advantages including safety because she worked at a whorehouse.

[Alyssa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I originally was going to give this a 1 star review. I didn’t want to finish it either but that’s not fair to the author. It is a well written book but not my type of book. I’m not sure what I expected because it’s a book about a madame and her “hoes”. It is graphic and sexually detailed.

[Susan Mabry · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most beautiful novels I’ve ever read! Full of love, mystery, intrigue and wise truths. Minyon Manigault, will stay in my heart forever. Highly recommend this book to all!

Can’t wait to read more by Rebecca T. Godwin!🤩❤️💪

[samara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating read. Very interesting history that spans quite a few years and important events. The cast of characters was diverse and provided good insights into the times. It was emotional as well, and the story was very memorable.

[Lavonn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read!

[Denise · Rating 2 out of 5]

While I enjoyed the main character, this book was just ok.

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

[Debbie Ladd · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to my SC friend Liz, I found this book. Engaging story about a young black woman who goes to work for a Madam who runs a brothel in Georgetown SC.

[Lynda Newman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very different, loved the main character and the way she speaks.

[Caroline Coleman · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. A regional classic. The writing is beautiful and authentic. My heart is heavy after reading it. And it was worth it.

[Ncrdusa]

Recommended by Linda Bridges

[Laura]

Boooooooooooooooooooooooooo

[Ariel Douglas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loooveddd this book! Loosely based on an actual “house” in Georgetown County, SC. If you’re from the area, highly recommend!

[Connie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent character study and fascination tale of a real place in Georgetown, SC. Part of history that doesn't get much coverage.