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The Servant
"A gripping immersive crime drama with a heroine you'll be rooting for from the first line. Highly recommended." Imogen Robertson, author of Instruments of Darkness 1765. London. Young Hannah Hubert may be the granddaughter of a French merchant and the daughter of a Spitalfields silk weaver, but she has come down in the world. Sent one spring day as maidservant to a disgraced aristocrat, she finds herself in a house full of mysteries - with a locked room and strange auctions being held behind closed doors. As a servant, she has little power but - unknown to her employers - she can read. And it is only when she uses her education to uncover the secrets of the house, that she realises the peril she is in. Hannah is unable to turn to the other servant, Peg, who is clearly terrified of their employers and keeps warning her to find alternative work. But help might come from Thomas, the taciturn farmer delivering milk to the neighbourhood, or from Jack Twyford, a friendly young man apprenticed to his uncle’s bookselling business. Yet Thomas is still grieving for his late wife – and can she trust Jack, since his uncle is one of her master’s associates? Hannah soon discovers damning evidence she cannot ignore. She must act alone, but at what price? Maggie Richell-Davies was born in Newcastle and has a first-class honours degree from the Open University. She lives in Kent with her husband. The Servant is her first novel.
287 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2020
17 people are currently reading
152 people want to read
About the author
Maggie Richell-Davies
2 books42 followersBorn in Newcastle, Maggie has a first class honours degree from the Open University.
Her debut novel, The Servant, was inspired by a visit to London's Foundling Museum and an interest in the often forgotten lives of vulnerable young women in 18th century England.
She is also a founder member of writing group ninevoices.wordpress.com
Catch up with more information on her website: https://maggiedaviesiswriting.com
Her debut novel, The Servant, was inspired by a visit to London's Foundling Museum and an interest in the often forgotten lives of vulnerable young women in 18th century England.
She is also a founder member of writing group ninevoices.wordpress.com
Catch up with more information on her website: https://maggiedaviesiswriting.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
March 8, 2026
Quaint and naive.
A maidservant doing the mundanest jobs, trying to survive, pining after books, investigating secrets and secretly noting how people squander the excellent (from her POV) possibilities to better themselves.
A love story in the making with a healthy feminist angle. I have no idea how women managed to live in times when we were considered hardly above cattle. Nasty times.
Love the ending most of all.
Rating: we start at 5 stars:
+1 star: Match-making Greek goddesses, gods and heroes. And in such a form!!!
- 1 star: I don't think 'cow management' was a thing then.
+-1 star: Nice cover. Not sure how it fits the book but reasonably OK and looks nice.
+ 1 star: lots of serendipity going on. Love serendipity!
+1 star: THE END. As I said, I'm a sucker for this kind of thing.
The overall rating: 5 stars+++, a new favvy.
Q:
‘Perhaps there is a magic carpet inside,’ I murmur, ‘and I will climb onto it and fly over the sea and far away.’ ‘The only carpets I suspect you will find in there will be ones in need of vigorous beating.’ (c)
Q:
It must be what he does in here that is so secret. Is he composing something people will wonder at, like Dr Johnston’s Dictionary? The desk is heaped with papers I would love to study. Or even help with. (c)
Q:
I have always loved to walk. It is a time to let my imagination soar. A pretence at being free. (c)
Q:
I have never been in a bookseller’s before, never so close to such a hoard of unread words. (c)
Q:
It could be us one day. Peg is at the bottom of society. I am one rung higher. Mrs Lamb two. And I know from experience how much easier it is to fall than to rise. (c)
Q:
The morning has turned serious and dark. (c)
Q:
My envy returns. A life surrounded by books, where he is urged to spend his time reading. No wonder he whistles. (c)
Q:
They have so many possibilities open to them, yet fritter their lives on pleasure. (c)
Q:
‘The world is more complicated than you appreciate, Hannah. You must learn to take care of yourself. Nobody else will.’ (c)
Q:
I have always done what others said I must do. Gone where they said I should go. Even worn the clothes I was told to wear. But when I think of the wrong that was done to me – which I cannot help, however much I try – I know those teachings have harmed rather than helped me. (c)
Q:
For my own safety, I am here to uncover secrets. (c)
Q:
My action could bring danger, but for once even a servant, and a woman, might make a difference. (c)
Q:
I realise now what a blessing my early childhood was, even if it did not last beyond my tenth year. To have so much love and the beginning of an education. It gave me something to build on. (c)
A maidservant doing the mundanest jobs, trying to survive, pining after books, investigating secrets and secretly noting how people squander the excellent (from her POV) possibilities to better themselves.
A love story in the making with a healthy feminist angle. I have no idea how women managed to live in times when we were considered hardly above cattle. Nasty times.
Love the ending most of all.
Rating: we start at 5 stars:
+1 star: Match-making Greek goddesses, gods and heroes. And in such a form!!!
- 1 star: I don't think 'cow management' was a thing then.
+-1 star: Nice cover. Not sure how it fits the book but reasonably OK and looks nice.
+ 1 star: lots of serendipity going on. Love serendipity!
+1 star: THE END. As I said, I'm a sucker for this kind of thing.
The overall rating: 5 stars+++, a new favvy.
Q:
‘Perhaps there is a magic carpet inside,’ I murmur, ‘and I will climb onto it and fly over the sea and far away.’ ‘The only carpets I suspect you will find in there will be ones in need of vigorous beating.’ (c)
Q:
It must be what he does in here that is so secret. Is he composing something people will wonder at, like Dr Johnston’s Dictionary? The desk is heaped with papers I would love to study. Or even help with. (c)
Q:
I have always loved to walk. It is a time to let my imagination soar. A pretence at being free. (c)
Q:
I have never been in a bookseller’s before, never so close to such a hoard of unread words. (c)
Q:
It could be us one day. Peg is at the bottom of society. I am one rung higher. Mrs Lamb two. And I know from experience how much easier it is to fall than to rise. (c)
Q:
The morning has turned serious and dark. (c)
Q:
My envy returns. A life surrounded by books, where he is urged to spend his time reading. No wonder he whistles. (c)
Q:
They have so many possibilities open to them, yet fritter their lives on pleasure. (c)
Q:
‘The world is more complicated than you appreciate, Hannah. You must learn to take care of yourself. Nobody else will.’ (c)
Q:
I have always done what others said I must do. Gone where they said I should go. Even worn the clothes I was told to wear. But when I think of the wrong that was done to me – which I cannot help, however much I try – I know those teachings have harmed rather than helped me. (c)
Q:
For my own safety, I am here to uncover secrets. (c)
Q:
My action could bring danger, but for once even a servant, and a woman, might make a difference. (c)
Q:
I realise now what a blessing my early childhood was, even if it did not last beyond my tenth year. To have so much love and the beginning of an education. It gave me something to build on. (c)
July 22, 2020
A touching portrayal of life as a female servant in Georgian England
The Servant by Maggie Richell-Davies is a heart-breaking but inspirational read about the perils faced by women in service in Georgian England.
Hannah Hubert was the granddaughter of a French merchant who lost his business when he had to flee his country. Her family was impoverished but educated.
When her father died, her stepmother sent Hannah, then a ten-year-old child, to a poorhouse. Destitute and friendless, Hannah had to use her intelligence and the education she received from her mother to find her way in the world.
But a poorhouse girl was not master of her life, and after a few years working as a servant for a widow, Hannah was sent to work for a mysterious and unscrupulous couple, the Chalkes.
The story is well-researched and very engaging. I felt an immediate connection to Hannah. It was heart-wrenching to accompany her through all disillusionment, abuse, hard work, and pain.
I love the fact that, despite being fifteen, Hannah had the strength of a lioness. She was smart, compassionate, and had a remarkable sense of self. She was relentless in unveiling the secret kept by the Chalkes.
The author explores some hard themes. I don’t want to give spoilers, so I will not enter in details, but there is violence, sexual abuse, and other triggers, which, unfortunately, were the reality of so many women of that time.
As a counterpoint, it was very inspiring to find kindness, friendship, and hope amidst all the poverty and abuse.
In the background, there is a little bit of romance. A triangle between the young and charming bookstore apprentice Jack, Hannah, and Thomas Graham, a widower local farmer in his mid-twenties.
The story feels realistic and touches the soul. It always saddens me to know how precarious was the situation of women in service not that long ago. Luckily, in this case, there is a happy ending.
Great read. I highly recommend it!
Disclosure: I received an ARC of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
The Servant by Maggie Richell-Davies is a heart-breaking but inspirational read about the perils faced by women in service in Georgian England.
Hannah Hubert was the granddaughter of a French merchant who lost his business when he had to flee his country. Her family was impoverished but educated.
When her father died, her stepmother sent Hannah, then a ten-year-old child, to a poorhouse. Destitute and friendless, Hannah had to use her intelligence and the education she received from her mother to find her way in the world.
But a poorhouse girl was not master of her life, and after a few years working as a servant for a widow, Hannah was sent to work for a mysterious and unscrupulous couple, the Chalkes.
The story is well-researched and very engaging. I felt an immediate connection to Hannah. It was heart-wrenching to accompany her through all disillusionment, abuse, hard work, and pain.
I love the fact that, despite being fifteen, Hannah had the strength of a lioness. She was smart, compassionate, and had a remarkable sense of self. She was relentless in unveiling the secret kept by the Chalkes.
The author explores some hard themes. I don’t want to give spoilers, so I will not enter in details, but there is violence, sexual abuse, and other triggers, which, unfortunately, were the reality of so many women of that time.
As a counterpoint, it was very inspiring to find kindness, friendship, and hope amidst all the poverty and abuse.
In the background, there is a little bit of romance. A triangle between the young and charming bookstore apprentice Jack, Hannah, and Thomas Graham, a widower local farmer in his mid-twenties.
The story feels realistic and touches the soul. It always saddens me to know how precarious was the situation of women in service not that long ago. Luckily, in this case, there is a happy ending.
Great read. I highly recommend it!
Disclosure: I received an ARC of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
February 6, 2022
Once again, I appear to have chosen historical fiction that’s earned itself a place on my ‘best of 2022’ goodreads shelf.
Maggie Richell-Davies should never doubt her ability to spin a good yarn, The Servant had me hooked from the very first chapter.
Maggie contacted me on Twitter asking if I would be interested in reading her novel, and on reading the synopsis, I had a feeling it would be the kind of story I’d enjoy.
Disgraced aristocracy, a house full of mysteries; including a locked library, the main character being able to secretly read and write, and characters so vile and despicably realistic, I wanted to shout and swear at them! What’s not to love when a story gives you all the ‘feels’.
The Servant reminded me in many ways of Michel Fabers’ The Crimson Petal and the White, a firm favourite of mine. The foulness and stench of the setting, the superbly immersive writing, the crass language. So much research went into this creative masterpiece. I’ve learnt so much, having to look up words throughout, all adding to my enjoyment. To be both educated and entertained whilst experiencing an author’s imaginative story-telling is essential to the reading experience. It was the most memorable history lesson.
From the description of what people were wearing, to intricate detail of the furnishings, The Servant ticked every box. I couldn’t fault it.
‘The Chinese cabinet is the thing I admire the most in that room because of the figures in strange costumes inlaid in the black lacquered wood. There is a river with two people on a hump-backed bridge, lovers perhaps, picked out in mother-of-pearl. A willow weeps from the sloping shore, with a building that might be a temple in the distance and a long-legged bird circling above. The lady holds a curious-looking umbrella and the couple look to be whispering beneath it. I would love to know their story’.
How clear is that piece of furniture in your minds eye from that perfect description?
The reactions of characters had me smiling, laughing, and visualising with ease.
‘Perhaps she was a beauty in her youth, before her face turned to porridge’.
The way the opinions, thoughts and situations related to present day rang true throughout.
‘The rich get away with everything. Peg mutters, at my shoulder. Always have. Always will’.
‘…although she is unkempt and dirty, I welcome her friendship. It seems to me sometimes that it is often the poor who are the most generous with what they have’.
As I reluctantly came to the end of the story, (I took my time, taking two weeks to finish as I loved it too much to let it go so soon!) the ‘End Note’ was simply the icing on this glorious historical cake. When an author takes time to explain their story, and it’s roots, it gives the reader more understanding and a bit of closure. I needed it because I was sad to see Hannah, Peg and Thomas go.
The Historical Writers Association (HWA) selected The Servant for their HWA/Sharpe Books Unpublished Novel Award 2020. It was completely deserving of this accolade and I’m hoping somebody, somewhere will take this gem of a novel under their wing and create a tv adaptation or film – I’d watch with relish!
The Servant is an astonishing story of one woman’s steely determination. Do add it to your TBR piles, make a ‘Beat The Backlog’ exception for this one, because it is EXCEPTIONAL historical fiction. I will be recommending it to everyone.
Thank you, Maggie, for sending me a copy to review. It was a beautiful, dark pleasure.
Maggie Richell-Davies should never doubt her ability to spin a good yarn, The Servant had me hooked from the very first chapter.
Maggie contacted me on Twitter asking if I would be interested in reading her novel, and on reading the synopsis, I had a feeling it would be the kind of story I’d enjoy.
Disgraced aristocracy, a house full of mysteries; including a locked library, the main character being able to secretly read and write, and characters so vile and despicably realistic, I wanted to shout and swear at them! What’s not to love when a story gives you all the ‘feels’.
The Servant reminded me in many ways of Michel Fabers’ The Crimson Petal and the White, a firm favourite of mine. The foulness and stench of the setting, the superbly immersive writing, the crass language. So much research went into this creative masterpiece. I’ve learnt so much, having to look up words throughout, all adding to my enjoyment. To be both educated and entertained whilst experiencing an author’s imaginative story-telling is essential to the reading experience. It was the most memorable history lesson.
From the description of what people were wearing, to intricate detail of the furnishings, The Servant ticked every box. I couldn’t fault it.
‘The Chinese cabinet is the thing I admire the most in that room because of the figures in strange costumes inlaid in the black lacquered wood. There is a river with two people on a hump-backed bridge, lovers perhaps, picked out in mother-of-pearl. A willow weeps from the sloping shore, with a building that might be a temple in the distance and a long-legged bird circling above. The lady holds a curious-looking umbrella and the couple look to be whispering beneath it. I would love to know their story’.
How clear is that piece of furniture in your minds eye from that perfect description?
The reactions of characters had me smiling, laughing, and visualising with ease.
‘Perhaps she was a beauty in her youth, before her face turned to porridge’.
The way the opinions, thoughts and situations related to present day rang true throughout.
‘The rich get away with everything. Peg mutters, at my shoulder. Always have. Always will’.
‘…although she is unkempt and dirty, I welcome her friendship. It seems to me sometimes that it is often the poor who are the most generous with what they have’.
As I reluctantly came to the end of the story, (I took my time, taking two weeks to finish as I loved it too much to let it go so soon!) the ‘End Note’ was simply the icing on this glorious historical cake. When an author takes time to explain their story, and it’s roots, it gives the reader more understanding and a bit of closure. I needed it because I was sad to see Hannah, Peg and Thomas go.
The Historical Writers Association (HWA) selected The Servant for their HWA/Sharpe Books Unpublished Novel Award 2020. It was completely deserving of this accolade and I’m hoping somebody, somewhere will take this gem of a novel under their wing and create a tv adaptation or film – I’d watch with relish!
The Servant is an astonishing story of one woman’s steely determination. Do add it to your TBR piles, make a ‘Beat The Backlog’ exception for this one, because it is EXCEPTIONAL historical fiction. I will be recommending it to everyone.
Thank you, Maggie, for sending me a copy to review. It was a beautiful, dark pleasure.
July 11, 2020
This is book is a very powerful read. It vividly depicts the Georgian era in all its visceral rawness, the harshness of life for a young servant girl who has very little security in either her life or her work. It doesn’t in any way sugar coat the horrific experience of poverty and exploitation and at times is a difficult read because it is so unflinchingly honest and deals with some emotive subjects. It is also beautifully written with such elegant language. Hannah is an admirable heroine, brave, strong and entirely credible, whilst the love story is an uplifting thread running through the book. I found this a compelling read that I continued to think about long after I had finished the book.
May 13, 2020
Maggie Richell-Davies has pulled off the difficult trick of creating a credible historical heroine - 0ne who is strong-willed and independent enough to appeal to the contemporary reader, without sounding like she was born in the 21st century.
Hannah Hubert is a 15 year old orphan employed as a kitchen maid when the story opens and is about to leave the all female household of Mrs Buttermere for a new position in the Chalke household. She has already fallen down the social scale in her short life, having survived a spell in the poor house and is under no illusions about her position in the world 'one rung' higher than the bottom of society. It would lessen the book's impact to say too much about the plot, but it vividly recreates the terrifying consequences of falling, or being pushed, off that rung.
The working world of the eighteenth century is recreated in a wealth of detail that bespeaks an impressive amount of research on the part of the author. I particularly liked the attention given to clothes as signifiers of status. Dresses may be expensive blue silk, or hand-me-downs, or covered in filth because you've only got one dress and nowhere to wash it. Hannah's recollection of being taken 'to be fitted for my first pair of half-stays' by the housekeeper is a poignant reminder of her motherless state.
The combination of mystery and romance keep the pages turning faster than a gig on a turnpike and I defy anyone to start this and not need to know how it ends.
Hannah Hubert is a 15 year old orphan employed as a kitchen maid when the story opens and is about to leave the all female household of Mrs Buttermere for a new position in the Chalke household. She has already fallen down the social scale in her short life, having survived a spell in the poor house and is under no illusions about her position in the world 'one rung' higher than the bottom of society. It would lessen the book's impact to say too much about the plot, but it vividly recreates the terrifying consequences of falling, or being pushed, off that rung.
The working world of the eighteenth century is recreated in a wealth of detail that bespeaks an impressive amount of research on the part of the author. I particularly liked the attention given to clothes as signifiers of status. Dresses may be expensive blue silk, or hand-me-downs, or covered in filth because you've only got one dress and nowhere to wash it. Hannah's recollection of being taken 'to be fitted for my first pair of half-stays' by the housekeeper is a poignant reminder of her motherless state.
The combination of mystery and romance keep the pages turning faster than a gig on a turnpike and I defy anyone to start this and not need to know how it ends.
December 10, 2020
I find myself constantly drawn to historical fiction which contains a strong female character, and Hannah in The Servant was the perfect protagonist. As a servant she was in the lower echelons of society in Georgian England, but having been taught to read and write by her late mother, she was at a definite advantage to her peers.
This novel was clearly thoroughly researched and I felt myself almost immediately transported to the Georgian world inhabited by Hannah and the other characters in this book. It is clear from the outset that women in Georgian society are placed in difficult circumstances because they are, at all levels of society, placed in positions where they must rely upon the kindness and protection of good and decent men, in a world where in many cases women are treated as commodities to be bought, sold or traded.
I loved Hannah’s strength of character and her determination to uncover the secrets contained in the household to which she was appointed the servant. I found the tension rising when she was so focused on finding the truth, and this really was a drama that kept me on edge throughout.
The characters Hannah comes into contact with are a varied collection. Peg the other servant becomes a steadfast friend, albeit with a nervous constitution because of her past experiences. I enjoyed the connection that Hannah has with Thomas, the gentleman farmer. He was the perfect romantic hero, with Jack the apprentice bookseller and competitor for Hannah’s affections the complete opposite. I also loved Nellie, with her open heart and constant unconditional help.
Although the criminal element of the mystery is the primary focus, taking a glimpse at the seediest elements of society, this is a story about a strong young woman who faces adversity, and strives to turn her life around, and the lives of those around her. Throughout her troubles, Hannah is faced with those she should not trust, and those who show her unlimited kindness and charity.
There is a darkness to this story, and there is a scene of rape, but it is sensitively written, and the lightness within the story will carry you through. This was certainly a page turner, and Maggie Richell-Davies writes so well that she truly brought Georgian London to life for me. It is not surprising that this book received an award earlier this year from the Historical Writers’ Association, a well-deserved award for an outstanding debut novel.
July 21, 2022
A clever and touching story in Georgian England. I was invested in Hannah from the off.
That has some quite violent scenes from the first few pages- and its hard hitting which makes you stand up and take note.
This has a perfect blend of dark, gritty backstreets, to idyllic farms with good people and the author is so clever how this is weaved through.
Razor sharp, vivid and filled with some real heroes and villains.
That has some quite violent scenes from the first few pages- and its hard hitting which makes you stand up and take note.
This has a perfect blend of dark, gritty backstreets, to idyllic farms with good people and the author is so clever how this is weaved through.
Razor sharp, vivid and filled with some real heroes and villains.
June 15, 2020
This is a fantastic book full of intrigue and raw emotion but woven with a story of friendship and loyalty. It's definitely worth a read and I do hope to read more from Richell-Davies in the future.
May 5, 2020
The Servant by Maggie Richell-Davies
Publisher: Sharpe Books
Published: 23 April 2020
Genre: Historical Fiction, Historical Thriller
pages: 338
Available: ebook, paperback
Sex: 💓yes, minimal and not gratuitous, integral to the plot
Violence: 😨mistreatment of servants, rape scene
Reviewers Note: I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Author Bio: Maggie Richell-Davies was born in Newcastle and has a first-class honours degree from the Open University. She lives in Kent with her husband. The Servant is her first novel.
The Official Blurb: Young Hannah Hubert may be the granddaughter of a French merchant and the daughter of a Spitalfields silk weaver, but she has come down in the world.
Sent one spring day as maidservant to a disgraced aristocrat, she finds herself in a house of mysteries, with a locked room and auctions being held behind closed doors.
As a servant, she has no power but – unknown to her employers – she can read. And it is only when she uses her education to uncover the secrets of the house, that she realises the danger she is in.
She is unable to turn to the other servant, Peg, who is clearly terrified of their employers and keeps warning her to find alternative work.
Help might come from Thomas, the taciturn farmer delivering milk to the neighbourhood, or from Jack Twyford, a friendly young man apprenticed to his uncle’s bookselling business. Yet Thomas is still grieving for his late wife – and can she trust Jack, since his uncle is one of her master’s associates?
It is then she discovers damning evidence she cannot ignore. But as a young servant, and a girl, Hannah’s chances of getting this into the hands of the proper authorities are negligible. She must act alone – and be inventive.
The Plot in Brief: (no spoilers) Young Hannah Hubert is a kitchen maid in a good home. But her mistress is leaving London and she must seek employment elsewhere. She finds herself at the rundown home of the Chalkes, fringe aristocrats, down on their luck. Hannah soon finds the house holds a dark secret. She is determined to ferret it out, putting her life in danger. Two men befriend her, Thomas, the farmer and Jack the printer's apprentice. Hannah must decide who to trust, if anyone, as she navigates the evil underbelly of Georgian London.
The Characters: I fell in love with Hannah immediately. Her pain, her humiliation, her desperation reached through the pages of this beautiful book and grabbed my heart. Trapped in the life of the working poor, Hannah has only her wits and her talent to keep her head afloat. Her character is well drawn and believable, she is intelligent, inquisitive and loyal to a fault. Helping her is Peg, a poor broken woman, Tom the farmer is a delight and Jack, the blue-eyed handsome man is equally attractive and repellent. The 'bad guys' are despicable in that their actions are all to believable.
The History: The story takes place in 1765-Georgian London; not in glittering court circles or aristocratic stately homes. No, the author flips that world on its head and shines a light on the dark underbelly of a privileged society. This is the gritty, dirty, diseased world of the working poor. The book is well researched and it is nice to see a compassionate but realistic portrayal of the lowest class. The author holds nothing back, from lice filled dank rooms to overflowing chamber pots, she flings the stark reality of their life at us in an unflinching manner.
The Writing: Written in first person with a zippy narrative, I found the book practically turned the pages for me. Well edited, the voice is fresh and compelling.
Overall Opinion: I loved this book from the get go. Hannah is charming and I felt sooo sorry for her. I wanted to swoop down and save her from her situation. Some of the scenes are heartbreaking and hard to read, but that only means the author has done her job. I can see why this book was chosen by The Historical Writers Association HWA/Sharpe Books Unpublished Novel Award 2020, a well deserved win.
Recommendations: Anyone who loves historical fiction will enjoy this book. There is a rape scene and some of the subject matter may make some people uncomfortable. I highly recommend this book!
My Rating: I give this book a big 5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Publisher: Sharpe Books
Published: 23 April 2020
Genre: Historical Fiction, Historical Thriller
pages: 338
Available: ebook, paperback
Sex: 💓yes, minimal and not gratuitous, integral to the plot
Violence: 😨mistreatment of servants, rape scene
Reviewers Note: I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Author Bio: Maggie Richell-Davies was born in Newcastle and has a first-class honours degree from the Open University. She lives in Kent with her husband. The Servant is her first novel.
The Official Blurb: Young Hannah Hubert may be the granddaughter of a French merchant and the daughter of a Spitalfields silk weaver, but she has come down in the world.
Sent one spring day as maidservant to a disgraced aristocrat, she finds herself in a house of mysteries, with a locked room and auctions being held behind closed doors.
As a servant, she has no power but – unknown to her employers – she can read. And it is only when she uses her education to uncover the secrets of the house, that she realises the danger she is in.
She is unable to turn to the other servant, Peg, who is clearly terrified of their employers and keeps warning her to find alternative work.
Help might come from Thomas, the taciturn farmer delivering milk to the neighbourhood, or from Jack Twyford, a friendly young man apprenticed to his uncle’s bookselling business. Yet Thomas is still grieving for his late wife – and can she trust Jack, since his uncle is one of her master’s associates?
It is then she discovers damning evidence she cannot ignore. But as a young servant, and a girl, Hannah’s chances of getting this into the hands of the proper authorities are negligible. She must act alone – and be inventive.
The Plot in Brief: (no spoilers) Young Hannah Hubert is a kitchen maid in a good home. But her mistress is leaving London and she must seek employment elsewhere. She finds herself at the rundown home of the Chalkes, fringe aristocrats, down on their luck. Hannah soon finds the house holds a dark secret. She is determined to ferret it out, putting her life in danger. Two men befriend her, Thomas, the farmer and Jack the printer's apprentice. Hannah must decide who to trust, if anyone, as she navigates the evil underbelly of Georgian London.
The Characters: I fell in love with Hannah immediately. Her pain, her humiliation, her desperation reached through the pages of this beautiful book and grabbed my heart. Trapped in the life of the working poor, Hannah has only her wits and her talent to keep her head afloat. Her character is well drawn and believable, she is intelligent, inquisitive and loyal to a fault. Helping her is Peg, a poor broken woman, Tom the farmer is a delight and Jack, the blue-eyed handsome man is equally attractive and repellent. The 'bad guys' are despicable in that their actions are all to believable.
The History: The story takes place in 1765-Georgian London; not in glittering court circles or aristocratic stately homes. No, the author flips that world on its head and shines a light on the dark underbelly of a privileged society. This is the gritty, dirty, diseased world of the working poor. The book is well researched and it is nice to see a compassionate but realistic portrayal of the lowest class. The author holds nothing back, from lice filled dank rooms to overflowing chamber pots, she flings the stark reality of their life at us in an unflinching manner.
The Writing: Written in first person with a zippy narrative, I found the book practically turned the pages for me. Well edited, the voice is fresh and compelling.
Overall Opinion: I loved this book from the get go. Hannah is charming and I felt sooo sorry for her. I wanted to swoop down and save her from her situation. Some of the scenes are heartbreaking and hard to read, but that only means the author has done her job. I can see why this book was chosen by The Historical Writers Association HWA/Sharpe Books Unpublished Novel Award 2020, a well deserved win.
Recommendations: Anyone who loves historical fiction will enjoy this book. There is a rape scene and some of the subject matter may make some people uncomfortable. I highly recommend this book!
My Rating: I give this book a big 5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
June 9, 2020
Excellent book. This story is well-researched, evokes the period, and presents a thoroughly cheer-worthy heroine who is true to her time period and admirable for today's readers.
Parts of this story were difficult to read because of the subject matter, but nothing was gratuitous and the ending is worth the wait. Well done, Maggie Richell-Davies! I'll be looking for more by this author in the future.
Parts of this story were difficult to read because of the subject matter, but nothing was gratuitous and the ending is worth the wait. Well done, Maggie Richell-Davies! I'll be looking for more by this author in the future.
April 6, 2021
London, 1765.
Hannah Hubert may be the granddaughter of a french merchant and the daughter of a well regarded Spitalfields silk weaver, but she has fallen far from who she once was.
Arriving at the house of a disgraced aristocrat, she soon finds herself surrounded by locked rooms, strange auctions and mysteries that perhaps should remain unsolved.
Servants have little power, but Hannah can read and that could be the key to her survival, yet as she begins to make sense of just what is happening behind closed doors, and with no one to help her, she soon falls victim to the head of the household.
Thomas, a farmer who comes delivering milk may be Hannah’s saviour if only she wasn’t too proud to admit how much trouble she is in, and Jack a young apprentice at the bookshop she frequently visits only wants to help... or so he claims.
Evidence soon starts to build up around Hannah of just how despicable her new employers are and how deep this network of deceit and lies goes but she must be wary of the secrets she uncovers as they could cost her dearly...
With only Peg as company, a crippled servant who is so frightened of their employers, it’s up to Hannah to stop these tyrants from harming innocents when she realises just what sort of profession takes place right under her nose...
Gloriously sumptuous in its tale, this is a truly immersive drama of one woman’s story to break free of those who want to silence her forever, no matter what the cost.
Hannah Hubert may be the granddaughter of a french merchant and the daughter of a well regarded Spitalfields silk weaver, but she has fallen far from who she once was.
Arriving at the house of a disgraced aristocrat, she soon finds herself surrounded by locked rooms, strange auctions and mysteries that perhaps should remain unsolved.
Servants have little power, but Hannah can read and that could be the key to her survival, yet as she begins to make sense of just what is happening behind closed doors, and with no one to help her, she soon falls victim to the head of the household.
Thomas, a farmer who comes delivering milk may be Hannah’s saviour if only she wasn’t too proud to admit how much trouble she is in, and Jack a young apprentice at the bookshop she frequently visits only wants to help... or so he claims.
Evidence soon starts to build up around Hannah of just how despicable her new employers are and how deep this network of deceit and lies goes but she must be wary of the secrets she uncovers as they could cost her dearly...
With only Peg as company, a crippled servant who is so frightened of their employers, it’s up to Hannah to stop these tyrants from harming innocents when she realises just what sort of profession takes place right under her nose...
Gloriously sumptuous in its tale, this is a truly immersive drama of one woman’s story to break free of those who want to silence her forever, no matter what the cost.
October 23, 2020
I found this a delightful read. A servant taking on her employers. Something not done at that time. And a romance to add to the mix. Definitely a very good read.
October 22, 2020
I have to confess that I haven’t read much historical fiction in the past, so when Maggie reached out to send me a copy of The Servant I thought it was the perfect opportunity to right this wrong - and boy am I glad I did!
The Servant follows a young girl called Hannah Hubert in 1765 London, and as you can guess she is a servant. After being abandoned by her father following her mother’s death, Hannah has fallen on a hard life. Things get worse when she is sent to work as a maidservant to a disgraced aristocrat and his cruel wife - a wife who fears this beautiful young girl will catch her husband’s attention.
When the inevitable happens and Hannah is attacked by Master Chalke, she must find a way to bring him and his terrible wife to justice - and believes the secret to this lies behind the door of his locked office where he writes and entertains more of the same kind of entitled men. Why are they discussing young girls and their attributes, and what happened to the previous maids?
With only another maid, Peg, to truly trust and two men whose motives she is no longer certain or, Hannah must risk everything to uncover the truth.
This story had me instantly hooked - Hannah is a wonderful, feisty young woman who, despite her troubled upbringing, still manages to educate herself and find a passion for reading (YES GIRL!). She takes pity on the starving, abused Peg and is so righteous and worried about her mother looking down on her that she won’t kill the master, or herself.
The romance in the story was beautiful - it had echoes of Pride & Prejudice with the number of misunderstandings and secrets which prevent Hannah and Thomas from revealing their feelings for each other. Thomas is the kind of romantic hero we all want to read about, and Jack is exactly the type of cad we love to hate.
This is a heartbreaking but ultimately uplifting story with a wonderful cast of characters and a great plot that makes it difficult to put down - loved this!
The Servant follows a young girl called Hannah Hubert in 1765 London, and as you can guess she is a servant. After being abandoned by her father following her mother’s death, Hannah has fallen on a hard life. Things get worse when she is sent to work as a maidservant to a disgraced aristocrat and his cruel wife - a wife who fears this beautiful young girl will catch her husband’s attention.
When the inevitable happens and Hannah is attacked by Master Chalke, she must find a way to bring him and his terrible wife to justice - and believes the secret to this lies behind the door of his locked office where he writes and entertains more of the same kind of entitled men. Why are they discussing young girls and their attributes, and what happened to the previous maids?
With only another maid, Peg, to truly trust and two men whose motives she is no longer certain or, Hannah must risk everything to uncover the truth.
This story had me instantly hooked - Hannah is a wonderful, feisty young woman who, despite her troubled upbringing, still manages to educate herself and find a passion for reading (YES GIRL!). She takes pity on the starving, abused Peg and is so righteous and worried about her mother looking down on her that she won’t kill the master, or herself.
The romance in the story was beautiful - it had echoes of Pride & Prejudice with the number of misunderstandings and secrets which prevent Hannah and Thomas from revealing their feelings for each other. Thomas is the kind of romantic hero we all want to read about, and Jack is exactly the type of cad we love to hate.
This is a heartbreaking but ultimately uplifting story with a wonderful cast of characters and a great plot that makes it difficult to put down - loved this!
January 15, 2021
In the year 1765, Hannah Hurbert is one of many that have learned how quickly one can fall from grace. Now a servant girl, recently placed with an aristocrat who has also fallen from grace, she realises that something is going on behind the scenes, and only she is able to stop it. Content warnings include rape, murder, human trafficking, and emotional, physical and sexual abuse.
Long story short, I enjoyed it. I was engrossed, it was clearly well researched, and the realities of living in that period of time were not romanticised or skated around. I loved the focus on Hannah and her journey, and although romance was a theme, it did not define her as a character. You rooted for her from the start. The main downside for me was that there were two parts of the plot that almost appeared out of nowhere, and they interrupted the flow of the story. These parts were integral to the narrative and I would have preferred it if they were introduced more seamlessly.
Overall, I’d recommend to people who enjoy historical fiction, period dramas, and historical romance. There are strong female characters, an interesting plot and an authentic setting.
Thank you to the author, Maggie Richell-Davies, for gifting me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Long story short, I enjoyed it. I was engrossed, it was clearly well researched, and the realities of living in that period of time were not romanticised or skated around. I loved the focus on Hannah and her journey, and although romance was a theme, it did not define her as a character. You rooted for her from the start. The main downside for me was that there were two parts of the plot that almost appeared out of nowhere, and they interrupted the flow of the story. These parts were integral to the narrative and I would have preferred it if they were introduced more seamlessly.
Overall, I’d recommend to people who enjoy historical fiction, period dramas, and historical romance. There are strong female characters, an interesting plot and an authentic setting.
Thank you to the author, Maggie Richell-Davies, for gifting me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
April 23, 2025
May contain spoilers
You will always be a summer meadow to me Hannah 💐☀️
I've read a few historical fiction books and I enjoyed them all, this one included!
I loved the main character Hannah, particularly because we share a name and a love for books. I felt so sorry for her throughout the book, life was tough for women back then and my god did she go through it 😢 it was horrible to think her life was better when she was treated poorly as a servant because what followed next was horrendous for her. I am so glad she had some people in the world who were kind to her, like Mistress Haggerty, Nellie, Peg and my favourite, Thomas 🧡
There were a few repetitive moments in the writing, such as wanting to make sure Thomas knew that she wasn't with Master Chaulke voluntarily. But the more I thought about it the more I realised that there wasn't much else going on in life. Shelter and food consumed her every thought, there wasn't space in life for fun and joy so it makes sense that she might be stuck in a loop.
Wonderful debut novel and I look forward to reading more books by Maggie 🥰
That is no doll. That is our daughter 🧡
You will always be a summer meadow to me Hannah 💐☀️
I've read a few historical fiction books and I enjoyed them all, this one included!
I loved the main character Hannah, particularly because we share a name and a love for books. I felt so sorry for her throughout the book, life was tough for women back then and my god did she go through it 😢 it was horrible to think her life was better when she was treated poorly as a servant because what followed next was horrendous for her. I am so glad she had some people in the world who were kind to her, like Mistress Haggerty, Nellie, Peg and my favourite, Thomas 🧡
There were a few repetitive moments in the writing, such as wanting to make sure Thomas knew that she wasn't with Master Chaulke voluntarily. But the more I thought about it the more I realised that there wasn't much else going on in life. Shelter and food consumed her every thought, there wasn't space in life for fun and joy so it makes sense that she might be stuck in a loop.
Wonderful debut novel and I look forward to reading more books by Maggie 🥰
That is no doll. That is our daughter 🧡
August 8, 2020
The Servant is an historical fiction story set in London during the 1760s. The story was inspired by the author’s visit to London’s Foundling Hospital Museum.
This is Hannah’s story; she is a girl of fifteen employed as cook and housekeeper. Unusually taught to read and write by her previous employer, Hannah is able to detect possible illegal activities undertaken by her current employers. She is placed in terrible danger as she learns more, but what can one servant girl do? Who will listen to her accusations?
Although the subject matter was dark and disturbing, this was a well-written and interesting story; I immediately wanted to know more about Hannah. I read the first half of the book easily in one sitting. Poor women and young girls had so few opportunities to live better lives; I’m glad there was someone who gave Hannah hope. I would easily recommend this to historical fiction fans.
This is Hannah’s story; she is a girl of fifteen employed as cook and housekeeper. Unusually taught to read and write by her previous employer, Hannah is able to detect possible illegal activities undertaken by her current employers. She is placed in terrible danger as she learns more, but what can one servant girl do? Who will listen to her accusations?
Although the subject matter was dark and disturbing, this was a well-written and interesting story; I immediately wanted to know more about Hannah. I read the first half of the book easily in one sitting. Poor women and young girls had so few opportunities to live better lives; I’m glad there was someone who gave Hannah hope. I would easily recommend this to historical fiction fans.
June 20, 2021
A wonderful, uplifting story.
This book gripped me from the very first page to the last. Maggie Richell-Davies describes servant Hannah’s descent through eighteenth century society in such heart-rending detail, but we are never left feeling entirely without hope for her rescue. She is a character of enormous strength. Hers is a compelling story that lives in the mind far after the book is finished, as do the colourful characters we meet along the way. I would highly recommend, not just for readers of historical fiction, but for anyone interested in the human spirit, and what it can bear. Heartbreaking and uplifting by turns.
This book gripped me from the very first page to the last. Maggie Richell-Davies describes servant Hannah’s descent through eighteenth century society in such heart-rending detail, but we are never left feeling entirely without hope for her rescue. She is a character of enormous strength. Hers is a compelling story that lives in the mind far after the book is finished, as do the colourful characters we meet along the way. I would highly recommend, not just for readers of historical fiction, but for anyone interested in the human spirit, and what it can bear. Heartbreaking and uplifting by turns.
January 14, 2021
This book was amazing. We recieved a flyer through our door about the book and it really caught my eye. When I read it I was not disappointed. The plot was engaging and exciting. As a reader, your really root for Hannah and end up constantly in suspense. I read this book in two books as I couldn’t wait to find out the ending. I would 100% recommed this book to anyone interested in the past and the way women were let down by the majority of society. It is very eye opening and paints an inciteful picture of life in 1765.
March 15, 2021
The Servant
London in 1765 was not a place to live for a young girl like Hannah Hubert. Unfortunately Hannah had to go into service after her Mother died and her father remarried. She had come from a decent family so was shocked when she was hired in service to a house that was filled of mysteries and cruelties. Unbeknownst to her employers Hannah could read and write so she was able to sleuth things out. Through her intelligence she recorded what transpired in the house. Hannah befriended the farmer who delivered the milk as they loved to discuss books. He kept an eye out for her, until something horrid befalls Hannah. She went through the absolute worst thing that could happen to a girl, and the reader shudders and feels like all is lost. This book exposes us to the horrific perils of young ladies in 1765. Parts are difficult to read, the readers heart breaks as we are always rooting for young Hannah. The author captivates the readers attention, making it difficult to put the book down. This story can have the reader crying in pain for Hannah and crying in happiness for the kindnesses of decent folk. The thought of a foundling institution is so desperate it makes the reader shudder. I give this book 5 stars. It definitely pulled at my heart.
London in 1765 was not a place to live for a young girl like Hannah Hubert. Unfortunately Hannah had to go into service after her Mother died and her father remarried. She had come from a decent family so was shocked when she was hired in service to a house that was filled of mysteries and cruelties. Unbeknownst to her employers Hannah could read and write so she was able to sleuth things out. Through her intelligence she recorded what transpired in the house. Hannah befriended the farmer who delivered the milk as they loved to discuss books. He kept an eye out for her, until something horrid befalls Hannah. She went through the absolute worst thing that could happen to a girl, and the reader shudders and feels like all is lost. This book exposes us to the horrific perils of young ladies in 1765. Parts are difficult to read, the readers heart breaks as we are always rooting for young Hannah. The author captivates the readers attention, making it difficult to put the book down. This story can have the reader crying in pain for Hannah and crying in happiness for the kindnesses of decent folk. The thought of a foundling institution is so desperate it makes the reader shudder. I give this book 5 stars. It definitely pulled at my heart.
December 10, 2020
This is a lovely book. It’s full of the truths of domestic service at that time and it doesn’t shy from the bad way that servants could be treated with no recourse.
Maggie Richell-Davies paints a rich picture filled with darkness, light and honesty. The author gives us a fully rounded sense of how life was lived and contrasts the lives of rich and poor without it feeling like a history lesson.
I love the character of Hannah Hubert. She is young, but wise. She is classed as weak due to class, but amazingly strong.
Great novel, Maggie – Richell Davies.
Many thanks for asking me to review it for you.
Maggie Richell-Davies paints a rich picture filled with darkness, light and honesty. The author gives us a fully rounded sense of how life was lived and contrasts the lives of rich and poor without it feeling like a history lesson.
I love the character of Hannah Hubert. She is young, but wise. She is classed as weak due to class, but amazingly strong.
Great novel, Maggie – Richell Davies.
Many thanks for asking me to review it for you.
February 26, 2021
An intense historical mysterious crime novel based in London in the 18th century which will have you on the edge of your seat. A hard-hitting story line, very well written and incredibly well researched. The main character of the book is the very determined and strong-willed Hannah Hubert, who at the start is a 15-year-old orphan. You get to know Hannah's personality and character so well due to how well the character is portrayed and I was rooting for her the whole way through - her strength and courage shines through in the book. You get so ingrained in her thoughts and life which shows how cleverly the author writes. Maggie Richell-Davies is a very talented author and through her in-depth comprehensive research, has given us a monumental insight into the extremely hard lives of female servants in Georgian England. Very hard-hitting topics are dealt with in this book, which makes for very hard reading but they are tackled very sensitively and skilfully by the author.
Thank you Maggie Richell-Davies for my gifted copy of your extraordinary novel.
Thank you Maggie Richell-Davies for my gifted copy of your extraordinary novel.
August 10, 2022
TW: The book does deal with sexual assault and abuse.
It’s 1765. We meet Hannah, a 16 year old maidservant, as she is sent to the home of The Chalkes. Mistress Chalke is strict and Hannah finds herself alone, except for Peg, another servant who urges her to find new work before she completes a year. Hannah can’t understand what has terrified Peg and feels she must find out why. Not just that, but what are the secret auctions that take place upstairs behind the locked door? And what does her Master write all day? When she uncovers the terrible truth and understands how much danger she’s in - who can she turn to? Not Peg - she’s scared out of her mind! Maybe the friendly farmer, Thomas? Or maybe Jack the young apprentice she delivers her Masters papers to? Or will Hannah have to go it alone in a world not at all in favour of women?
This book really caught me by surprise. I was looking for my first book to read on my new kindle and saw that this was available on kindleunlimited. I was blown away by this debut historical fiction novel. Richell-Davies really captures the struggles of 18th century women to be seen, heard and respected. In Hannah we have the perfect protagonist up to the task. She is a realistic and likeable heroine of her time and you can’t help but root for her and want her to succeed.
There are some difficult themes that are dealt with (TW above) but the author has clearly given a lot of time and thought in how to portray these in a way that is, whilst uncomfortable to read, handled with care.
On the other hand, we do find a balance. Whilst we experience the harsh realities lived through by many women of the time, we also find hope glimmering in the darkness. We find kindness in small gestures. We find friendships in unlikely places.
This is clearly well researched and there are sources on the last few pages to read at your leisure.
Easily my second 5 star read of 2021.
It’s 1765. We meet Hannah, a 16 year old maidservant, as she is sent to the home of The Chalkes. Mistress Chalke is strict and Hannah finds herself alone, except for Peg, another servant who urges her to find new work before she completes a year. Hannah can’t understand what has terrified Peg and feels she must find out why. Not just that, but what are the secret auctions that take place upstairs behind the locked door? And what does her Master write all day? When she uncovers the terrible truth and understands how much danger she’s in - who can she turn to? Not Peg - she’s scared out of her mind! Maybe the friendly farmer, Thomas? Or maybe Jack the young apprentice she delivers her Masters papers to? Or will Hannah have to go it alone in a world not at all in favour of women?
This book really caught me by surprise. I was looking for my first book to read on my new kindle and saw that this was available on kindleunlimited. I was blown away by this debut historical fiction novel. Richell-Davies really captures the struggles of 18th century women to be seen, heard and respected. In Hannah we have the perfect protagonist up to the task. She is a realistic and likeable heroine of her time and you can’t help but root for her and want her to succeed.
There are some difficult themes that are dealt with (TW above) but the author has clearly given a lot of time and thought in how to portray these in a way that is, whilst uncomfortable to read, handled with care.
On the other hand, we do find a balance. Whilst we experience the harsh realities lived through by many women of the time, we also find hope glimmering in the darkness. We find kindness in small gestures. We find friendships in unlikely places.
This is clearly well researched and there are sources on the last few pages to read at your leisure.
Easily my second 5 star read of 2021.
May 22, 2021
Set in the 1700’s in Georgian England a young girl loses her parents and is sent to the poor house. She is then fortunate to be employed as a servant in a nice household.
When Hannah is 15yrs old her employer moves away leaving her in the hands of an awful couple who treat her badly. She is soon betrayed in the worse possible way and left destitute, homeless and penniless. Her strength and courage in these difficult times is truly inspiring.
Hannah’s story is powerful, touching and emotional. The author really brings you he characters to life, Historical fiction at its finest. I will look forward to reading more from this very talented author.
When Hannah is 15yrs old her employer moves away leaving her in the hands of an awful couple who treat her badly. She is soon betrayed in the worse possible way and left destitute, homeless and penniless. Her strength and courage in these difficult times is truly inspiring.
Hannah’s story is powerful, touching and emotional. The author really brings you he characters to life, Historical fiction at its finest. I will look forward to reading more from this very talented author.
March 19, 2021
5/5🌟 #TheServant
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I don’t read many historical novels, but when I do, I’m not the easiest person to please. This book, however, stole my heart from the very first page.
The writing style is very compelling, all of the characters are strong & unique, and the storyline is just so powerful.
This is a very heartbreaking but ultimately inspirational read. Many dark topics are dealt with in this book, which makes it for an uncomfortable read at times, but are tackled very skilfully by the author.
Throughout the book, despite being faced with many challenges, the main character stays compassionate, loyal and strong willed; at times, she is given the easier route out, but she stays true to herself and fights for a better life not only for herself, but for others.
This book has just the right combination of love and hope, even amongst all the poverty and abuse.
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Many thanks to the author for gifting me a copy of this extraordinary novel.
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I don’t read many historical novels, but when I do, I’m not the easiest person to please. This book, however, stole my heart from the very first page.
The writing style is very compelling, all of the characters are strong & unique, and the storyline is just so powerful.
This is a very heartbreaking but ultimately inspirational read. Many dark topics are dealt with in this book, which makes it for an uncomfortable read at times, but are tackled very skilfully by the author.
Throughout the book, despite being faced with many challenges, the main character stays compassionate, loyal and strong willed; at times, she is given the easier route out, but she stays true to herself and fights for a better life not only for herself, but for others.
This book has just the right combination of love and hope, even amongst all the poverty and abuse.
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Many thanks to the author for gifting me a copy of this extraordinary novel.
December 29, 2020
One of the greatest historical crime novels I've ever read. Beautifully descriptive, extremely well written plot, excellent characterisation, the themes of female oppression, rape, and the dark subject of child sexual exploitation are well researched, and the romance and ending are perfect.
October 24, 2020
I really love historical fiction and was pleased to be given the opportunity to review this book. I came to this book with high hopes because it was awarded the Historical Writers’ Association prize for an (at that point) unpublished novel – if the HWA says it is good, it will be good.
And so it is!
The story follows a young girl, Hannah Hubert, who has fallen on hard times in Georgian London. Although she is descended from a respectable silk weaver and has had the benefits of a good education, she has been forced into service after having been orphaned.
When she is sent to work for the Chalkes, she finds herself in a house of secrets. The mistress of the house is tough and Hannah is given cryptic warnings about the master by other servants. There is a locked room in the house, secret books and mysterious auctions that happen behind closed doors… To add to Hannah’s disquiet, the other servant in the house, Peg, is terrified of the Chalkes.
Thrown into the mix are Hannah’s friendships with two young men – one is an apprentice at the book store where she delivers Mr Chalke’s mysterious documents and the other is a widower farmer who delivers milk to the Chalkes. The real question becomes who she can trust when things go wrong.
I really don’t want to give spoilers that would ruin this book for another reader. However, I came to the book expecting historical crime fiction and it needs to be said that it is so much more than that. Crime is one element of the story, but it is more focused on the character of Hannah and her fight for survival in an extremely hostile world.
Hannah is a fantastic heroine who really develops as a character over the course of the book. She begins as a naïve but educated fifteen year-old whose kindness and desire to help others is evident – her treatment of poor Peg wins her not only Peg’s total loyalty but also the respect of the reader. She is clever, curious and willing to stand up for what she believes – something that puts her in the way of danger. As the book progresses, the reader sees Hannah’s resilience, pride and determination to do the right thing even in the toughest circumstances. I doubt any reader could do anything but root for Hannah throughout!
Without giving too much away, I felt that the book contained strong positive messages about female friendship and the willingness of the poorest in society to support each other when times become tough. I loved the relationship between Peg and Hannah, plus the glorious later addition of a pipe-smoking childminder with a charitable heart.
Another strength in the novel was the colourful historical setting. Georgian London really is evoked in all its glory and grimness. There is a real sense of the hardships of being a servant in this era, plus the seediness of the poorer areas of London. The period detail is perfect – we get a sense of the clothes, routines, lives of the characters – and there is a feeling that a vast amount of research must have gone into the writing of this book, although it never feels laboured.
It must be said that the book does touch on some very dark themes that make for uncomfortable reading at times. This is not cosy historical fiction and Hannah’s (justifiable) fear is palpable as she is cast into some awful situations. The reader has to trust that the story is in safe hands and Hannah’s resolve will see her through.
I thought that this story was well-paced and liked the fact that it was told in a series of short chapters. This made the plot feel like it had real movement and – indeed – it did cover a lot of ground in less than 300 pages. I kept thinking that I’d read just one more chapter, then another and – oh, the next one is so short, should read that too… I raced through it!
I was interested to read that the book was inspired by the writer’s visit to the Foundling Hospital Museum in London. This is somewhere I’d very much like to visit after reading the novel, although I can imagine it is home to many heart-breaking stories of mothers with no other option but to entrust their child to the (possible) kindness of strangers.
Overall, I’d join the Historical Writers’ Association in recommending this book. It is absorbing, lively and immersive – Hannah and her Georgian setting both felt entirely authentic and it is time you made a trip to her world too!
Although my copy of this book was gifted to me by the author, opinions (as always) are entirely my own. Thank you to Maggie Richell-Davies for giving me the book to review.
http://thequickandtheread.net
And so it is!
The story follows a young girl, Hannah Hubert, who has fallen on hard times in Georgian London. Although she is descended from a respectable silk weaver and has had the benefits of a good education, she has been forced into service after having been orphaned.
When she is sent to work for the Chalkes, she finds herself in a house of secrets. The mistress of the house is tough and Hannah is given cryptic warnings about the master by other servants. There is a locked room in the house, secret books and mysterious auctions that happen behind closed doors… To add to Hannah’s disquiet, the other servant in the house, Peg, is terrified of the Chalkes.
Thrown into the mix are Hannah’s friendships with two young men – one is an apprentice at the book store where she delivers Mr Chalke’s mysterious documents and the other is a widower farmer who delivers milk to the Chalkes. The real question becomes who she can trust when things go wrong.
I really don’t want to give spoilers that would ruin this book for another reader. However, I came to the book expecting historical crime fiction and it needs to be said that it is so much more than that. Crime is one element of the story, but it is more focused on the character of Hannah and her fight for survival in an extremely hostile world.
Hannah is a fantastic heroine who really develops as a character over the course of the book. She begins as a naïve but educated fifteen year-old whose kindness and desire to help others is evident – her treatment of poor Peg wins her not only Peg’s total loyalty but also the respect of the reader. She is clever, curious and willing to stand up for what she believes – something that puts her in the way of danger. As the book progresses, the reader sees Hannah’s resilience, pride and determination to do the right thing even in the toughest circumstances. I doubt any reader could do anything but root for Hannah throughout!
Without giving too much away, I felt that the book contained strong positive messages about female friendship and the willingness of the poorest in society to support each other when times become tough. I loved the relationship between Peg and Hannah, plus the glorious later addition of a pipe-smoking childminder with a charitable heart.
Another strength in the novel was the colourful historical setting. Georgian London really is evoked in all its glory and grimness. There is a real sense of the hardships of being a servant in this era, plus the seediness of the poorer areas of London. The period detail is perfect – we get a sense of the clothes, routines, lives of the characters – and there is a feeling that a vast amount of research must have gone into the writing of this book, although it never feels laboured.
It must be said that the book does touch on some very dark themes that make for uncomfortable reading at times. This is not cosy historical fiction and Hannah’s (justifiable) fear is palpable as she is cast into some awful situations. The reader has to trust that the story is in safe hands and Hannah’s resolve will see her through.
I thought that this story was well-paced and liked the fact that it was told in a series of short chapters. This made the plot feel like it had real movement and – indeed – it did cover a lot of ground in less than 300 pages. I kept thinking that I’d read just one more chapter, then another and – oh, the next one is so short, should read that too… I raced through it!
I was interested to read that the book was inspired by the writer’s visit to the Foundling Hospital Museum in London. This is somewhere I’d very much like to visit after reading the novel, although I can imagine it is home to many heart-breaking stories of mothers with no other option but to entrust their child to the (possible) kindness of strangers.
Overall, I’d join the Historical Writers’ Association in recommending this book. It is absorbing, lively and immersive – Hannah and her Georgian setting both felt entirely authentic and it is time you made a trip to her world too!
Although my copy of this book was gifted to me by the author, opinions (as always) are entirely my own. Thank you to Maggie Richell-Davies for giving me the book to review.
http://thequickandtheread.net
May 23, 2022
This is a real heartbreaking, but thought provoking powerful novel which kept me turning every page.
Hannah is happy with her job but must move on when her mistress moves. She is sent to a different house, one with a disgraced aristocrat, an awful mistress and another servant who doesn’t say much and is clearly terrified of their employers. Hannah realises that something isn’t right, there are locked doors, and mysterious packages that she’s asked to deliver, and she’s received a couple of warnings about moving on, but no-one will tell her why. Eventually, she uncovers the truth – a truth that is horrifying and she realises she has to do something. But she has no-one to turn to; she’s not sure she can trust her friends Jack and Thomas so takes action herself. But will her actions make a difference? Will the terrible acts be stopped? Will she eventually move on in life as she wants? Or will her actions be the end for her?
I’m a few days on from reading this book and it has 100% stayed with me. It really got me thinking how awful it must have been back in the 18th century as a pauper, starving and not knowing when you’d next eat; or working for awful employers where you’d get beaten and starved; or even worse (which will come out in this story).
Although Hannah is a work of fiction, I really connected with her. She’s brave and strong for a 15/16 year old girl, and she has been through, and goes through so much. The things that she experiences are absolutely horrific. I just wanted things to work out for her, and at times wanted her to stop being so stubborn but could absolutely see why she was being that way.
There are some amazing and wonderful characters in this. The only one I will mention is Peg as I don’t want to give anything away. She thoroughly surprised me and I loved all the way through. There are also some absolutely horrendous characters, who I detested, and who made me angry! Knowing that there were people (and still are) like that, made my blood boil!
The storyline was intriguing and gripping. I wanted to find out what was going on in the house, and although I had my suspicions, I hoped it wasn’t true. There are a lot of dark aspects in this book though, although it adds to the murkiness of 18th century London. Saying that, the setting was brilliant and Richell-Davies has done a superb job of bringing it to life. I could literally imagine the fleas biting, the cold, the hunger, the deep darkness…..it will immerse you in a dark and horrible place, while you go through the story with Hannah.
So, if you are looking for a dark, immersive, intriguing crime drama, set in 18th century London with an absolutely brilliant protagonist and supporting cast, and a storyline that will stay with you for days to come, then this is for you. This 100% comes highly recommended by me.
Hannah is happy with her job but must move on when her mistress moves. She is sent to a different house, one with a disgraced aristocrat, an awful mistress and another servant who doesn’t say much and is clearly terrified of their employers. Hannah realises that something isn’t right, there are locked doors, and mysterious packages that she’s asked to deliver, and she’s received a couple of warnings about moving on, but no-one will tell her why. Eventually, she uncovers the truth – a truth that is horrifying and she realises she has to do something. But she has no-one to turn to; she’s not sure she can trust her friends Jack and Thomas so takes action herself. But will her actions make a difference? Will the terrible acts be stopped? Will she eventually move on in life as she wants? Or will her actions be the end for her?
I’m a few days on from reading this book and it has 100% stayed with me. It really got me thinking how awful it must have been back in the 18th century as a pauper, starving and not knowing when you’d next eat; or working for awful employers where you’d get beaten and starved; or even worse (which will come out in this story).
Although Hannah is a work of fiction, I really connected with her. She’s brave and strong for a 15/16 year old girl, and she has been through, and goes through so much. The things that she experiences are absolutely horrific. I just wanted things to work out for her, and at times wanted her to stop being so stubborn but could absolutely see why she was being that way.
There are some amazing and wonderful characters in this. The only one I will mention is Peg as I don’t want to give anything away. She thoroughly surprised me and I loved all the way through. There are also some absolutely horrendous characters, who I detested, and who made me angry! Knowing that there were people (and still are) like that, made my blood boil!
The storyline was intriguing and gripping. I wanted to find out what was going on in the house, and although I had my suspicions, I hoped it wasn’t true. There are a lot of dark aspects in this book though, although it adds to the murkiness of 18th century London. Saying that, the setting was brilliant and Richell-Davies has done a superb job of bringing it to life. I could literally imagine the fleas biting, the cold, the hunger, the deep darkness…..it will immerse you in a dark and horrible place, while you go through the story with Hannah.
So, if you are looking for a dark, immersive, intriguing crime drama, set in 18th century London with an absolutely brilliant protagonist and supporting cast, and a storyline that will stay with you for days to come, then this is for you. This 100% comes highly recommended by me.
August 11, 2022
Maidservant Hannah Hubert really does go through the most appalling times over the course of this novel. When we first meet her she’s beginning a new position in the home of a aristocrat and his wife and what an evil pair they are. Hannah is an intelligent girl who soon uncovers what is going on in their household, knowledge which puts her in danger. It’s hard to remember at times that she’s just a teenager, only 15, as she seems quite worldly wise for her years. She’s learned how to read in a previous position and also learned that its sometimes safest to keep quiet about that.
Maggie Richell-Davies clearly shows the contrasts between rich and poor in 18th century London, not just in terms of wealth and lifestyle but also opportunities available to them and the way they are perceived. She brings vividly to life the horrendous living conditions of the poor and how they were utterly at the mercy of those supposedly above them in society. My heart went out to poor Hannah when she lost her job through no fault of her own and reading about the living conditions she then had to endure. Thankfully she had a few people looking out for her, notably kind-hearted Nellie, and Peg who was her eyes in her previous employers’ house.
While I was reading about Hannah and so invested in what was happening to her, I sometimes forgot there was a crime element to the book too. What she uncovered was quite awful and it seemed she would never be able to get anyone to believe her. It really made clear the helplessness of the so-called underclasses in all aspects of life. I really hoped that Hannah would find safety, contentment and happiness. Realistically though, a woman in her position had little chance of aiming for more than survival.
The Servant is obviously well researched, with the author weaving the facts of everyday life in this period into her story making it feel like a very authentic representation of 18th century life. For all the bleakness of Hannah’s life, there are brighter moments too with friendships and unexpected kindnesses offering some hope to her. It is particularly poignant to read from the author’s note at the end that at least part of Hannah’s experiences were inspired by true happenings. The Servant is an engaging and touching novel, recommended for readers who enjoy historical fiction featuring strong women.
Maggie Richell-Davies clearly shows the contrasts between rich and poor in 18th century London, not just in terms of wealth and lifestyle but also opportunities available to them and the way they are perceived. She brings vividly to life the horrendous living conditions of the poor and how they were utterly at the mercy of those supposedly above them in society. My heart went out to poor Hannah when she lost her job through no fault of her own and reading about the living conditions she then had to endure. Thankfully she had a few people looking out for her, notably kind-hearted Nellie, and Peg who was her eyes in her previous employers’ house.
While I was reading about Hannah and so invested in what was happening to her, I sometimes forgot there was a crime element to the book too. What she uncovered was quite awful and it seemed she would never be able to get anyone to believe her. It really made clear the helplessness of the so-called underclasses in all aspects of life. I really hoped that Hannah would find safety, contentment and happiness. Realistically though, a woman in her position had little chance of aiming for more than survival.
The Servant is obviously well researched, with the author weaving the facts of everyday life in this period into her story making it feel like a very authentic representation of 18th century life. For all the bleakness of Hannah’s life, there are brighter moments too with friendships and unexpected kindnesses offering some hope to her. It is particularly poignant to read from the author’s note at the end that at least part of Hannah’s experiences were inspired by true happenings. The Servant is an engaging and touching novel, recommended for readers who enjoy historical fiction featuring strong women.
July 30, 2020
Hannah Hubert’s arrival at her new place of work doesn’t bode well. The place is dreary, dirty and dark and fifteen year-old Hannah, employed as cook, housekeeper and kitchen maid, senses that something odd lurks behind the locked door of the upstairs room she is forbidden to enter. With only Peg, the other downtrodden, servant for company, Hannah is determined to make good their escape from this fearsome household especially when she discovers just what is taking place within the locked room.
The Servant feels beautifully authentic and the dingy world of the underbelly of society in 1765 is brought vividly to life. The author describes Hannah’s life in detail and as such allows a glimpse into the sordid life of servitude when women were at the mercy of unscrupulous employers. Whilst the story is rather bleak in places what shines through is Hannah’s strength of character and the author has succeeded in making her into a strong and fascinating narrator. Her voice feels very real, you easily sense her despair, and share her utter devastation when her life begins to unravel. The other characters who flip into and out of Hannah’s story are an interesting bunch, I especially enjoyed getting to know,Peg, Thomas and Nellie, characters who play such an important part in Hannah’s story.
I always have the impression that Georgian London was a dark and dangerous place for women and this comes across in the vivid descriptions of life for those who didn’t have money and who were so often the victims of abject poverty, used and abused, by those who had little regard for them. The author writes very well, bringing time and place alive in the fine attention to even the smallest detail. The strong emotional core of the story and Hannah’s vibrant personality holds everything together so beautifully.
The Servant is a cracking good read and a very good historical debut. I look forward to seeing what this talented author comes up with next.More of the same, I hope.
December 6, 2020
I am a big fan of historical fiction novels especially when they are set in England. From the very beginning your heart goes out to Hannah who finds herself an orphan at the age of ten. Until that moment her world has been of a privileged one where she has been educated, learning to read and write. She suddenly finds herself in a poorhouse and then finds work as a housemaid in the Buttermere household. As Mrs Buttermere moves to York, Hannah finds herself working for a new family, the Chalkes. The house is very run down and not a patch on the Buttermere's house. Peg, a thin, dirty and crippled woman is the only other hired help in the house. Hannah makes it her mission to care for Peg and nourish her back to better health. The Chalkes are cruel and secretive and although Hannah has been warned by others to leave she is determined to unravel the strange goings-on in the house.
You immediately feel for Hannah, a child having the responsibility of serving two loathsome individuals. As you turn the pages Hannah's fate worsens and you wonder how she is going to survive. The twists in this book are shocking and heartbreaking all at the same time. Maggie Richell-Davies paints a very clear and bleak picture of the poorest, deprived areas of London during the Georgian period. She captures the hardships, harshness and feelings of powerless beautifully throughout her novel, provoking emotions making it utterly heartbreaking in places.
I adored Peg, Hannah and Nellie. These powerful women through grit, determination and hard work are survivors. Although all alone in the world they reach out to one another, put their trust in each other, displaying both kindness and loyalty. Their friendship truly uplifted and balanced the novel as did the romantic element that weaved through.
A thoroughly enjoyable read.
You immediately feel for Hannah, a child having the responsibility of serving two loathsome individuals. As you turn the pages Hannah's fate worsens and you wonder how she is going to survive. The twists in this book are shocking and heartbreaking all at the same time. Maggie Richell-Davies paints a very clear and bleak picture of the poorest, deprived areas of London during the Georgian period. She captures the hardships, harshness and feelings of powerless beautifully throughout her novel, provoking emotions making it utterly heartbreaking in places.
I adored Peg, Hannah and Nellie. These powerful women through grit, determination and hard work are survivors. Although all alone in the world they reach out to one another, put their trust in each other, displaying both kindness and loyalty. Their friendship truly uplifted and balanced the novel as did the romantic element that weaved through.
A thoroughly enjoyable read.
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