The Good Servant

by Fern Britton

Good daughter.
Good woman.
Good servant.
She tried to be them all…

1932. Dunfermline, Scotland.
Marion Crawford, a bright, ambitious young teacher, is ready to make her mark on the world. Until a twist of fate changes the course of her life forever…

1936. Windsor Castle.
At first this ordinary woman is in a new world, working as governess to two young princesses, in a household she calls home but where everyone is at a distance. As the course of history changes, she finds herself companion to the future Queen, and indispensable to the crown. And slowly their needs become her needs. Their lives become hers.

It’s then she meets George, and falls in love for the first time. Now Marion faces an impossible choice: her sense of duty or the love of her life.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Romance, Audiobook, Historical, Book Club, Royalty

544 pages, Hardcover

First published June 9, 2022

About the author

Fern Britton, an English television presenter, was born on 17 July 1957 in Ealing, London. She was educated at Dr Challoner's High School in Little Chalfont and underwent training in stage management at the Central School of Speech and Drama. She is the daughter of the English actor, Tony Britton and Ruth Britton. Fern Britton spent the early days of her life at Buckinghamshire. Her older sister, Cherry Britton, is a script writer and her younger half brother, Jasper Britton, is an actor. She is married to the celebrity chef, Phil Vickery and lives with her family at Holmer Green in Buckinghamshire.


Fern Britton worked with a touring theatre company and in 1979, she started her career with Westward Television in Plymouth. She worked as a newsreader and continuity announcer on Westward Diary, the nightly local bulletin. Later, she switched to present BBC’s Southwest news programme, Spotlight. She became a known as the youngest national news presenter to present News After Noon on BBC1. Fern Britton then moved to work for TVS in Southampton, where she hosted the South edition of the news programme, Coast to Coast, together with Fred Dinenage. She has also presented other programmes, like Coast to Coast People, The Television Show and Magic Moments.


Since then, Fern Britton has hosted several programmes, which include Carlton Television's After Five, BBC's Breakfast Time, London News Network's London Tonight and BBC 1’s Holiday. She also featured in the first two series of The Brian Conley Show and in 1994, Fern Britton went onto present the famous television cookery game show, Ready Steady Cook. She hosted the show for a long span of six years until she was succeeded by chef, Ainsley Harriott. She joined hands with the British television presenter, Phillip Schofield to host the famous television magazine show This Morning. Since 1999, Fern Britton has been hosting the show and the couple was known for their hilarious presentation. The show was a big hit and won the 2003 & 2004 TV Quick Award for the ‘Best Daytime Viewing’. It also clinched the 2004 National Television Award for the ‘Most Popular Daytime Show’.


Fern Britton anchored the Pride of Britain Awards in 2002 and was one among the panellists on the satirical panel show, Have I Got News for You.



In 2006, the song, “The Fern Britton Experience”, which featured in the album, Hang The DJ was named after her by the UK DJ Shitmat. She hosted the reality television show, Soapstar Superstar, and the British Soap Awards 2006. At the Royal Albert Hall, on 31 May 2007, Fern Britton presented the Classical BRIT Awards and also co-presented the British Soap Awards that year.


Fern Britton anchored her own ITV1 Saturday night series, That's What I Call Television in 2007. In December 2007, she went on a secret trip to Basra to broadcast behind-the-scenes footage of the troops. She appeared as a guest presenter for the show, Have I Got News for You on 27 April 2007 and again on 17 October 2008. On 12 January 2008, she was the winner in the first episode of Thank God You're Here, a television comedy series hosted by Paul Merton. In April 2008, Fern Britton together with her colleague, Phillip Schofield was the presenter of the revived 'all star' version of the super hit ITV show, Mr and Mrs. The show was broadcast on Saturday nights as a six-part series.


Apart from television presentations, Fern Britton has also featured in advertisements for Ryvita Minis. She performed the title role in a Cinderella pantomime in 1988. In March 1998, her first book, Fern’s Family Favourites, was released and in October the following year, she launched her second book Winter Treats and Summer Delights. Fern, My Story was published in November 2008 by Michael Joseph and it ranked among the Top Ten Bestseller list by The Sunday Times.

Reviews

[ReadAlongWithSue recovering from a stroke★⋆. ࿐࿔ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a striking account although it’s fiction, so much attention to detail has gone into this.

Maybe with all that’s surrounding the Royals at the moment it had more of an impact.

First book I’ve read by Fern Britton. She writes well from her experiences in life.

[Alayne Emmett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It wasn’t set in Cornwall this time but, cantered around the Royal family and in particular the Princesses governess Marion Crawford. I found this book very interesting as well as sad at times. I’ve read all of Fern’s books and love them all so, this one was not a hard read. I’m looking forward to her next book whenever it comes out. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

1932. Dunfermline, Scotland. Marion Crawford, a bright, ambitious young teacher, is ready to make her mark on the world. Until a twist of fate changes the course of her life forever.
1936. Windsor Castle. At first this ordinary woman is in a new world, working as governess to two young princesses Elizabeth & Margaret, in a household she calls home but where everyone is at a distance. As the course of history changes, she finds herself companion to the future Queen, and indispensable to the crown. And slowly their needs become her needs. Their lives become hers. It’s then she meets George, and falls in love for the first time. Now Marion faces an impossible choice: her sense of duty or the love of her life.
This book is based on fact & I loved the mix of fact & fiction. The timing of the book couldn’t be better as the Platinum Jubilee celebrations for Queen Elizabeth have just taken place. I loved it & although it’s not a short book, over 500 pages but it felt shorter as the pages flew by & I read well into the night to finish it. I loved the author’s books & this is one of her best. An emotional read & my heart went out to Crawfie
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

[Mags Schofield · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always enjoy Fern's writing and was so looking forward to this. She takes the real story of Marion Crawford and fictionalises it. I found it interesting and easy to read, well able to imagine myself inside the Royal Residences. Really can't make up my mind about Crawfie, but it seems that George was pulling all the strings and poor Marion ended up in a loveless, sometimes abusive marriage. Was she just naïve or was she also a manipulator? Were to Royal Family right to shun her so that she died alone? More questions than answers, but very enjoyable.
Thanks to Fern and Pigeonhole - now I need to read Marion's book!

[Roo · Rating 1 out of 5]

Read this via Pigeon-hole. Absolutely dreadful book. Dull and flat writing. The characters were very one dimensional, no character developed a personality throughout the read, apart from George.

[The reading corner ~ pensa meno e leggi di più · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Never complain, never explain”. Questo è il motto della famiglia reale inglese e in questo romanzo viene mostrato come ci tengano a non far sapere nulla di sé e le conseguenze che subisce chi tradisce la loro fiducia. Il libro romanza la vera storia dell’istitutrice delle allora principesse Elizabeth e Margaret, che scrisse un libro sulla sua vita a corte con le bambine e per questo venne esiliata dalla famiglia reale, che non le rivolse mai più la parola, ne la perdono’, fino il giorno della sua morte. Anche se non si sanno le reali motivazioni che spinsero la donna a fare questa scelta, (soldi, ripicca o pura ingenuità) purtroppo ne pago’ duramente le conseguenze, in quanto l’entourage della famiglia le rovinò la reputazione. Libro molto interessante che però sul finale perde un po’ il ritmo. Ne consiglio comunque la lettura.

[Keriann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to netgally and the publisher for sending me this for review.

I absolutely adored this book, we follow the true story of Marion Crawford A.K.A Crawfie who at a young age becomes a governss to Princess Elizabeth and Margaret, we follow Crawfie as she devotes herself to the Royal family making many sacrifices along the way. I really felt for Crawfie towards the end and felt she was misled terribly. I am interested to find out more about the fascinating woman and why she did what she did when she had given up everything to remain loyal to the royal family.

This is my first book by this author and it won't be my last, her writing kept me drawn in and she had formed her characters well.

[Lucy C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having read all of Fern Brittons books which I absolutely love, I got so excited to read this one. When I read the blurb I was a little unsure, as it's not my normal genre.

We are not in Cornwall this time round but in lovely Windsor with Marion Crawford (Crawfie) hired to assist Princess Lillibet and Margaret, I didn't actually realise until I started reading that Marion is in fact a real person.

I wouldn't say I was a fan of the royals but I really enjoyed this, I know it's purely fiction but it really felt you had a insite to what life was like for our Queen as a little girl.

Such a tremendous read and if not your usual Fern Britton style, give it go I was highly surprised. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fictionalised account of a true story. Marion Crawford was a governess to the Queen and her sister when they were young. She was persuaded to stay with the family even though she had plans to study child psychology.
I had the book she wrote on my unread bookshelf- but I'm now keen to read it! I've read a bit about the Royal Family recently due to the Jubilee and this book makes you wonder whether things could have happened the way this book suggests. She was certainly ill advised to write such a book with the restraints on the household staff. But Fern's account gives a perspective on how this could have happened.

[Elisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Un libro che ho letto con grande hype.
Ma molto lungo, troppo!
Bello il personaggio della protagonista.
Peccato per l’espediente delle lettere che non ho apprezzato.

[Laura Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed. Fun read. I love all things British. Must have been English in previous life. 😉

[Sandy McKenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliantly written.

Fern Britton has cleverly woven a blend of fiction into this true story about Marion Crawford (Crawfie), who was governess to the young Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret.
I have been an avid follower of the royal family since early childhood, and found this book to be thoroughly researched and extremely well written.
Very highly recommended.

[Joanne D'Arcy · Rating 5 out of 5]

In a departure from perhaps what we known Fern Britton for in terms of writing, she has branched into historical fiction. Historical fiction very much in reality.

The Good Servant is in fact Marion Crawford, the governess to the Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret in the 1930s onwards. Names familiar to us a Princess Elizabeth is now the longest serving monarch in British History having just celebrated her platinum jubilee.

Marion Crawford had ambitions on becoming a child psychologist and helping those less fortunate than her and certainly her later charges to be educated as she saw as their right. However after a interim job before she starts university with Lord and Lady Elgin, she comes to the attention to the Duke and Duchess of York and suddenly finds herself in London, in Windsor Castle. A far cry where she thought she would end up.

Becoming ingratiated within the castle walls and within the Royal Family, Marion or Crawfie as she is known to the children finds herself watching some the most momentous changes in the monarchy all from the close quarters. All of a sudden she is not in charge of princess but a future heir to the throne. Her loyalty, her trustworthiness in fact her worth should be valued highly.

And for the most part it is, until she meets George, older than her, but with the ambitions of becoming Marion’s husband much to the delight of Marion’s mother. Marion is loyal and faithful to the household she serves as well as falling in love with George. She has to choose duty and the path she thinks is best. It is not until much later that she chooses a married life. All that time George waited. But is there something bitter from Marion’s dedication to something other than the man she is supposed to love.

Loyal up until circumstances take Marion down a different path, her words her twisted, her actions questioned and her loyalty broken. She told of what happened behind palace walls. She broken the trust. But did she? Was she a victim of something else, influence by those around her who were fed up of being in her shadow?

No one will really know the true story but I have to say Fern Britton clearly has researched and gives us a very good fictionalised account of what could have been. What could have happened. I for one, would like to think that Marion was influenced by her husband, the world he existed in was so far removed from Marion’s, there was a sense of jealously. However I also feel that perhaps the palace were at fault for not being clear enough in some of their later intentions when it came to Marion’s writing. Something I think they are still carrying with them to this day and perhaps haven’t learnt from?

I adored this book, I like anything historical and this of course gives you a glimpse into something we well never really know about unless we are amongst it. Royalty is steeped in mystery no matter how old you are and I think it should be, to know the real truth would somehow ruin that.

This book had me gripped from page one to the very end, I knew much of the story, but there were gaps in my knowledge and I was surprised to learn how much I actually didn’t know about Marion Crawford and more importantly how much I assumed about what happened. I think it is always wise to challenge this thinking even if it is with a fictional story, it then opens your reading more widely. Thank you Fern Britton you have done this.

A must read for fans of history, monarchy and that overarching sense of duty.

[Lucy-Bookworm · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book starts in 1932, when Marion Crawford, a bright, ambitious young teacher, accepts a summer job looking after the children of Lord & Lady Elgin. Lady Elgin was the sister of the Duchess of York and this summer job led to Marion being introduced to the Yorks, and offered the job of governess to Princesses Elizabeth & Margaret.
Marion’s real passion is to work with the poor, enabling under-privileged children to gain an education and opportunities. Whilst initially reluctant to work for one of the richest families in the country, she is persuaded that there is significant work to be done to give the royal princesses opportunities that they would never have had before. The story follows Marion, soon given the nickname “Crawfie” as she is enveloped into the heart of the royal family. As the abdication crisis loomed, the discretion, loyalty and stability that Marion could offer the princesses became more critical. As they transitioned out of the nursery and the realisation dawned that Lilibet would one day be queen, Marion became not only a governess but a companion to the future Queen, and indispensable to the family. In order to serve the family, she had to give up some of her own dreams, including the desire to marry, but she realised that she was in a unique position able to mould the future queen into a well-balanced young woman. She devised a new curriculum for the princesses that went far beyond the rudimentary education that her mother received and not only equipped them to be modern young women but also ensured that future queen would have an understanding of a different way of life. Marion was responsible for some of the most well known adventures – a ride on an underground train, shopping in Woolworths, riding on a bus, swimming lessons. These everyday activities had previously been inaccessible to the royal children and there is no doubt that Crawfie’s influence was the start of the modern royal family!
Marion’s time with the family lasted until 1949 and she retained favour for some time afterwards until she was taken advantage of by some unscrupulous people who wanted to buy her “inside stories”. Of course today, the Royal Family’s private lives are far more well documented but in the 1950’s it was quite different and as the first servant to cash in on the private lives of the royals, Crawfie was ostracised by the royal family and they never spoke to her again. Whilst it is widely accepted that she had been under the influence of George Buthlay, who she married in 1947, Marion was absolutely devastated when she realised the implications and she never really recovered, living the rest of her life under a cloud away from everyone she had once been so close to.
One of my favourite genres is fiction-based-on-fact, and I have a particular interest in this period of history & also in the wider Royal family (particularly in terms of the people who worked for them or those on the fringes of the family). As such, this book should have been perfect for me, however it was disappointing. It is a long book (over 500 pages) but manages to just rehash existing material with nothing new or interesting. If you have read “The Little Princesses” or had any other knowledge of “Crawfie’s story”, it probably will feel rather too formulaic & predictable.
Overall, I think this book will appeal to people who enjoy TV shows like The Crown or perhaps Downton Abbey, but it is not a book for anyone who already knows the story well.

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book free via ThePigeonHoleHQ. Whilst thanks go to the author & publisher for the opportunity to read it, and my fellow pigeons for the discussions along the way, all opinions are my own & my review is left voluntarily.

[Lauren pavey · Rating 5 out of 5]

The good servant by fern Britton

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I was not expecting this ! I’ll be honest I expected a good read but I did not expect to fall in love with this book!!
Perhaps it’s because I’ve just rewatched the crown and the jubilee parties are still fresh in my mind but wow.

This is the story of a bright young woman with aspirations of helping children who becomes the governess of the future queen and princess Margaret and the love and sacrifices she experiences throughout her life.

The book is full of warmth, love, family and above all loyalty and even though it doesn’t have the happiest of endings it kept me enraptured from the first page until the last.

Although this book is loosely based around the facts (due to limited information in the public realm) you can see that the author has done a great deal of research and I loved the fact and fiction mix.
I just cannot process how beautifully this story was told, I must confess I didn’t go into this read expecting much as I hadn’t heard anything of this book and only knew of the author from tv presenting but I will certainly be reading more from her. Her writing flows so easily and it was such an enjoyable read.

Although this is not a short book the time reading it completely flew by. It’s one of those books that once you start reading completely takes over and I found myself constantly wanting to read just a little bit more. I can see myself picking this book back up and revisiting it often in the future.

Please make sure you read the afterwords though as ferns notes on writing the book and the questions she raises to the reader add a whole new dimension to this wonderfully constructed book.

It’s such an emotional beautiful read and I cannot recommend it highly enough !!!

[Ritu Bhathal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, what a timely read, considering the Queen's jubilee is mere weeks away!
I have enjoyed Fern Britton's books in the past and this was a little different from her other reads but no less brilliant.
This fictionalised account of a real story follows Marion Crawford, a young Scottish woman who finds herself becoming the governess for the tiny Princesses, Lilibet and Margaret, and follows her years with them, until an awful misunderstanding occurs, causing her to be cast out of the Royal fold, after many, many years of devoted service.
Marion, lovingly renamed Crawfie by her two Royal charges, never planned for this: a life looking after two privileged young girls. Her dream had been to educate herself so she could help the less fortunate children in Scotland, but fate lent her hand, and she ended up somewhere completely opposite.
This is based on a true story, but a lot of it is fictionalised, and what a story, Britton has written. I truly felt for Crawfie.
She seemed so happy in some aspects of her life but had to give up many dreams of her own, to continue to serve the Royal family. This included her hopes to work with young Scottish children and a lengthy engagement to the man she loved, even though he is depicted as a rather underhand character. (FYI, I really didn't like George and wish she had seen through his awfulness, and heeded the warnings she had been given...)
Yes, I know it isn't 100% accurate, but I was hooked from the beginning and I read the whole book in pretty much a day! Loved it!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins UK for an ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.

[Debby *BabyDee* · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book via NetGalley and HarperCollins UK. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Rating: 5/5 Stars
Published: June 9, 2023
Pages: 544

I love all things Royal and enjoyed The Crown, but what a wonderfully, engrossing story by Fern Britton, new author to this reader. "The Good Servant" was such an enjoyable read that I had a hard time putting it away. Definitely a page-turner. There may be some factual parts to this story that somehow entwines into a fictional piece of work that makes this story interesting and worth the read.

Marion “Crawfie” Crawford, a governess to the Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret, for the most part sacrifices her own happiness, nuptials and education, to become a dedicated and loyal servant to the monarchy. This story has its host of characters, including Crawfie’s husband who is a drunkard and liar, the other Royals, staff and other characters.

This story is well-written, detailed, and fast-paced, and I am sorry I waited this close to it publication date to read it…especially in one sitting as I was so drawn into the story and the characters. Did I mentioned that I love all things Royal? I think I did and I loved, loved this novel. The minor characters added to the story (i.e., Duke and Duchess, Mrs. Simpson etc.) as well. There are various times during my reading that I found myself empathetic for the heroine and all she had to go through…dealing with a despicable husband for so long and the manipulation pressed upon her by him, the Royal family, and the media. Dare say that the events of that time are no different than those of today.

If you enjoy fictional stories of the Royals, then this is for you. Such an entertaining and enjoyable book to read and highly recommend.

[Carly Rushforth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free review copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

I was utterly engrossed by this semi fictional novel as I’ve said before I’ve always been fond of the Royals especially in the 1930s & 1940s so i really wanted to read this and it didn’t disappoint.

I’d heard of Miss Crawford (Crawfie) before but don’t know her full or story or the scandal that happened later on in her life.I knew George was going to be no good for Crawfie when a certain incident happened , it was only a minor detail but it set me thinking about him.

I devoured all the rich details in Crawfies story including her home in Scotland and all the details about the different palaces she worked in while taking care of the Princesses, all the royal history that I love and her friendship with Bobo & Alah was very endearing as they are all in it together taking care of Elizabeth and Margaret.

One part of this book I really liked was the letters and diary entries, they felt very personal.

If you enjoy rich royal history and historical fiction you’ll thoroughly enjoy this.

[Bella Phillips · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is one that was certainly thought provoking. I enjoyed the plot and felt that overall, this was a pleasant and interesting read. As the story progressed, my admiration and respect for Crawfie lessened and lessened. The afterword was especially curious as it required a reflection which is highly debatable amongst the readers. Again, I myself, seem to be in disagreement with the author regarding the treatment and standing of Crawfie. While times were certainly different, a fact that cannot be ignored, I have a difficult time accepting the naivety surrounding our protagonist.

[Steph Ollman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable fiction based on fact, this novel is centred on Marion Crawford, who was the governess to the Queen and Princess Margaret and made many sacrifices to be in this role. Sadly she was shunned by the Royal Family in later life.
Although you can never be sure what really happened, this story certainly made you feel for the participants and was compelling to read.

[Eirlys · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Enthralling Read.

A very different story about Crawfie, or Miss Marion Crawford. She was governess to the two princesses, Elizabeth and Margaret. I was surprised at how much I admired the work that she willingly, and with love, dedicated to the Royal Family.
I liked that it was based on fact, even though some of it was fiction, especially the conversations between other people.

[Annalisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well, this book takes a very different path to the other Fern Britton books I have read and it disappointed me a little. Fact and fiction trying too hard to merge leaves the storyline muddled for me. Much prefer Britton's other novels.

[Sally · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not Fern Britton's usual style of novel, but it was okay. Based on a true story. It is a bit bitty all the way through, but I did enjoy reading it

[Jackie Davenport · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. Although fictional, it gave a believable impression of what it may have been like as the governess to the royal princesses. Such a sad story in the end.

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not read a book before about our recent royal family so my knowledge is scant. This book was all about Crawfie the Royal nanny to Elizabeth and Margaret. It is a work of fiction but based on real events. It was an easy and enjoyable read. Thank you to The Pigeonhole and to the author for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Sue Burton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not the best

[Karen Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book . Written beautifully, so much research done by Fern . Made me so interested to learn more about what happened . Heartfelt .

[Sally · Rating 1 out of 5]

Read this via Pigeonhole.
I’m struggling to work out why it has received so many positive reviews. I felt this was a poorly-written story; all tell, no show. It dragged on and was tedious to read.

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

Since there is no half star choice here it gets three, but they are grudgingly given!
While a well written and interesting story based on a real woman, who served as governess to the young princesses , I found her gormless acceptance of decisions made for her and that affected/ altered her life irretrievably to be irritating to put it mildly. She appears to have been very naive , and easily lead. My modern day sensibilities found reading how she seemed to let life wash over her hard going! Almost felt the need to metaphorically slap some sense into her. I didn’t end up finishing it because of this.
I did enjoy finding out about another aspect of the childhoods of Elizabeth and Margaret though.

[Gail Danks · Rating 3 out of 5]

A sad story but not my kind of book