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A review by wrentheblurry
Minding the Manor: The Memoir of a 1930s English Kitchen Maid by Mollie Moran
4.0
DISCLAIMER: I received this book for free from a Goodreads First Reads giveaway.
4.5 stars!
What a joy this was to read! I feel like I came to know Mollie, similar to if she was my grandmother (or a friend) and sat me down to tell me the story of her youth. Mollie's tone is comforting and familiar, making for a lovely book. Her personality shines through on every page.
All of it captivated me, from getting to know what Mollie was like as a child, to her many adventures (and hard work!) as a teenager to a young adult in service, to the Afterword, where she beautifully wraps everything up and catches up the reader to her current life, at age 97. I am a fan of Downton Abbey, and while that probably increased my enjoyment, I think the appeal of a well-written memoir by a very cheeky and sharp lady can be appreciated by many.
As a bonus, many photographs are included, which helped to deepen my involvement in the story. Each chapter also ends with a recipe from the times, and while I didn't try any, I liked reading them, as well as the household tips. What a blast from the past!
Thank you, Mollie, for telling your tale, and doing it in such a wonderful way.
4.5 stars!
What a joy this was to read! I feel like I came to know Mollie, similar to if she was my grandmother (or a friend) and sat me down to tell me the story of her youth. Mollie's tone is comforting and familiar, making for a lovely book. Her personality shines through on every page.
All of it captivated me, from getting to know what Mollie was like as a child, to her many adventures (and hard work!) as a teenager to a young adult in service, to the Afterword, where she beautifully wraps everything up and catches up the reader to her current life, at age 97. I am a fan of Downton Abbey, and while that probably increased my enjoyment, I think the appeal of a well-written memoir by a very cheeky and sharp lady can be appreciated by many.
As a bonus, many photographs are included, which helped to deepen my involvement in the story. Each chapter also ends with a recipe from the times, and while I didn't try any, I liked reading them, as well as the household tips. What a blast from the past!
Thank you, Mollie, for telling your tale, and doing it in such a wonderful way.