The Kitchen House by Kathleen Grissom

When a white servant girl violates the order of plantation society, she unleashes a tragedy that exposes the worst and best in the people she has come to call her family. Orphaned while onboard ship from Ireland, seven-year-old Lavinia arrives on the steps of a tobacco plantation where she is to live and work with the slaves of the kitchen house. Under the care of Belle, the master's illegitimate daughter, Lavinia becomes deeply bonded to her adopted family, though she is set apart from them by her white skin. Eventually, Lavinia is accepted into the world of the big house, where the master is absent and the mistress battles opium addiction. Lavinia finds herself perilously straddling two very different worlds. When she is forced to make a choice, loyalties are brought into question, dangerous truths are laid bare, and lives are put at risk. The Kitchen House is a tragic story of page-turning suspense, exploring the meaning of family, where love and loyalty prevail.

Initial Thoughts:
This book came highly recommended to me by my mom. She said that if I liked The Help, I would love this one.

The Pros:
The way that Grissom weaves us into the world of the Kitchen House is incredible. I had perfect pictures in my mind of how everything was laid out, even down to peoples' faces, which doesn't happen often when I'm reading.

Sweet, innocent little Lavinia grows so much in this book. Her innocence can be a downfall, however. I just wanted to wrap her up in a hug and never let go.

The idea of family is really questioned in this book. Just because someone isn't related to you by blood, doesn't mean that they aren't your family. And vice versa.

I felt like this book really educated me on the time of slavery. There's only so much you can learn from history books.

The Cons:
The violence in this book is unsettling, but necessary. And unfortunately, there are many instances of violence in this book.

My hatred for Marshall almost made me stop reading this book.

The Wrap Up: 5/5
This book is amazing. If you like historical fiction, you will love The Kitchen House. I can't wait to see what Kathleen Grissom comes up with next.

Favorite Quote:
"What the color is, who the daddy be, who the mama is don't mean nothin'. We a family, carin' for each other. Family make us strong in times of trouble. We all stick together, help each other out. That's the real meanin' of family."

You need to read this book, like right now. Click here to get your copy.