Rose: My Life In Service by Rosina Harrison

[snugglekitty]

Title: Rose: My Life in Service
Author: Rosina Harrison
Genre: Historical autobiography.
Setting: England, 1899 to 1964
Reason for Reading: It was recommended to me because I am interested in domestic service.
Pages: 237
Copyright Date: 1975
Cover: A shaded black and white drawing of a woman in a hat and coat standing in front of a mansion.
First line: "Although this book is about domestic service it is also about people, and apart from myself about one person in particular: Nancy, Lady Astor."
Best part: The intricate details of the running of the household were so fascinating.
Worst part: This is so different from the way that people expect to be treated nowadays. Lady Astor was incredibly mean to Rose and hardly paid her anything. Rose hardly had any life of her own.
Imaginary Theme Song: "Hard Day's Night" by the Beatles
Grade: C
Recommended for: Anyone who really wants to learn about the older traditions of domestic service. Anyone with an interest in the decadent life that nobles used to enjoy.
Related Reads: That's a tough one honestly. I don't read much in the way of autobiography and this is one of the first books I've found on old-school domestic service. I'll have to think about it.

Comments

[diadactic.livejournal.com]

There's a nonfiction book I've read (with lots of pictures) that is well written and on that topic:

HD 8039 .D52 1977 + Life Below Stairs: Domestic Servants in England from Victorian Times by Frank E. Huggett

[lady-anemone.livejournal.com]

Thanks so much for your comment! My library has the book, and I can't wait to take a look at it!

[ultra-lilac.livejournal.com]

Ooh, this sounds REALLY interesting. My Great Grandmother was 'In Service', I'd love to know more about that world.

[lady-anemone.livejournal.com]

I own the book, and I would be happy to lend it to you once my housegirl is done reading it.

[ultra-lilac.livejournal.com]

Oh thank you, I'd be interested to read it.
And I take very good care of other people's books. :-)

[gothtique.livejournal.com]

I was thinking just this morning that I have a particular friend I am striking out on for holiday gift Ideas... this might be just the right thing.
Thank you!