THE KITCHEN HOUSE

Kathleen Grissom’s novel dramatizes the complexities of family, relationships, and slavery in late-eighteenth-century America. Orlagh Cassidy narrates the majority of the book from the perspective of Lavinia, a young woman working as an indentured servant on a plantation after her parents die on the crossing to America. Cassidy’s ability to sound just as believable as a 7-year-old as she does as a woman in her 20s is impressive and serves the story well. Bahni Turpin also contributes to the narration as Belle, a slave who essentially adopts Lavinia. Cassidy and Turpin, along with Grissom’s fascinating historical details, make this a story not to be missed. J.L.K. © AudioFile 2010, Portland, Maine [Published: DECEMBER 2010]