Baust Literary Society
Do you like to read? Would you like to discuss books with other folks? Do you have any good reads that you would like to suggest for an upcoming read of the month? Everyone is welcome! You don’t have to be a member of the church to join any of our groups.
The book of August is “The Kitchen House” by Kathleen Grissom. We will meet on Tuesday August July 25th at 6 pm in the parsonage to discuss the book.
Orphaned during her passage from Ireland, young, white Lavinia arrives on the steps of the kitchen house and is placed, as an indentured servant, under the care of Belle, the master’s illegitimate slave daughter. Lavinia learns to cook, clean, and serve food, while guided by the quiet strength and love of her new family.
In time, Lavinia is accepted into the world of the big house, caring for the master’s opium-addicted wife and befriending his dangerous yet protective son. She attempts to straddle the worlds of the kitchen and big house, but her skin color will forever set her apart from Belle and the other slaves.
Through the unique eyes of Lavinia and Belle, Grissom’s debut novel unfolds in a heartbreaking and ultimately hopeful story of class, race, dignity, deep-buried secrets, and familial bonds.
