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The Observations

Jane Harris

Hardcover | Pages: 406 pages

Rating: 3.62 | 6620 Users | 713 Reviews

Define Of Books The Observations

Title	:	The Observations
Author	:	Jane Harris
Book Format	:	Hardcover
Book Edition	:	Anniversary Edition
Pages	:	Pages: 406 pages
Published	:	October 10th 2006 by Viking Books (first published June 8th 2006)
Categories	:	Historical. Historical Fiction. Fiction. Mystery. Gothic. Cultural. Scotland

Rendition During Books The Observations

A powerful story of secrets and suspicions, hidden histories and mysterious disappearances set in Victorian Scotland. Scotland, 1863. In an attempt to escape her not-so-innocent past in Glasgow, Bessy Buckley—a wide-eyed and feisty young Irish girl—takes a job as a maid in a big house outside Edinburgh working for the beautiful Arabella—the "missus." Bessy lacks the necessary scullery skills for her new position, but as she finds out, it is her ability to read and write that makes her such a desirable property. Bessy is intrigued by her new employer but puzzled by her increasingly strange requests and her insistence that Bessy keep a journal of her mundane chores and most intimate thoughts. And it seems that the missus has a few secrets of her own, including her near- obsessive affection for Nora, a former maid who died in mysterious circumstances. Giving in to her curiosity, Bessy makes an infuriating discovery and, out of jealousy, concocts a childish prank that backfires and threatens to jeopardize all that she has come to hold dear. Yet even when caught up in a tangle of madness, ghosts, sex, and lies, she remains devoted to Arabella. But who is really responsible for what happened to her predecessor Nora? As her past threatens to catch up with her and raise the stakes even further, Bessy begins to realize that she has not quite landed on her feet. The Observations is a brilliantly original, endlessly intriguing story of one woman’s journey from a difficult past into an even more disturbing present, narrated by one of the most vividly imagined heroines in recent fiction. This powerful story of secrets and suspicions, hidden histories and mysterious disappearances is at once compelling and heart-warming, showing the redemptive power of loyalty and friendship. A hugely assured and darkly funny debut, The Observations is certain to establish Jane Harris as a significant new literary talent.

Present Books Conducive To The Observations

Original Title:	The Observations
ISBN:	0670037737 (ISBN13: 9780670037735)
Edition Language:	English
Setting:	Scotland,1863
Literary Awards:	Orange Prize Nominee for Fiction Shortlist (2007)

Rating Of Books The Observations

Ratings: 3.62 From 6620 Users | 713 Reviews

Judgment Of Books The Observations

Although at times this was creepy, atmospheric and even funny, with nice character arcs for two main characters, it needed to be cut by at least 30%. For a book over 400 pp long, it wasn't really worth the time. At around 300 pp., it would've been a four star book, at least.

I loved the story and couldnt put the book down until I was done. As I was reading I keep thinking of all these different things that would happen and even different ways it would end. So with all these ideas running through my head, you can imagine how disappointed I was at the ending. It was weird because the rest of the story was great, its almost like she just hurried up and finished it. The ending ruined the whole book for me.

Started out with a bang, and overall a great story. However, when the focus shifts from Bessy's clever observation of the people around her to more factual events, my interest waned a bit.A very brief review for such a long book, but it's one where I wish to steer clear of spoilers. That having been said, I don't know as I "got" the ending as intended, but it worked well enough as a wrap-up for me.The author's narration I found consistently excellent!

This was another cracker from Jane Harris. Just like 'Gillespie and I', this is historical fiction set in Scotland, with a wonderful narrator.Bessy Buckley is the memorable character telling the story. She takes a position as maid to a woman named Arabella Weir. Weir, known to Bessy as "Missus" throughout, has some strange requests for her new maid and as the story progresses we find that both characters have pasts that haunt them. (possibly literally!)The Observations is intriguing, fun and

"Vic Lit anyone? This term pertains to contemporary novels which set out to mimic Victorian Literature. While for the most part I usually find this genre to be lackluster and boring, The Observations by Jane Harris is a wonderful tale that contains both substance and story. Set in 1863, our tale is narrated by Bessy Buckley, a 15-year-old on the run from a dubious past in Glasgow. She drifts into a job as maid to Arabella Reid, the mistress of an estate outside Edinburgh. Bessy is requested to

This was quite an interesting read. The story started terribly exciting and promising but the second half was a bit disappointing. Maybe because I expected a surprise ending, found it a bit predictable. Still a great, gripping book but do not read with the expectation of a twist ending!If you liked this you might also like The Vanishing by Sophia Tobin

The Observations is an off-the-beaten-path type of novel, Jane Harris created a well written novel that still haunts me, as I finished the last page. Ms. Harris formulates a tale of mystery, psychological twister, a chilling-haunting, and murder that is interwoven with historical details and the great psychological pursuit and devices of its day. There are times, Ms. Harris, lets your imaginations fill in the details of the story- which makes you wanted her to fill it in herself because your