Subject
Housekeepers -- Fiction Books
Best books
Joseph Crosby Lincoln
Cap'n Eri
"Cap'n Eri" by Joseph Crosby Lincoln is a novel likely written in the early 20th century. The story follows Captain Eri, Captain Jerry, and Captain Perez, three retired sea captains who find themselves navigating the challenges of domestic life, including the unexpected prospect of marriage, as they seek a housekeeper to manage their disheveled household. The humorous interactions among these characters reveal their unique personalities and perspectives, setting the tone for a lighthearted exploration of relationships and society. The opening of "Cap'n Eri" introduces readers to Captain Eri and his comrades engaged in a playful yet philosophical discussion about boots, companionship, and the responsibilities of their bachelor lives. As they discuss various topics, from a wandering cat named Lorenzo to potential housekeepers, their banter reflects a blend of camaraderie and comic relief. The trio's conversation quickly turns to the more serious matter of marriage, specifically how one of them must wed for the benefit of the others. They decide to place an advertisement in a matrimonial journal, with Captain Jerry being chosen as the "sacrifice." This leads to humorous tension as they anticipate meeting their future bride—the narrative hints at misunderstandings and comedic mishaps ahead.
Katharine Newlin Burt
The Red Lady
"The Red Lady" by Katharine Newlin Burt is a suspenseful novel written in the early 20th century. It tells the story of Janice Gale, who becomes a housekeeper for the reclusive Mrs. Edna Brane at a mysterious estate known as "The Pines." As Janice begins her work, she encounters a series of eerie occurrences, including the haunting presence of a red-haired woman that sparks both fear for the safety of Mrs. Brane's ill son, Robbie, and a quest to uncover the secrets surrounding the house. At the start of the novel, Janice is introduced as an inexperienced but determined young woman seeking work. She receives a mysterious offer for a position at The Pines, where she meets the nervous and fragile Mrs. Brane and her sickly son, Robbie. Janice quickly realizes that her new environment harbors unsettling secrets as former housekeepers have fled under strange circumstances linked to the boy's nightmares about a red-haired lady. The escalating tension intensifies with the death of Robbie, which leaves Janice entangled with both suspicion and mystery, particularly regarding her own resemblance to the spectral figure haunting the household. The opening chapters establish a haunting backdrop and a compelling emergency, drawing readers into a web of intrigue and danger as Janice seeks to untangle the truth about her unsettling new home.
Zona Gale
Miss Lulu Bett
"Miss Lulu Bett" by Zona Gale is a novel published in 1920. Lulu lives with her sister's family, serving them without complaint but without happiness. When her brother-in-law's brother visits, an accidental marriage changes everything—until a shocking revelation sends Lulu home. Caught between family expectations and her own desires, she must decide whether to accept her circumstances or forge an independent path, while helping her niece avoid similar entrapment.
W. Pett (William Pett) Ridge
The Amazing Years
"The Amazing Years" by W. Pett Ridge is a novel written in the early 20th century. Set against the backdrop of World War I, the narrative unfolds around the Hillier family, particularly focusing on their maid, Weston, whose perspective provides a unique lens into the domestic turmoil we're facing as war disrupts their lives and routines. The story captures the complexities of familial relationships, social class dynamics, and the impact of broader societal changes as the characters navigate the worries and uncertainties of the time. The opening portion introduces the Hillier family as they prepare for a holiday that soon becomes overshadowed by the looming threat of war. Through Weston's eyes, we witness the interactions among the family members, showcasing their concerns about the trip and the changing world. As the conversations reveal their worries about travel conditions and the masters' state of mind, it becomes clear that their ordinary lives are being disrupted by unnerving external tensions. Weston's dedication to the family and her ability to manage their chaos hints at her crucial role in this household as they collectively confront an unpredictable future. The narrative establishes a tone of unease and foreshadows the transformative impact of the war on both the Hillier family and their servant.
Recently surfaced classics