Carnegie’s Maid Book Review – An Intriguing ‘What If’ Story of an Irish Immigrant & the King of Steel
(I received a free copy of Carnegie’s Maid from the publisher, Sourcebooks Landmark, to write an honest review. I was not financially compensated for this post and all opinions are my own.)
Official Synopsis of Carnegie’s Maid : Clara Kelley is not who they think she is. She’s not the experienced Irish maid who was hired to work in one of Pittsburgh’s grandest households. She’s a poor farmer’s daughter with nowhere to go and nothing in her pockets. But the other woman with the same name has vanished, and pretending to be her just might get Clara some money to send back home.
If she can keep up the ruse, that is. Serving as a lady’s maid in the household of Andrew Carnegie requires skills she doesn’t have, answering to an icy mistress who rules her sons and her domain with an iron fist. What Clara does have is a resolve as strong as the steel Pittsburgh is becoming famous for, coupled with an uncanny understanding of business, and Andrew begins to rely on her. But Clara can’t let her guard down, not even when Andrew becomes something more than an employer. Revealing her past might ruin her future — and her family’s.
With captivating insight and heart, Carnegie’s Maid tells the story of one brilliant woman who may have spurred Andrew Carnegie’s transformation from ruthless industrialist into the world’s first true philanthropist.
Carnegie’s Maid Review
The entire story rests on the shoulders of Clara Kelley. As a result, she is the most well-rounded, layered character in Carnegie’s Maid . As a newly arrived Irish immigrant, Clara’s gumption and resourcefulness quickly make her indispensable to the Carnegie matriarch. She hides her fear and her very identity behind a placid expression of servitude. There is no one that knows her secret. As a result, there is a sense of crushing loneliness that surrounds Clara.
Lifting this isolation is Clara’s natural curiosity. Her unconventional upbringing in Ireland gave her a broader view of the world. While her focus was typical of immigrants of that time period (sending money home to help her family), her approach to how she could help them was anything but typical. She listened to the conversations between Margaret and her son, Andrew. As a result, her inquisitive mind captures Andrew’s interest and he draws her out further.
An Unlikely Romance – A Wealthy Scottish Immigrant and an Irish Maid
There was a very real danger for Benedict to fall into the romance novel “master of the house falls for a servant” trope. Fortunately, Benedict handles the developing feelings between Clara and Andrew with the kid gloves it deserves. I found it to be a gentle, evolving regard.
There were no flashes of lightning or love at first sight narratives. Rather, it was sweet and a meeting of inquisitive minds. Andrew recognized Clara’s loneliness and he gently coaxed her into talking about herself. Further, Andrew saw something of himself in Clara; a reminder of his own humble beginnings.
“Our exchange was so fresh and natural, I nearly laughed and dissuaded him of his false beliefs. Nearly. Then I recalled the Clara Kelley I was meant to be and settled on a vague statement.”
Yet, Clara, while enjoying these easy conversations, never forgets what she is hiding. Nevertheless, she can’t resist Andrew’s allure. Soon, Andrew and Clara move from general conversation to discussing business. Benedict weaves Clara in seamlessly with Andrew Carnegie’s business history. Clara’s influence slowly begins to take root. The two grow closer as Andrew teaches Clara business. In turn, she provides another viewpoint. Even so, the social gulf between them never lessens. It’s this balance that keeps the romance in Carnegie’s maid from becoming cheap or “typical.”
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Keep in mind, this is not a historical romance but rather historical fiction. While there is old-fashioned romance appeal, it is not the point. However, there is one particularly swoon-worthy romantic gesture and moment that my heart did sigh over!
Adaptation Recommendation
I would love to see Carnegie’s Maid as a television movie or limited series. Imagine the elaborate costume designs! As well as set designs recreating the bygone era of the novel. Also, adapting the novel to film would allow for more factual history about Andrew Carnegie and his rise as the King of Steel. Not to mention the contrast of his rise with that of the everyday Irish immigrant in 19th Century Pittsburgh. I’m thinking Angela’s Ashes meets The Age of Innocence . Just go with me here!
Final Thoughts on Carnegie’s Maid
I do wish we read more of Andrew Carnegie’s ruthless business side. The small glimpses from Clara’s perspective were just teased. I wanted to hear more of her thoughts on Andrew’s ruthless side and what that meant about her. Of course, as a Lady’s Maid, the glimpses we did see were likely typical of what a maid would see. It’s not like Clara was trotting off to the offices with Mrs. Carnegie.
I also felt the ending dropped on me unexpectedly. On the flip side, that very well could be because I didn’t want this story to end! In addition, enhancing Clara’s story were wonderfully developed secondary characters. From her cousins toiling in the slums of Pittsburgh to an escaped slave desperate search for his family, these smaller stories add depth as Clara begins to fully understand her place in America.
Carnegie’s Maid is an excellent book. It is a well-written story of “what if” that captures the imagination. Tuck this book in your commuter bag or carry-on and enjoy!
Carnegie’s Maid is available at your favorite bookstore or online retailer.
Content Warning: None – a lovely, clean read!
Have you read Carnegie’s Maid ? What did you think? Sound off in the comments below!
OVERALL RATING
“Hello, Gorgeous.”
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Catherine is an avid reader and a self-declared professional binge watcher. It's not uncommon to find her re-watching a series or movie for the umpteenth time and still be crying into a box of tissues. When she's not hiding in her closet to read or watch a show or movie, Catherine is a wife, mother, and, in her spare time, a lawyer.
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1 thought on “Carnegie’s Maid Book Review – An Intriguing ‘What If’ Story of an Irish Immigrant & the King of Steel”
Carnegie’s Maid is an inspiring story that I will pass on to my daughters and granddaughters. It is a realistic story to me about the power of a female’s inspirations and goals. Thank you for sharing your gift of literary writing. I have also read The Only Woman in the Room and passed it on to my daughter. I look forward to reading all your novels. God Bless. Said a prayer to Mary for you.
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Submitting a book for review, write the editor, you are here:, carnegie's maid.
Leaving her soon-to-be-destitute family in Ireland, Clara Kelley boards a ship for America. Knowing their survival depends on her ability to find a job in America scares her and drives her to do all she can to help her father keep what is left of their dwindling farm. Boarding the ship with her meager possessions, Clara endures a rough voyage, landing in her new country a little worse for wear and, like her fellow passengers, eager to set foot on dry land.
Always ready for a fight, quick with her words and emotions, the travel conditions and loneliness leave her drained. Once the boat finally docks, her apprehension and anxiety get the best of her, and she trickles through immigration with her fellow passengers in a daze, hoping officials find no reason to hold her. When she is finally released, she stumbles into the street with hundreds of others, and the sound of her name being called pulls her out of her stupor.
"Benedict’s writing is magical. This is one of those books that you plunge into and regret finding that you’ve come to the last page."
Clara encounters a well-dressed man, clearly a servant, calling her name. Knowing it’s probably another Clara Kelley, but letting her curiosity get the better of her, she answers to her name. The Clara Kelley he’s looking for isn’t her, but she is in need of a ride to Pittsburgh and decides that this small lie --- a lie she tells herself she can rectify once she’s safely in Pittsburgh --- can be explained away easily.
In Pittsburgh, brushing away the lie becomes more difficult once a job is offered to Clara. Her quick wit got her far, but she knows little about being a lady’s maid, and has doubts about being able to provide services to a wealthy family such as the Carnegies. Trepidation sets in, but Clara steels her nerves and decides that the money to help her family is more important than a small lie, and she sets out to make herself indispensable to Mrs. Carnegie. What she doesn’t expect is to find herself wanting to be indispensable to the intriguing Andrew Carnegie as well.
I read Marie Benedict’s debut novel, THE OTHER EINSTEIN, last year and adored it. CARNEGIE’S MAID is every bit as wonderful, even more so in fact. Clara Kelley is just a brilliant character --- smart and full of heart --- and you immediately fall for her, much like Andrew Carnegie himself. Benedict’s writing is magical. This is one of those books that you plunge into and regret finding that you’ve come to the last page. If you have the chance to pick up CARNEGIE’S MAID, please do it. You will not be disappointed.
Reviewed by Amy Gwiazdowski on January 18, 2018
Carnegie's Maid by Marie Benedict
- Publication Date: October 2, 2018
- Genres: Fiction , Historical Fiction
- Paperback: 352 pages
- Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark
- ISBN-10: 1492662704
- ISBN-13: 9781492662709
Book Review: Carnegie’s Maid by Marie Benedict
by Barbara the Bibliophage | Apr 7, 2018 | RELAX: Historical Fiction | 0 comments
As the great-granddaughter of Welsh immigrants to the Pittsburgh area, I enjoyed Carnegie’s Maid by Marie Benedict, about a young Irish immigrant working for a highly successful Pittsburgh family of Scottish immigrants. Benedict’s heroine, Clara Kelly, is a strong woman endeavoring to make enough money in America to save her family from the plights of Irish tenant farm life.
She lands in Philadelphia, planning to head to family in Pittsburgh and immediately gets caught up in some unexpected untruths. However implausible this situation might be, it gets Clara to the Carnegie household as the matriarch’s lady’s maid. Considering her lack of experience in this work, Clara is plucky and resourceful.
Benedict follows the historical events of Andrew Carnegie’s career and personal life, detailing his early accomplishments through the eyes of Clara. Clara and Andrew strike up their unlikely friendship, and the story progresses from there.
Clara stays in touch with her family through infrequent letters. But those letters and the ensuing dramatic moral dilemmas give Benedict a chance to highlight the perils of the time. It was quite normal to face unrest, poverty, risky jobs, and rich men who controlled other men’s lives. Some families never climbed out of their difficulties, and many descended deeper into despair.
And yet, even a recently emigrated family such as the Carnegies tended to forget these realities. Clara tries to keep Andrew aware, even though telling her truths is hard. Benedict imagines that perhaps this is why he began his extensive philanthropy.
My Conclusions:
In so many ways, Carnegie’s Maid is a typical historical fiction romance. The younger woman and older man meet, no matter unlikely the meeting seems. They have mild to moderate conflict, but over time develop feelings of love and desire. That’s when they start sneaking around to see each other! He teaches her things, and she makes him into a better version of himself. The relationship might work, or it might not. Carnegie’s Maid certainly follows this pattern.
I don’t mean to sound overly critical, because I did enjoy Clara’s story. She’s a pleasant heroine who’s easy to admire. The story’s well-paced and not overly long. The audiobook is well-narrated by Alana Kerr Collins. But it didn’t have any characters or plot lines that I found unexpected or groundbreaking. I liked it quite a lot, but I doubt that I’ll rush to read more Marie Benedict.
Acknowledgements:
Many thanks to NetGalley, Sourcebooks Landmark, and the author for access to the digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Photo credit of Pittsburgh’s Carnegie Library to Wikipedia Commons
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Review of carnegie’s maid by marie benedict.
Set in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, Carnegie’s Maid tells the story of a lowly woman (Clara) of the 19th century that rose in power and prestige through determination, adaptation to the situation to take advantage of an opportunity that suddenly presented itself, and plain old hard work. There is also the element of subterfuge and manipulation of the newly minted Carnegie family who like Clara came to America as immigrants and worked their way up the ladder of corporate and social success.
Clara’s story is the tale of a impovished Irish daughter who must find her way in the world of stratified American class society that clings to the belief that a daughter’s role is in the home as a helpmate to her husband, to bear and raise the children, and in the event she is not married, to work in the few available fields open to women at the time, teaching and domestic service primarily. Social classes exist in a rigid non-permeable state as the Carnegies found out when in New York for the season they were rejected by the upper tens as the set that was founded by the Dutch Knickerbockers were known.
Clara too learns that jumping hoops into another class is nearly impossible when Mrs. Carnegie, the mother of Andrew and Tom Carnegie, confronts Clara about her past, and the deception of that Clara has perpetrated to obtain and keep the position as Mrs. Carnegie’s lady maid, a position that Clara uses to befriend the elder son, Andrew and learn the family business. Clara’s focus is her family back in Ireland. She must work so that she can send part of her earnings back to Ireland. To do so, she must maintain the deception that she was a former lady’s maid with references who has come to America to find employment when in reality, Clara’s experiences in the society at the time if known would barely allowed her to be employed as a scullery maid. Ladies maids are a step above most of the domestic staff in America, equal to or slightly junior to tutors and governesses, and not answerable to cooks, butlers or the housekeeper and certainly would not have anything to do with a lowly scullery maid.
Clara’s family has lost their farming tenancy in rural Galway because of the father’s leadership and involvement in the Fenian home rule movement in Ireland and is forced to move in with one of Clara’s aunt in the city where life is eked out, forced to subsist on the irregular work that is not enough to feed the family. Clara becomes the breadwinner to her family back in Ireland as well as to another part of her family that lives in the grey smokestack soot-encased Pittsburg factory suburb, Slab Town. Clara’s friendship (and burgeoning hidden romance) with Andrew Carnegie, the rising industrialist, later philanthropist, gives her entry into the privileged male iron and steel industries as well as the worlds of telegraphs and railroads. Ultimately, it pays off for Clara who after her loss of her job as a ladies maid has the financial wherewithal (thanks in large part to her work with Andrew Carnegie) to train to become a nurse and further her family’s survival.
Marie Benedict writes a compelling story that is based on real events, real people. Carnegie’s Maid is not as good as Benedict’s The Personal Librarian . Carnegie’s Maid ends somewhat abruptly, about as fast as Clara’s loss of her position as a ladies maid and removal from the household. The epilogue reveals that Clara has landed on her feet and is able to fend for herself (with the help of the substantial earnings and stocks from her side work with Andrew Carnegie) and become a nurse. What is missing (and is so unlike The Personal Librarian ) is what then happened to her family, who is Clara’s reason for coming to America. Do they survive? Do they emigrate to America? What are they doing? What happened to her relatives in Slab Town?
Part of the problem is the choice of the author to tell the story from Clara’s perspective. This limits the author to what Clara knows, preventing the development of the father’s involvement in the Fenian movement and his and his family’s ultimate ruination while Clara is in service to Mrs. Carnegie. Still, (and while it may or may not have been true in real life), given the stress that Benedict places on Clara as the family breadwinner, it is plausible that a fictionalized Clara learned this information years later and through the epilogue presented it to the reader.
One other area was Mrs. Carnegie’s investigation into Clara’s past. Servants were seen, not heard, but heard, saw, and knew much more than their employers ever thought they did. How did Clara not realize the change in her mistress? Or more plausibly, did she, and why was this not developed?
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In this remarkably fascinating and haunting historical novel Benedict has created a cadre of vulnerable and thought provoking characters that are captivating, appealing, and provocative. Carnegie's Maid seeks to describe the amazing turnaround by Andrew Carnegie from steel magnate to philanthropist. He was the oldest son of Scottish ...
The book Carnegie's Maid, is a fictitious account of a maid, Clara Kelly, and Irish immigrant who was supposedly the impetus behind Carnegie's philanthropy and the finding of free lending libraries. Clara assumes the name of another traveler to America who perished on the journey and becomes the personal mail to Mrs Carnegie, Andrew's mother.
Carnegie's Maid is an excellent book. It is a well-written story of "what if" that captures the imagination. Tuck this book in your commuter bag or carry-on and enjoy! Carnegie's Maid is available at your favorite bookstore or online retailer. Content Warning: None - a lovely, clean read!
Carnegie's Maid. by Marie Benedict. Publication Date: October 2, 2018. Genres: Fiction, Historical Fiction. Paperback: 352 pages. Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark. ISBN-10: 1492662704. ISBN-13: 9781492662709. Clara Kelley is not the experienced Irish maid who was hired to work in one of Pittsburgh's grandest households.
However implausible this situation might be, it gets Clara to the Carnegie household as the matriarch's lady's maid. Considering her lack of experience in this work, Clara is plucky and resourceful. Benedict follows the historical events of Andrew Carnegie's career and personal life, detailing his early accomplishments through the eyes of ...
Marie Benedict writes a compelling story that is based on real events, real people. Carnegie's Maid is not as good as Benedict's The Personal Librarian. Carnegie's Maid ends somewhat abruptly, about as fast as Clara's loss of her position as a ladies maid and removal from the household. The epilogue reveals that Clara has landed on her ...
― Sherry Fritzsche, Bank Square Books (Mystic, CT) "In CARNEGIE'S MAID, Marie Benedict skillfully introduces us to Clara, a young woman who immigrates to American in the 1860s and unexpectedly becomes the maid to Andrew Carnegie's mother. Clara becomes close to Andrew Carnegie and helps to make him America's first philanthropist.
This is the 4th book I've read by this author. She's a wonderful writer. ... 5.0 out of 5 stars I'm Carnegie's Maid captures history as well as the heart. Reviewed in the United States on October 21, 2023. Verified Purchase. Marie Benedict's book lures you into understanding history within the folds of a love story. It was captivating and ...
Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for Carnegie' ... Carnegie's Maid: A Novel › Customer reviews; Customer reviews. 4.4 out of 5 stars. 4.4 out of 5. 25,270 global ratings. 5 star 57% ... I enjoyed the book but was kinda disappointed on how it ended. I thought characters were well written and the story was good.
Revealing her past might ruin her future—and her family's.With captivating insight and heart, Carnegie's Maid is a book of fascinating 19th century historical fiction. Discover the story of one brilliant woman who may have spurred Andrew Carnegie's transformation from ruthless industrialist to the world's first true philanthropist.Other ...
With captivating insight and stunning heart, Carnegie's Maid tells the story of one lost woman who may have spurred Andrew Carnegie's transformation from ruthless industrialist into the world's first true philanthropist. Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Book Depository | IndieBound My Review Wow, what a way to kick off my 2018 reads!
12. While the world of Carnegie's Maid is grounded in facts, Clara Kelley herself is a fictional character, although her immigrant experience and her lady's maid role are founded upon historical research. Would the story be different for you if Clara were entirely nonfiction? Discussion questions by the publisher.
Carnegie's Maid depicts the relationship between business tycoon Andrew Carnegie and his mother's personal maid, Clara Kelley. The story is principally set in the Pittsburgh area and covers the time period from 1863 through 1900, but the majority of the novel's events transpire between Clara's arrival at the Carnegie mansion in 1863 and her departure in 1867.
Book Review. Carnegie's Maid. Rating: CARNEGIE'S MAID is a pleasant fantasy. A young Irish woman lands in America in the 1860's and improbably finds herself serving as lady's maid to the mother of Andrew Carnegie. In the course of her duties, she catches the eye of the businessman himself, to the extent that he not only falls in love ...
Carnegie's Maid. Written by Marie Benedict. Review by Ann Pedtke. Clara Kelley finds her way from an impoverished village in Galway to the bustling streets of Pittsburgh, determined to secure a position in America and send money home to her struggling family. Mistaken for another Irish girl of the same name, she is offered a coveted position ...
Carnegie's Maid. by Marie Benedict Sourcebooks 1/16/2018 Genre: Historical fiction Pages: 288 Goodreads. As a lover of books, I assume you are one if you landed on my book blog, you have probably entered a Carnegie library at least once in your life. The first to offer free access to libraries for all, Andrew Carnegie was an important figure in the life of the author's ancestors.
Interesting and well written, Carnegies' Maid is a love story like no other. Beautifully written and engaging, Marie Benedict has delivered a charming and believable story line. Clara Kelley took an interest in Carnegie's business dealings, and he listened closely to her ideas and opinions.
If someone is rich, especially rich beyond all imagining, those of us who live on a budget often have many ideas about how they should spend their money. We condemn them for what
Review: Fast moving and informative historical fiction with a likable heroine.I really enjoyed this! Carnegie's Maid takes us back in time to 1860s Pittsburgh, and is told from the point of view of Clara, a lady's maid who works for Mrs Carnegie, Andrew Carnegie's mother.. Clara was a compelling main character. She's an Irish immigrant, and the story of immigrants settling in ...
With captivating insight and heart, Carnegie's Maid is a book of fascinating 19th century historical fiction. Discover the story of one brilliant woman who may have spurred Andrew Carnegie's transformation from ruthless industrialist to the world's first true philanthropist. ... AI-generated from the text of customer reviews. Select to learn ...
Praise. "In Carnegie's Maid, Marie Benedict skillfully introduces us to Clara, a young woman who immigrates to America in the 1860s and unexpect- edly becomes the maid to Andrew Carnegie's mother. Clara becomes close to Andrew Carnegie and helps to make him America's first philan- thropist. Downton Abbey fans should flock to this ...
With captivating insight and heart, Carnegie's Maid tells the story of one brilliant woman who may have spurred Andrew Carnegie's transformation from ruthless industrialist into the world's first true philanthropist. Characters: 59. Amazon rating: 4 stars. Genre: Historical Fiction. St. Nicholas Hotel. Allegheny Mountains.
With captivating insight and heart, Carnegie's Maid is a book of fascinating 19th century historical fiction. Discover the story of one brilliant woman who may have spurred Andrew Carnegie's transformation from ruthless industrialist to the world's first true philanthropist. ... #1,226 in Literary Fiction (Books) Customer Reviews: 4.4 4.4 out ...