Buy new:
-25% $14.95
FREE delivery Tuesday, May 28 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35
Ships from: Amazon
Sold by: Moonlight Book Kingdom
$14.95 with 25 percent savings
List Price: $19.95

The List Price is the suggested retail price of a new product as provided by a manufacturer, supplier, or seller. Except for books, Amazon will display a List Price if the product was purchased by customers on Amazon or offered by other retailers at or above the List Price in at least the past 90 days. List prices may not necessarily reflect the product's prevailing market price.
Learn more
Get Fast, Free Shipping with Amazon Prime FREE Returns
FREE delivery Tuesday, May 28 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35
Only 1 left in stock - order soon.
$$14.95 () Includes selected options. Includes initial monthly payment and selected options. Details
Price
Subtotal
$$14.95
Subtotal
Initial payment breakdown
Shipping cost, delivery date, and order total (including tax) shown at checkout.
Ships from
Amazon
Ships from
Amazon
Returns
30-day easy returns
30-day easy returns
This item can be returned in its original condition for a full refund or replacement within 30 days of receipt.
Read full return policy
Returns
30-day easy returns
This item can be returned in its original condition for a full refund or replacement within 30 days of receipt.
Read full return policy
Payment
Secure transaction
Your transaction is secure
We work hard to protect your security and privacy. Our payment security system encrypts your information during transmission. We don’t share your credit card details with third-party sellers, and we don’t sell your information to others. Learn more
Payment
Secure transaction
We work hard to protect your security and privacy. Our payment security system encrypts your information during transmission. We don’t share your credit card details with third-party sellers, and we don’t sell your information to others. Learn more
$11.25
Get Fast, Free Shipping with Amazon Prime FREE Returns
This item shows wear including a small tear in the cover, some highlighting or writing, and moderate wear to edges and cover. This item shows wear including a small tear in the cover, some highlighting or writing, and moderate wear to edges and cover. See less
FREE delivery Tuesday, May 28 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35
Only 1 left in stock - order soon.
$$14.95 () Includes selected options. Includes initial monthly payment and selected options. Details
Price
Subtotal
$$14.95
Subtotal
Initial payment breakdown
Shipping cost, delivery date, and order total (including tax) shown at checkout.
Access codes and supplements are not guaranteed with used items.
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Follow the author

Margaret Forster
+ Follow
More books from this author
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

Lady's Maid Hardcover – February 1, 1991

by Margaret Forster (Author)
4.2 4.2 out of 5 stars 728 ratings
See all formats and editions
{"desktop_buybox_group_1":[{"displayPrice":"$14.95","priceAmount":14.95,"currencySymbol":"$","integerValue":"14","decimalSeparator":".","fractionalValue":"95","symbolPosition":"left","hasSpace":false,"showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true,"offerListingId":"sJ6Zgp1Ug2lRMkgEAQi6ymGbHcXtxR1ksr%2F2Ot2ah%2Fq0bcezFA0ToukwekTWZKy263iFsoW6XU2qt%2Fy0y13AYfNG0GLMPYjNmDkPmT3EuvzrBF7iq70h1JdgFPRcMtLwbBneDyq8hcnAesbvrUbCZUhzLueoZ1L9%2BdWadOPa4rj3XTp93xlo%2FZLSEWaSmlVI","locale":"en-US","buyingOptionType":"NEW","aapiBuyingOptionIndex":0}, {"displayPrice":"$11.25","priceAmount":11.25,"currencySymbol":"$","integerValue":"11","decimalSeparator":".","fractionalValue":"25","symbolPosition":"left","hasSpace":false,"showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true,"offerListingId":"sJ6Zgp1Ug2lRMkgEAQi6ymGbHcXtxR1kOrkhzvde516dGuI%2Fx0FEC62XbNqxPKqJLWbHbXR3zAx1evGd8A3LV2GgSClKpD7bEBnaPGhfVwhRxJLHKI%2BjWdpoMZM3cS9%2BsnKl5AfpF91ika%2Ft5nuX3Ckjj67O80ihKd2S4CG732%2FmooIcqyEKA%2BEo5koeDZCa","locale":"en-US","buyingOptionType":"USED","aapiBuyingOptionIndex":1}]}

Purchase options and add-ons

Provides a fictional portrait of Elizabeth Wilson, the indispensible lady's maid to poet Elizabeth Barrett, whose devotion made possible Barrett's marriage to Robert Browning and their flight to Italy
Read more Read less
Previous page
  1. Print length
    548 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Doubleday
  4. Publication date
    February 1, 1991
  5. Dimensions
    1.6 x 6.5 x 9.4 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    0385417926
  7. ISBN-13
    978-0385417921
  8. See all details
Next page
Layla
"Layla" by Colleen Hoover for $7.19
From #1 New York Times bestselling author Colleen Hoover comes a novel that explores life after tragedy and the enduring spirit of love. | Learn more

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

British novelist Forster (Georgy Girl ), whose biographies include Elizabeth Barrett Browning , lures the reader into the attic of the famous house on Wimpole Street, where Barrett's maid, Elizabeth Wilson, composes copious letters to her mother in the North Country. Her correspondence, the fulcrum of the novel, describes her daily experiences, her impressions of the large household and, especially, her sickly but charismatic mistress. Wilson's devotion is such that she forsakes her homeland, her family, a suitor and even her own reputation in order to aid Miss Elizabeth and her suitor Mr. Browning when they elope to Europe. At this point, the novel falters; Forster is not quite capable of juggling the glamorous settings, Wilson's frustrations (the Brownings, though generous in their affection, cannot see Wilson as other than a servant), her difficult marriage and family life. Wilson's ambivalence about Miss Elizabeth, whom she loves and resents, is the most interesting aspect of the novel, but despite otherwise sensitive handling, it is almost glibly resolved in the conclusion. On the whole, however, this is top-drawer historical fiction, akin to the TV series Upstairs, Downstairs in its appeal and its overtures toward discussions of class. 50,000 first printing; $50,000 ad/promo.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal

Until Wilson appeared, it seemed impossible to the agonizingly sensitive and delicate Elizabeth Barrett that anyone could replace the beloved Crow, who had deserted her mistress to marry a baker. As retiring as her new mistress and adept at ministering to the sick, the new maid soon establishes herself as the invalid poetess's defender and companion, even accompanying her in her elopement with Robert Browning. Thus begins an intense relationship that is to become the burden and support of each of their lives. Forster brilliantly explores the uneasy intimacy between mistress and servant, working-class girl and educated lady of leisure to produce a compelling character study and an engrossing novel of the colorful Browning menage. This London Times best seller is highly recommended. --Cynthia Johnson Whealler, Cary Memorial Lib., Lexington, Mass.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Doubleday; First Edition (February 1, 1991)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 548 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0385417926
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0385417921
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.1 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 1.6 x 6.5 x 9.4 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.2 4.2 out of 5 stars 728 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Margaret Forster

Margaret Forster

Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Discover more of the author’s books, see similar authors, read author blogs and more

Customer reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars
4.2 out of 5
728 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

dpipkins
5.0 out of 5 stars If you like Downton Abbey-You will love this book!!!
Reviewed in the United States on February 26, 2014
Verified Purchase
I choose this rating because the book is exciting and filled with great characters. If you like the T.V. Series Downton Abbey, you will really like this novel--and vice versa...if you like the novel, you should check out the T.V. Series Downton Abbey!

The book is based on the aristocratic era and eloquently displays the relationship between the lady's maid and the lady. It starts off a little slow, but if you stick with it, you will enjoy the story.

I hope you enjoy!!
One person found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Rosemary F. Petzold
4.0 out of 5 stars Will the REAL Elizabeth Barrett Browning please stand up?
Reviewed in the United States on July 22, 2013
Verified Purchase
Being a Baylor grad and well-familiar with the Armstrong-Browning connection there, and being a huge fan of both Brownings' poetry, I was a bit apprehensive about reading this fictionalized account of their lives. Margaret Forster has presented a look at EBB that is so unlike what I had expected to read that I was stunned, at first. Barrett family dynamics, and society of the times in which EBB lived, contributed to the peculiarities she displayed, but a lot of her problems can be attributed to the constant demand for laudanum, as well. Whether this is an accurate reflection of the lady, it is an interesting story, as seen through the eyes of her maid, Wilson. The maid allowed her relationship with EBB to completely absorb her, to the point that she became little more than a helpful shadow and not the "friend" EBB had originally said she wanted her to become. Wilson remained at EBB's constant beck and call, even after she had a family of her own. The Browning family's treatment of Wilson was shameful, for the most part, except for Pen's genuine love and devotion. The difference was significant. This book is worth reading, to get a more balanced perspective of the Brownings, aside from the usual reverential adoration, especially if one bears in mind that it is fiction, no matter how well researched it is.
3 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Jean Vegod
3.0 out of 5 stars Hmmm
Reviewed in the United States on March 25, 2018
Verified Purchase
While I found this book compelling, I thought it overlong. I was quite intrigued by Wilson's total devotion and attachment to her mistress, to her own detriment, though I wanted,at times, to scream at her. All things considered, I am a bit uncertain whether I would recommend this to readers who were not English majors.
Helpful
 Report
Kindle Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars But I like being led back in time by someone who cares ...
Reviewed in the United States on January 25, 2018
Verified Purchase
Four stars or five stars? I couldn’t decide. I ended up given this book five stars because it’s stayed with me. Days after finishing, I keep thinking about Wilson—the protagonist. Plus, it’s given me a new perspective on life back in Victorian times—the 1840s or so until the turn of the century. For both those reasons, it merits five stars.

This was a book I looked forward to reading each night and had a hard time putting down. I found myself wrapped in the world of the mid-19th century—the same feeling I get when I read Jane Austen novels, although this book was published in 1991.

I know historical fiction has to take liberties with the facts and that’s okay with me to a point. A writer can learn only so much from letters and other archival materials, so she gets to fill in the blanks. But I like being led back in time by someone who cares about facts, like a biographer. Lady’s Maid was written by Margaret Forster who also wrote a biography of the British poet Elizabeth Barret Browning—the other leading actress in the book’s cast.

Lilly Wilson arrives in the Barrett household in the 1840s to be the lady’s maid for the oldest daughter, Elizabeth. Lilly is known to all simply as Wilson as is the way when you’re in service. She’s a serious, capable, caring lady’s maid who ends up also being a nurse maid, dog walker and more for her mistress Elizabeth aka Miss Barrett.

Miss Barrett is sickly, weak, and pale. For weeks on end she is confined to the sofa in her darkened bedroom, yet she writes poetry and her reputation grows. Wilson is devoted to her mistress, and Barrett in turn is dependent upon Wilson’s care. She seems to enjoy Wilson’s quiet company, and Wilson slowly comes out of her shell.

When Barrett decides to elope with fellow poet Robert Browning, she takes Wilson into her confidence and then takes her along with them to Italy. Now we watch as Wilson transforms from a shy, fearful, change-wary lady’s maid to a confident woman who comes to love her life in Florence and loves her mistress Browning.

However, she’s more than a lady’s maid now. She still nurses her mistress when she becomes ill, which is often, but she’s also nanny to the Browning’s son Pen—but at the same pay as when she started working for the poet.

Class and money run through this book because the relationship between Wilson and her mistress, despite any loving feelings between the two, is defined by class, and, therefore, money. Wilson’s employment and security depends upon the Brownings, but she often deludes herself into believing they have a special relationship, unlike the ones her fellow lady’s maids have with their employers.

Wilson mistakes the attention, appreciation, and tenderness of her mistress for something it’s not, something that’s not possible between their classes. Browning may love her maid but only in a way a maid can be loved. Wilson will always be a servant, always dependent upon others for her home and livelihood, her security in life. The Brownings can have a warm family life, but Wilson is not expected to have the same for herself. The Brownings can travel about Europe visiting friends and family, but Wilson can’t do the same.

The choices Wilson makes have implications for her livelihood. She’s not free to choose to live the way she wishes, and she’s not free to be a wife and mother, not if she wants to stay in service with the Brownings. She dreams of the life she wishes to live, but she is not in a position to make those decisions, her freewill is limited.

Because the book is from Wilson’s point of view, we only glimpse the Brownings’ world through Wilson’s eyes, and we don’t see much. I’d love to read a novel that takes on Elizabeth Barret Browning’s point of view. Even better, one that includes excerpts of her poetry and her husband’s, so I can see the relationship with her lady’s maid from her perspective.

Many reviewers have come away from this book disgusted and disappointed with the Brownings. But how else could they behave? Despite being poets, they are creatures of their time and class. They were raised to be entitled.

If you want to immerse yourself in the Victorian era and feel how class differences made all the difference, read this book.
4 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Joyce L Cerroni
4.0 out of 5 stars Definitely worth the read.
Reviewed in the United States on October 25, 2015
Verified Purchase
I would actually give this book 4.5 starts. The only drawback I found was that it was a bit lengthy and felt it could have been shortened slightly by omitting some of the unnecessary detail near the end. That said, I was totally engrossed in the story, which is very well written and based on actual fact. I know this because on completion of the book I was integrated enough to do further research on Elizabeth Barrett-Browning and her lady's maid. Even if pretty is not your thing, this book is an excellent study on the class distinctions in the 1800s and the restrictions, codes of conduct, and economic implications on both sides of the aisle.
11 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report

Top reviews from other countries

Translate all reviews to English
ふわふわ
5.0 out of 5 stars 一部ネタバレあり⚠️
Reviewed in Japan on June 19, 2020
Verified Purchase
現代と比較してみたり、自分と比較してみたりして、時代は変わるんだなぁとつくづく感じさせられた。
何度も泣かされたし、本当に運命や、人生について考えさせられる良い本だった。
ウィルソンは沢山のものをエリザベスバレットの人生のために犠牲にしたかもしれないが、その分、ウィルソンが得たものもとても大きい。他の人は経験できない苦労や苦しみもあったけど、このように後世にまで名が残るし、上流階級の人でしか見れないもの、経験できないものを彼女は経験している。
何かを得るためには何かを犠牲にしなければならないというのが世の常なのだろうか。エリザベスと彼女はお互いに共依存しているようにも思った。運命共同体のような、離れられない何かが働いているのは確か。これを読むとエリザベスに思慕がないように思う人もいるかもしれないが、エリザベスの一人息子が最期までウィルソンを支え、思慕している。そのように与えた恩は夫妻の子孫が彼女にちゃんと返していると思い、安心した。恩は望んだ形とは違えどいずれ必ず報われ、因果はこのように続いていくのだと教えてもらいました。因果の繋がりや運命の繋がり、魂の繋がりを考えさせてくれるような作品だった。
Report
dollydrops
5.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating book
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 24, 2016
Verified Purchase
A well written and interesting book about a lady's maid in Victorian England. It tells of how she moved down from the North of England to be a maid to a family in London. She was the personal maid to one of the adult daughters who had poor health. The story progresses to when this lady marries and moves abroad taking the maid with her. The story also describes when the maid also marries and unusually is still able to work for the daughter. However there are several tragedies during this time . I found I wanted to keep reading the book until the end because of the many twists in the story and it kept me fascinated until the end. The other interesting thing for me about this story is that it had some thread of truth in it as it was based on a real person. Obviously some parts of the story were made up but it was taken from the letters this maid wrote.
Report
Tracesprite
5.0 out of 5 stars One of the most satisfying books I've read for a long time
Reviewed in Australia on March 3, 2017
Verified Purchase
This story absorbed me. I woke early in the morning to read it. I read it until late at night. I lived like an unseen spirit beside the maid, Wilson, who worked for the poet and invalid, Elizabeth Barratt. When I put the book aside, I knew it was waiting to transport me back to those former times. It's partly a story about how a strong personality can exert a powerful pull over a gentler, more timid personality, at times swamping the weaker one but also, in this case, acting subtly to change positively how Wilson saw herself. Through her work with the Browning family, Wilson gained experiences that few lady's maids did in those days, but her life was still severely restricted by her poverty and lack of choices due to being "lower class." Margaret Forster is able to move the reader into such close-ups that you feel like you're living the story along with Wilson. The ending, contained in the afterword, was really satisfying. I still relish the thought of it, and I feel like I really lived through those extraordinary times.
Report
Cherry Anne Howard
5.0 out of 5 stars Delivered from USA
Reviewed in Spain on May 1, 2016
Verified Purchase
Libro secundo mano en bien estado. Magaret Forster es una grande autor y ese novela es un bien reprsentation de su ttrabajo
Report
Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Loved it. Followed it up with "Elizabeth Barrett Browning" ...
Reviewed in Canada on August 13, 2014
Verified Purchase
Loved it. Followed it up with "Elizabeth Barrett Browning" by Margaret Forster and "Robert Browning"
( Illustrated) by G.K. Chesterton
Report