Overview

In 1928, Rosina Harrison arrived at the illustrious household of the Astor family to take up her new position as personal maid to the infamously temperamental Lady Nancy Astor, who sat in Parliament, entertained royalty, and traveled the world. She's not a lady as you would understand a lady was the butler's ominous warning. But what no one expected was that the iron-willed Lady Astor was about to meet her match in the no-nonsense, whip-smart girl from the country. For thirty-five years, from the parties thrown for royalty and trips across the globe, to the air raids during World War II, Rose was by Lady Astor's side and behind the scenes, keeping everything running smoothly. In charge of everything from the clothes and furs to the baggage to the priceless diamond sparklers, Rose was closer to Lady Astor than anyone else. In her decades of service she received one 5-pound raise, but she traveled the world in style and retired with a lifetime's worth of stories. Like Gosford Park and Downton Abbey, Rose is not only a captivating insight into the great wealth 'upstairs' and the endless work 'downstairs'; it is also the story of an unlikely decades-long friendship that grew between Her Ladyship and her spirited Yorkshire maid.

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9798200070770

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Reviews

"Lady Astor's personal maid reveals her 'upstairs, downstairs' relationships with England's grandest family. . . . Fascinating and deliciously readable!-- ""The New York Times Book Review"" ""A delectable assortment of tales and details...Not only a crackling comedy of manners but a sense of the way it was, firsthand."" -- ""Newsweek"" ""An extraordinary document, realistic, candid, and a rare look from the vantage point below stairs at a nostalgically romanticized world."" -- ""Los Angeles Times"" ""Listeners are in for a treat...The superb Wanda McCaddon takes the listener through a time warp and plants us in the early twentieth century, when ocean liners are the chief means of transportation and being a lady's maid is a desirable profession. With �lan McCaddon transitions from Rose's Yorkshire accent to Lady Astor's witty outspoken cadence--as well as to the voices of the many other staff as they recount their anecdotes. It's a delight for the ears and a feast for the imagination. Winner of the AudioFile Earphones Award."" -- ""AudioFile"""

Author Information

Rosina Harrison (1899-1989) served as Lady Nancy Astor's personal maid for over thirty-five years. She is the author of Gentlemen's Gentlemen and Rose: My Life in Service to Lady Astor. Wanda McCaddon (a.k.a. Nadia May or Donada Peters) has narrated well over six hundred titles for major audiobook publishers, has earned numerous Earphones Awards, and was named a Golden Voice by AudioFile magazine.

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