From the author of The Other Einstein, the mesmerizing tale of what kind of woman could have inspired an American dynasty.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, … 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 he 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..
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A well-developed fictional story of Carnegie‘s maid. The story starts with a twist of events that lands a young woman in the home of Carnegie as the maid to his mother. Her determination to fulfill her obligation to her family she makes herself indispensable. In doing so she is noticed by Mr. Carnegie. The inner actions of the two main characters is both interesting and entertaining. It is a story that is worth the read.
Very interest time piece. Good look at that period.
interesting story but kind of a white-wash of Carnegie who was pretty ruthless
I loved this book and being from Pittsburgh it made it even more enjoyable,
Always interested in books about my hometown – Pittsburgh!
I enjoyed the story with real people as characters. I was a little disappointed with the ending.
a great book–I loved it–what a wonderful story
great book—-lots of wonderful word pictures
I really loved Marie Benedict’s novel “The Other Einstein” but was slightly disappointed in this historical novel. I did enjoy it but not as much. It is an interesting read though.
This was such a lovely story, I wish it was nonfiction. Classic story of rich man falls in love with his mother’s maid, but circumstances prohibit the match and each person never fully forgets their first live.
Could not put it down.
This was a well written book about the times of Andrew Carnegie. I enjoyed the story and information about the Carnegie family. There is so much more to Andrew Carnegie than what is written about him in today’s high school history books.
I don’t often read books that deal with real people, but every now and then I am surprised by something I wasn’t sure I would like. “Carnegie’s Maid” is well worth the read.
A delightful story about the relationship between Andrew Carnegie, and Clara Kelley, a young Irish immigrant who, by chance takes on the position of lady’s maid to his mother. Told in Clara’s voice, it’s hard not to empathize with her plight as she struggles to secure her position in order to help support her family back in Ireland, who are in dire straits. As if that wasn’t enough, she embarks on a familiarity with Andrew Carnegie. Intense in its own way, it shows how two people who hail from similar beginnings can connect, and enjoy the companionship of the other despite the current difference in their status.
Unfortunately, the reality of their situation, and the gulf that separates them, is highlighted by a business decision Andrew Carnegie is instrumental in bringing about. It results in the lay-off of a great many men, driving entire families into unimaginable poverty. Clara is horrified at what has happened, even more so because distant relatives are affected, but it is Andrew’s callous “that’s business” attitude, and his ability to distance himself from the outcome, which trouble her more.
Despite this, the author tantalizes us with the idea that ultimately Clara is the one responsible for setting Andrew Carnegie’s feet on the path to philanthropy. It’s a wonderful thought, and the idea that he might have been influenced in such a way only adds to the story overall enjoyment. A great read and a definite keeper for my bookshelf.
Historical fiction. Wonderful characters, interesting plot, well written. Immigrants making their own way against the odds.
Having been a member of the Pittsburgh population for 40 years I truly enjoyed the historical value of this book.
I can’t say too much about the book except that I wish this was a true story
Good way to better understand life in that time period t a better understanding of the Carnegies
I felt that the pace was rather slow. It was interesting as far as historical views but sleepy in interest.
I enjoyed the look into the life of the up-and-coming immigrant rich.
Carnegie’s Maid is an attempt by the author to explain the sudden personality transformation of Andrew Carnegie from tough, hard-nosed business tycoon to eventually becoming one of America’s great philanthropist. The story is engaging and makes for a light entertaining read.