The House at Riverton: Summary and book reviews of The House at Riverton by Kate Morton, plus links to an excerpt from The House at Riverton and a biography of Kate Morton.

Grace Bradley went to work at Riverton House as a servant when she was just a girl, before the First World War. For years her life was inextricably tied up with the Hartford family, most particularly the two daughters, Hannah and Emmeline. In the summer of 1924, at a glittering society party held at the house, a young poet shot himself. The only witnesses were Hannah and Emmeline and only they -- and Grace -- know the truth. In 1999, when Grace is ninety-eight years old and living out her last days in a nursing home, she is visited by a young director who is making a film about the events of that summer. She takes Grace back to Riverton House and reawakens her memories. Told in flashback, this is the story of Grace's youth during the last days of Edwardian aristocratic privilege shattered by war, of the vibrant twenties and the changes she witnessed as an entire way of life vanished forever. The novel is full of secrets -- some revealed, others hidden forever, reminiscent of the romantic suspense of Daphne du Maurier. It is also a meditation on memory, the devastation of war and a beautifully rendered window into a fascinating time in history. Originally published to critical acclaim in Australia, already sold in ten countries and a #1 bestseller in England, The House at Riverton is a vivid, page-turning novel of suspense and passion, with characters -- and an ending -- the reader won't soon forget. First published in Australia as The Shifting Fog.

BookBrowse

While other reviewers have faulted The House at Riverton for being slow moving I think it moves along at just the right pace. In order to get to know Grace in all her complexity the plot couldn't be rushed. Peering, as we do, into her memories gives us a thorough understanding of where she has been, how she has evolved and who she currently is. It also establishes motivation for the actions of the people she summons up from her past. In the end I was glad to have become acquainted with Grace Reeves and a little sad that I would never get the chance to meet her face-to-face.  (Reviewed by Donna Chavez).

Full Review (891 words).

Media Reviews

Library Journal - Joy St. John Intriguing characters, both past and present, are skillfully drawn to create an enjoyable tale.   Kirkus Reviews Though the climactic revelation feels contrived, Morton's characters and their predicaments are affecting, and she recreates the period with a sure hand.   Publishers Weekly Starred Review. Morton triumphs with a riveting plot, a touching but tense love story and a haunting ending.   Sydney Morning Herald - Amanda Hooton The Shifting Fog by Kate Morton is a hard novel to assess. Its story of an English aristocratic family in terminal decline (surely not) is mildly interesting and competently structured. In fact, it all seems a bit too easy: the sort of novel that you or I could write, if only we had the time and the incentive and a reliable home computer. This, of course, is utterly unfair. It may not be great art, but Morton has written it and we have not. She researched and struggled and sweated and got the job done while we were out having coffee and talking about it; and so she deserves every penny and every red carpet that comes her way. (The House at Riverton was first published in Australia as The Shifting Fog, but was renamed for its 2007 publication in the UK.

Recent Reader Reviews

Rated of 5 by SAM
The (Re)Birth of a Nation - Sort of
This is a book that explores a world of different things skillfully and enjoyably. It's also a welcome change from the plethora of books that seem to written so copies can be sold to book club members. It actually has some substance. The setting...   Read More

Rated of 5 by Rachael
Amazing
I don't think i have ever been as drawn into a book as i was with The House at Riverton. at night I found myself thinking about Grace and what she would do next. Kate Morton is such a brilliant writer she truly does have a gift. as soon as I...   Read More

Rated of 5 by radodd
Blown Away!
I was truly blown away by this author. Morton takes you though the English countryside and inside the main character's head. It's amazing where you find yourself in this book. Each twist is not expected. I didn't see any of it coming, and then...   Read More

Rated of 5 by Diane Woods
Creative endeavor
I enjoyed the world created by Morton's imagination and I am in awe of her creativity. The book has stayed with me and that to me is a sign of a good book. The book is rich in offering insights into the history of the times; I even enjoyed the...   Read More

Rated of 5 by Joanne
The House at Riverton
I very much liked this book although it did remind me of several others I have read, namely "Rebecca" and "A Woman of Substance". The one thing I would have liked is that the character of Grace be developed more fully. I liked the going back...   Read More

Rated of 5 by Juli
The House at Riverton
This book is somewhat reminiscent of The Thirteenth Tale. It’s told in flashback by an elderly woman, sisters (one named Emmeline) are part of the story, the setting is in an old family house, and many secrets are gradually revealed. That...   Read More

...14 More Reader Reviews

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