A Countess Below Stairs
A Countess Below Stairs
Book Brief
Beta383
Novel • Fiction
England • 1920s
2007
12-18 years
Super Short Summary
A Countess Below Stairs by Eva Ibbotson follows Anna, a Russian countess who flees to England during the Russian Revolution. She begins working as a maid in an aristocratic household, where she navigates new challenges and relationships while keeping her noble background a secret.
Reviews & Readership
22,657 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Reviews of Eva Ibbotson's A Countess Below Stairs highlight its charming narrative and engaging character development. Positive feedback emphasizes the book's warmth and historical setting. Some criticism focuses on predictability and occasional stereotypes. Overall, it is appreciated for its feel-good storyline and romantic elements.
Who Should Read A Countess Below Stairs?
A reader who would enjoy A Countess Below Stairs by Eva Ibbotson is likely a fan of historical romance novels with strong, noble-hearted protagonists and a touch of fairy-tale charm. Comparable to readers of Downton Abbey or The Secret Countess by Eva Ibbotson, they appreciate stories of resilience, love, and class struggles set against a richly detailed historical backdrop.
22,657 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Eva Ibbotson originally published A Countess Below Stairs in the UK under the title The Secret Countess in 1981, and it was later renamed for the US market.
The novel draws richly on Ibbotson's own experiences as a refugee from Austria, imbuing the story with authentic historical and cultural details of post-World War I England.
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A Countess Below Stairs is often celebrated for its romantic and fairytale-like elements, blending themes of aristocracy, identity, and love in a historical setting.
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383
Novel • Fiction
England • 1920s
2007
12-18 years
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