Carnegie's Maid

Coming into this, I knew very little about Andrew Carnegie, and I admit that I wasn't sure it would be a romance or not. As a book, it's a fun, engaging read that's over all too quickly. The author has a crisp voice that I found very well-suited to historical fiction, and the main character in particular is beautifully crafted. Details are excellent, but not overwhelming or gratuitous. The emotional tone is also a glowing point for me--there's such a good balance. Never any maudlin displays that go beyond believability, while also avoiding the dreaded robotic drone of lacking emotion.

Clara Kelley is from a farming family in Ireland, sent to America to bolster their income. When she arrives, she hears a man call her name. Although she's pretty sure this posh man in a bowler hat is looking for a different woman with the same name, Clara takes the opportunity. She has to tell some lies and mask her accent a bit, but she makes it to the formidable Mrs Seeley, a placement agency owner who intended the other Clara to be Mrs Carnegie's lady's maid. Clara makes herself indispensable by realising that Mrs Carnegie is new to society and needs assurance as well as the high standards she more openly touts. Although Clara's initial efforts to be a lady's maid are blustering through with cautious guesswork, she also seeks information from a book in the library, which made her later settling into her role more believable. She meets Andrew Carnegie in the library.

I loved Clara. She's pragmatic and firm in her convictions. She makes difficult decisions like hiding her true faith (Catholics were not popular) without doing stupid wishy-washy things that would put her in danger of losing her position. She's realistic and not precious about pondering or accepting hard facts of life. Nor is she unfeeling. When she begins a friendship with Andrew Carnegie, she is careful to protect herself from impropriety and is wary of how a man in his position could easily destroy her life.

She does struggle to make sense of Carnegie's inconsistent behaviour, and not just in regards to her. I had trouble with his characterisation in this book. Most of the time he reminded me of the classic lionising of Teddy Roosevelt in Hollywood films. Bright, optimistic, and irritatingly unrealistic in the refusal to examine his flaws. Of course, as I said at the start, I didn't know much about him, so I may have just balked at his personality changing so much dependant on the company he was in.

However, it did hurt the romance for me. They have chemistry. They spend time together. But Carnegie's behaviour is beyond mercurial. His mother is described as such, and her characterisation bears it out, but Carnegie came across to me as two different people. I found I preferred the ruthless businessman shouting at his superiors/colleagues to the egalitarian nice guy who never has an argument with Clara. He's too perfect when he plays the love interest. It makes their early encounters look suspect, and I shared Clara's discomfort whenever he gave her a lavish and inappropriate gift.

The supporting characters are all drawn well and add to the setting and a lot of Clara's musings and revelations about the world. The household's cook Mr Ford is her only friend among the servants, and her immediate family and some cousins keep her grounded and show an important contrast between the life she would have had and the one she made for herself. The Carnegies' snooty society neighbours added some nice colour and drama as well.

Unfortunately, the ending feels rushed. While reading, I felt like Benedict tried to accomplish things that should have already been covered, some of it in an effort to tie the end to the prologue. The prologue set up some expectations that I don't think ever really saw sufficient delivery. It's in Carnegie's point of view, and he thinks about Clara as if she's a spitfire who often spoke of equality with passion, and I don't think she ever came across as such a caricature. The pacing is fine, but the ideas introduced in the prologue kind of felt left alone until the end in an awkward and unnatural way.

The epilogue is quite good, though. It's a thirty years later epilogue that reaches back to the author's intent on covering Carnegie's libraries and public works. Every side character I worried about had their subplots wrapped up nicely, and I liked how Clara chose to live her life after leaving the Carnegie household. In all, I'd say that this book is worth the time and the small hiccoughs. Mostly, said hiccoughs made me wish the book was longer, and isn't that usually a good thing?

I was very keen to get my hands on Carnegie's Maid after reading the amazing The Other Einstein last year. You can read my review of that one here: https://lifehasafunnywayofsneakinguponyou.wordpress.com/2016/10/14/einstein-marie-benedict-review/

Marie Benedict does not disappoint. She states that the idea came to her after reading about Andrew Carnegie who founded the Carnegie Libraries and of course the famous Carnegie Medal book award for children's fiction was named after him. Marie noticed that there was a puzzle around why the multi millionaire named the richest man in the world and intent on industrial business, would venture out into founding charitable libraries for the lower classes.

Marie, as with her work on The Other Einstein combines history with fiction to plot a story. In Carnegie's Maid, Cara Kelley is sent to America by her poor Irish family hoping to find her fortune. By a stroke of luck she is mistaken for another Cara Kelley who unfortunately passed away on the ship. She finds herself in the other Cara Kelley's job as a ladies maid to Mrs Carnegie.

The novel tells the story of Cara's deception as she tries to make her way in a job she has no idea how to do and also support her family back home who are depending on her financially.

The book is interesting and well written and a nice thought, that a lost woman in history could have influenced Carnegie's change of heart. Marie writes as if it is true and it is wholly believable. A love story like no other, a hidden past and a fear of deception being revealed. Marie is the one to watch in a genre she has claimed as her own.

Clara Kelley gets off the boat after traveling from Ireland in the 1860s and not sure where she should go next. She is mistaken for another Clara Kelley on the same ship and becomes lady's maid to Mrs. Carnegie, the mother of Andrew Carnegie. Clara's father made sure hs girls went ot school and were educated even though he was just a farmer. She calls on what she has read to get her through this new life and position. Mr. Carnegie allows her to use the library and they often talk about poets. He finds her studying the business news and they talk about what he is doing. She has some ideas too that she eventually shares. This gives him ideas and he opens an account with money for her with the ideas she gave him. They grow to care about each other but she is a maid and not of his class. Then she has her secrets and she has the responsibility of helping her family. Many levels are in play and adds great reading to the story.

I requested Carnegie's Maid because as someone who has always wanted to be a librarian, his area of philanthropy really sparked my interest. What I discovered was one of the best historical fiction novels you're going to run into anywhere. The character of Clara Kelley was written so well it brought her fiesty determination right off the page and formed a picture in my imagination. When I am able too, I will be recommending Carnegie's Maid to my local library and any reading friends with even the remotest interest in the historical fiction genre. I gave it 5 stars for Marie Benedict's artistry in constructing a book that transporters the reader along with Clara Kelley. Thank you for the opportunity to read a galley copy of the eBook. I honestly loved it.

A very simple story: Irish immigrant Clara Kelly arrives to New York. She leaves behind struggling with the poverty and famine family. She is facing New World with coming to America, the world, which suppose to help her to help her parents and sisters. However once she is free to go from the ship and Ellis Island customs something unexpected happens: Clara gets a maid job at a very rich Pittsburgh family: The Carnegies. And the life will take its own course since then.
It’s the story of “ifs” but a very plausible “ifs”. In the world of 19th century America everything was possible. This story could have happened. I loved all characters: Clara for trying to be honest to her believes and helping her family against all odds; Tom Carnegie for being typical 19th century “entrepreneur” building step by step his family empire and struggling at the same time with his own vision of the world; Mrs Carnegie for being so real when she is trying to get away from her past as a very poor mother who tried to save her family. And all other beautiful written background characters without which this book wouldn’t be complete.
It’s a work of fiction but a very believable. Five starts for great imaginations and a well-written story.

This is a wonderful story of the immigrant experience in America in the 1860s. Several characters are immigrants and I appreciated that one minor characters was also a freed slave, so some insight is given into that terrible part of our history. The author did a wonderful job exploring the complex person of Andrew Carnegie. All fans of historical fiction will enjoy this book, but as a Pittsburgher I was especially fascinated to step into my city and see how different it was all those years ago.

I loved the characters of Clara and Andrew! I love how Clara reminds Andrew of where he started and she constantly tests him and pushes him. I loved the ending even though I felt it was a little abrupt. I also felt like the plot could've been pumped up a bit. Overall good book! Thank you Netgalley!

A beautifully written well researched book that is a pleasure to read. It is well put together and tells the story of Andrew Carnegie and Clara really well.

Excellent!!! I enjoyed this book immensely. It's a period of time many find fascinating, and I felt as though Ms. Benedict was true to the era and to the social and economic mores of the time. It always thrills me to read a novel steeped in reality as this one was, especially one as well researched as this obviously was. And then written with a great deal of heart so that it never felt too dry to give enjoyment.

Thanks SOURCEBOOKS Landmark and netgalley for this ARC.

From the viewpoints of Carnegie and Clara, we get a full picture of the times they lived in and their hearts. Clara will endear herself to you in no time, and you'll either agree with her decisions or lament them.

Fast becoming an authoritative author on strong and often overlooked historical women, Marie Benedict scores another success with "Carnegie's Maid".

In 1863, Clara Kelly is immigrating to America. She arrives to a new world unfamiliar to her as she docks in Philadelphia. On her way to Pittsburgh, fate intervenes and takes her to the home of one of the wealthiest families in this new America-the Carnegies.

Assigned to be Mrs. Carnegie's lady's maid, Clara must learn quickly the rules and etiquette for a prestigious family that prides itself on working its way from the bottom to the top. In the Carnegie household are also Mrs. Carnegie's two bachelor sons-Andrew and younger brother Thomas (Tom).

Alone in a new world, the only family Clara has is a cousin nearby, Patrick, who lives with his wife, Maeve, in a more industrial part of town whose fate brings into Clara's view what immigrant life is like for thousands more people who cross oceans for a new chance and opportunity. Her only possible friend in her new workplace is Mr. Ford, the butler, who warns her about overstepping her bounds while also worrying about his wife and daughter who have escaped from slavery during the Civil War.

Clara, educated by her father and smart on her own accord, finds a kindred spirit in Andrew Carnegie and the two become closer, bonding through books and Clara helps Andrew see new possibilities for his work that make him appreciate and pursue Clara all the more. She also challenges him on his newfound wealth, urging him not to forget his past as a fellow immigrant looking for more in this new country.

Only in this new world, teeming with possibility, some rules still apply and the wealthy son of a prestigious family falling in love with a lady's maid would have negative repercussions for them all.

Told from Clara's point-of-view, the novel follows her from her first step in America through her relationship with future philanthropist Andrew Carnegie. Benedict has a good eye for detail without overpowering the narrative and makes sure that what the characters have on the line is clearly stated and the risks of what history's women had to take noted.

As with her fiction debut "The Other Einstein" (a Target Book Club Pick for September 2017), "Carnegie's Maid" is a Book Club dream, full of potential discussion questions and research possibilities.

Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for early access to this terrific book due out in January 2018.

I'm a fan of historical fiction, and I really enjoyed this book. This is a fascinating peek at one of America's most wealthy families, and of the Irish immigrant experience in the late 1800s. It's told from Clara's point of view, and to experience her inner dialogue as she lives among the wealthy Carnegies and their friends is fascinating.

Clara Kelly is sent by her family in Ireland to the United States to get a job so she can get away from the poverty that afflicts them and hopefully send money back home. Her family are tenant farmers who are slowly losing their land, and her father is involved in the Irish independence movement against the English.

When Clara gets off the boat in Philadelphia, she is mistaken for another Clara Kelly, who died at sea and who was intended to be a lady's maid. She decides to take the job, and she relies on her father's education and her knowledge of the manners of the Irish landowners back home.

Clara becomes the lady's maid to Mrs. Carnegie, who immigrated from Scotland with her family. Her eldest son Andrew worked hard and studied the ways of his employers and founded the family fortune. Clara and Andrew meet and find kindred souls in one another. They are both intelligent hard workers who want to get ahead, and Clara influences Andrew's thinking and his actions.

The character development is very good, and the budding romance between Clara and Andrew isn't the focus of the book. The writing is solid and the book moves along quickly and held my interest.

I definitely recommend this book, especially for lovers of historical fiction.

Thanks to Sourcebooks Landmark and NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This novel is a wonderfully imagined historical fiction! I loved everything about it--the historical details (both the upperclass, the immigrants, AND their interactions), the possibility of romance, the hesitation, plights, and determination of Clara, the lady's maid. Clara's narrative is plausible and would explain so much if the coreof it was true. I think I will choose to believe this version of Andrew Carnegie's life, because it has a most realistic portrayal of him behaving like every other human being--capable of love.

Andrew Carnegie, originally an Scottish immigrant grew to be the most powerful and richest man in America. He was assuredly a self made man, one who grew to control the steel industry in America and later became a philanthropist and is given credit for the concept of a free library where all could educate themselves through the reading of books. Having little formal education, he grew up in a family where education through books was valued. Andrew carried this throughout his life and believed that "There is no use whatever trying to help people who do not help themselves. You cannot push anyone up a ladder unless he be willing to climb himself."

The book [book:Carnegie's Maid|34931300], is a fictitious account of a maid, Clara Kelly, and Irish immigrant who was supposedly the impetus behind Carnegie's philanthropy and the finding of free lending libraries. Clara assumes the name of another traveler to America who perished on the journey and becomes the personal mail to Mrs Carnegie, Andrew's mother. Clara is a noble soul, happy for the position in the household while worrying about the conditions at home faced by her family. Andrew befriends her seeing a woman who is both brilliant and true, not knowing her secret identity. He and Clara fall in love and of course the social strata between them prohibits this relationship. Mrs Carnegie, forgetting from whence she has come, is full of herself. She looks down upon the help and when she senses something between Andrew and Clara, she takes it upon herself to investigate Clara with dire consequences for Clara.

Told through Clara's point of view, this story tells us of the struggles of immigrants and the rise of the wealthy class in America. It portrays this society as elitist and at the opposite end shows the struggles of those in both Ireland and America who are dirt poor. Thankfully, Mr Carnegie after amassing his wealth, did whatever his money and fame brought him to help those in need.

Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an unbiased review.

Extremely well written story even though I do not entirely agree with the premise of the fictionalization of Andrew Carnegie's character. I found the fiction part of the story a little too far fetched and perhaps not as realistic as I'd like it to be considering the man I know Andrew Carnegie to be. Still an enjoyable read. I'd consider reading other works by Ms Benedict because her writing itself, and her storytelling is excellent.

I was pleased to get the opportunity to read an advance copy of Carnegie’s Maid. I hadn’t known much about Carnegie, and I found this book very informative about him as well as life for both immigrants and the wealthy during the time period of the book. It was told from the point of view of an Irish immigrant maid which was a great vehicle to convey the story. I also appreciated that unlike most novels of this type (including Benedict’s previous book about Einstein’s wife), I wasn’t disillusioned about the “celebrity” after reading the book.

I think the author did an excellent job demonstrating what life was like both in the US and Ireland in the 1860s for people in all walks of life. The novelization made it a very pleasant and easy way to learn history. I recommend this book and think it would be a good choice for book discussion groups.

I really liked this book. It was well-written with interesting characters. I loved learning more about the Carnegie family and a little about history through their story. It was a little like Downton Abbey as you got to see and experience life for the wealthy and elite as well as for the immigrants and the poorer class that served them. I really enjoyed the author's perspective of showing strengths and intellect in both classes and how the two main characters grew to appreciate one another through those common strengths and interests. I did not want to put this book down and really found myself invested in the character's and their journey.

I really loved reading this book- Carnegie's maid by Marie Benedict. This is a book with 47 chapters and around 200 pages. The author has borrowed historical facts from her own family ancestry and created a captivating tale of America during the period of the civil wars.

The story begins with, well known figure, Andrew Carnegie, reminiscing about his past and the significant role played by his mother's maid in his life. Then we delve into the first person narrative of Clara Kelly, who is aboard a ship of immigrants mostly from Ireland. All of them, including herself, are enroute to America to seek various jobs to provide for their family back home.
Clara, especially, needs to undertake this journey to save her farmland from being seized by other rich landowners. Though Clara knows nothing about being a ladies maid, she quickly adpts to that role. There is some confusion, however, about the real Clara Kelly who actually happened to board the ship. The rest of the book is all about the discovery of the lifestyle in America of those days by Clara. She needs to adjust with a huge number of housestaff and educate herself on the tasks of looking after Mrs Carnegie. Having constant doubt as to her duties, she often steals down to the private library to look up books on that subject. She meets Andrew Carnegie in this way. Both of them bond over their love for books . But there are many obstacles to keep them apart. Mrs Carnegie disapproves of their relationship and the master-servant discrimination is a constant reminder of their differences. However, Andrew discovers that Clara is talented in areas of investment and assists her in some projects. As a result of this, Clara ends up making quite some money in the end. However this story ends tragically but Clara never forgets the legacy of Andrew Carnegie.

This book reads like a diary of sorts. You feel you are one with Clara, every step of the way. Apart from some confusion at the beginning of the book about the real and false Clara Kelly; this book is a delightful read which remains with the reader long after its completion.

Benedict has penned a thoroughly entrancing novel highlighting a forbidden romance between nouveau riche Andrew Carnegie and his mother’s lady’s maid, Clara Kelley. Clara arrived in America after being sent from her native Ireland to find work so that she could send some funds back to her family and help support them as they struggled to keep their land in 19th century Ireland.

After crossing the Atlantic to land in Philadelphia, Clara is stunned when someone is calling her name. Taking a chance at financial security and a job, Clara takes the place of another Clara Kelley who ostensibly died on the voyage across the Atlantic and was to take a position as a lady’s maid in Pittsburgh.

After her arrival in Pittsburgh, Clara is determined to learn everything she can to be the best lady’s maid possible to Mr. Carnegie, mother to the famously wealthy Andrew Carnegie. Though the Carnegie’s left their poverty in Scotland behind and have amassed enormous wealth in America, Mrs. Carnegie is still unsure how to best assimilate into polite society and privately relies on Clara, a well-educated but poor Irish woman, to assist her.

Despite Mrs. Carnegie’s apparent indifference to Clara in public, she develops a dependence on the maid who sees to her every need. But she knows little of Clara’s burgeoning friendship with Andrew, a man who seems to admire Clara’s candor and her desire to understand how he achieved his success in business.

As her family’s living conditions in Ireland deteriorate, Clara remains more determined to do nothing to jeopardize her job and distances herself from Andrew. Yet the constant allure between them is an ever-present force that neither can ignore.

Though romance between servants and their masters is a common enough theme in historical novels, Benedict has created a novel that achieves what few others in the same genre have achieved-her protagonists’ desire for one another is based upon a shared intellectual nature that is carefully combined with physical desire yet is even more alluring than physical desire alone.

As Benedict explores the pitfalls of such a relationship between Clara and Andrew, she develops a masterful cast of characters in this winning storyline which is both mesmerizing and intensely riveting.

When Clara Kelly steps off the ship she is so thrilled to be on solid ground, it is not difficult to follow the sound of her name being called. She easily falls into a carriage headed for Pittsburgh in the shoes of another Clara Kelly who did not survive the ocean crossing. Suddenly swept up into a world she never imagined, Clara finds herself as a ladies maid for Mrs. Carnegie, the stern but brilliant mother of Andrew, industrialist and business magnate. Clara, daughter of an Irish farmer that insisted his girls be highly educated, begins an unexpected friendship with Andrew. As her teacher and mentor the two fall into a pattern of trust and honesty that is rarely found between a man and a woman at the time, certainly outrageous for a servant and master of the house. While Clara sends money home to help her struggling family, she is burdened by her own secrets and dreams of a future where she can be free to work and thrive. Once again, incredible author Marie Benedict brings history to life with this intriguing, emotional, deeply touching story of America and the dreams it holds for us all. Highly recommend this incredible new novel. A must read!!

I loved everything about this book. Clara Kelly is sent to the US to help support her family. She is mistaken for a different Clara Kelly and ends up a ladies maid to Mrs. Carnegie. She develops a relationship with Andrew Carnegie and is ultimately the impetus behind his philanthropy. A little drama, a little romance, and a well told story made a six hour flight fly by. Highly recommend.

Detailed and delightful. Thoroughly enjoyable story charting the developing relationship between Andrew & Clara, in spite of the class divide ever present in the era.

Considering the politics of today in America as wealth distribution and economic inequity is forefront in many people's minds, this is a very topical book. Andrew Carnegie was once the world's wealthiest man, accruing his millions from the Civil War era through the early part of the 20th century. Carnegie also became one of the world's foremost philanthropists, giving away 90% of his fortune and endowing universities and libraries worldwide. Marie Benedict (The Other Einstein) has created a fictitious story of the reasons behind how he journeyed from his role as a 'robber baron' to one of the great charitable givers of all time. This story involves a young Irish maid, an impossible love story, the hardship of an immigrant life, the corrupted ties of family, and the inevitable ending that brought the world Carnegie's philanthropy. I found the first half to be the most compelling, with the ending a bit thin; I would have liked further development of the epilogue and both main character's life changes. Yet, it was an interesting read and definitely makes me more curious about this generous man.

The story of Andrew Carnegie and the Irish maid Clara who helps him become the man that we know as a philanthropist. Andrew was a Scottish immigrant who never wanted to be poor again. He wasn't always the person who he ended up to be.
Very information history of the man and time period.
Learned a Lot enjoyed reading.

Much in the same vein as Downton Abbey, this novel follows the plight of the young Clara Kelley, an immigrant from Ireland during the mid 1800’s. I was instantly sympathetic to the story of this downtrodden girl and quickly was drawn into the plot. The characters were richly written and realistic and I found myself sneaking off to read snippets of the book during work, at the gym and on my lunches. If you enjoy period dramas of any sort, go get this book the minute it comes out. It is intricately researched and brought me to the era it t

A case of mistaken identity leads to an young Irish woman unexpectedly landing a job as a lady's maid with the Carnegies. This Gilded Age tale, complete with the inherent tension between "upstairs" privilege and "downstairs" duty, captivated me.

Set in the late 1800 in Pittsburgh, this book takes you back in time when the rich had maids and servants, when they traveled in private train cars and made an obscene amount of money.

Clara is fresh off the boat. She lies her way into a position as Lady’s Maid for Mrs. Carnegie, Andrew Carnegie’s mother. Clara is smart and quick on her feet. She must be to create the life her parents intended. However, she has an attraction to Andrew Carnegie as a mentor. This attraction grows stronger the more they are together and could possibly bring down Clara’s house of cards.

The setting of the book is fabulous. The wealth, the poverty and the struggle to survive life, I felt like I was inside the pages with Clara. I also loved how much I learned reading this tale. I was researching Carnegie, Pittsburgh and NYC. I love historical fiction because I always learn something.

I am having trouble with this review. Basically, because I enjoyed the book so much, but there are some problems. I think the author glorified Carnegie a little too much. She created a very sincere and kind man and I am not sure he was as kind as she made him out to be. He did make his fortune on the backs and deaths of many workers. This is briefly touched on but I felt it should be expanded on more. Yes, it is a fiction book and he was a great philanthropist, but he also treated his factory workers poorly.

Marie Benedict is an expert on research. Her stories are vivid and memorable. I do love this book, I just felt it could have been more realistic.

I received this novel from the publisher via Netgalley for a honest review.

This book starts with an unbelievable premise, on which the whole plot hangs. Clara Kelly assumes the identity of a dead girl with the same name who happened to be traveling on the same boat to America. It gives you a good taste of the trials of the Irish immigrant and is a reminder how American prejudice used to be directly squarely at the Irish Catholics.

The book reminds me in some ways of Jane Eyre and other books from the period that looked to have love bridge the social gap between rich and poor. But it’s not giving anything away to say there’s no happy ending here.

While the story here is interesting, I didn’t find the main character to be compelling or believable. I just didn’t engage fully with Clara. We’re meant to believe that a ladies maid is the impetus behind Carnegie’s funding of the public libraries he founded. We’re also meant to believe that some of Carnegie’s business ideas were actually Clara’s. I found her character to be more device than real.

Carnegie’s story is interesting, however, especially how he made his money. Benedict doesn’t try to whitewash his tactics, including insider trading. At times, I wished the story were more directly about him. Benedict does her best job at painting Mrs. Carnegie. A true rarity in her day, she was a shrewd businesswoman but socially insecure.

The parts in enjoyed most are the details about the times and social mores. The necessity of a chatelaine to help ladies prone to fainting because of their tight corsets is an excellent example. And Benedict shines when she contrasts the wealth of the Carnegies and their friends to the lot of the poor in Ireland and Pittsburgh.

This book will appeal to those who favor historical romance.

My thanks to netgalley and Landmark Sourcebooks for an advance copy of this novel.

When I first saw Carnegie's Maid as an upcoming release on NetGalley, I immediately took note of the author's name--Marie Benedict. Earlier this year, I read and thoroughly enjoyed Benedict's previous novel, The Other Einstein, and although I was utterly clueless about the history of the Carnegie family, I knew that Benedict's writing and diligent research into her subject matter would make this a book worth reading.

Although Carnegie's Maid invents a completely fictional character in that of Clara Kelley and The Other Einstein utilized only real people as characters, I still found that I was able to garner a wealth of information about Andrew Carnegie and the business dealings that led to his success as one of the richest men in history.

The premise of the book itself is a bit far-fetched, for sure. Clara Kelley journeys to America in order to secure a job that will help her family back in Ireland. Upon her arrival, she is mistaken for another woman with the same exact name who journeyed to America on the same exact ship but died during its passage. Clara is taken to Mrs. Seeley, a woman who places young women in the service of Philadelphia's wealthy, under the assumption that she is the Clara Kelley expected, and she is placed in the service of the Carnegie family as Mrs. Carnegie's lady's maid. Clara's inexperience in that particular line of work would have meant failure in most other young women, but due to Clara's fortitude and intelligence, she adapts quickly and succeeds in her mission to become indispensable to Mrs. Carnegie. She also develops an intellectual relationship with the eldest Carnegie son, Andrew, that soon develops into an emotional connection that Clara refuses to acknowledge for fear of jeopardizing the critical financial assistance she is able to provide her family back in Ireland.

As with Marie Benedict's The Other Einstein, I found Carnegie's Maid to be a perfect read for those who enjoy learning more about important figures in history. The research Benedict did into the lives of the Carnegie family and the details of the time period was obviously extensive, and the influence that Clara had on their lives, although completely fictional, fit into the story in believable ways. Carnegie's Maid is much heavier on historical details and factual insights into Andrew Carnegie's life and businesses than it is on dramatic action, and I found myself easily able to imagine the landscape, both physical and societal, of the Philadelphia of the mid-1800s.

In addition, I found Clara's character to be incredibly interesting. Her work ethic and strength in the face of adversity was more than admirable--it was inspiring. Clara's desire to make more of her life than her birth into a family of Irish tenant farmers might have dictated during her time and her dedication to helping her family by sacrificing her own desires was clear throughout the book. Readers will find themselves rooting for her success. As history dictates, her ending is not necessarily the fairy tale one that readers will hope for, but that isn't to say that this book is not full of hope.

My only complaint about Clara's character would be minor--her internal conversations about her need to maintain her position for her family's sake began to get somewhat tedious with their frequency. Although I understood her worries and the idea that they would be at the forefront of her mind, I did feel somewhat that I was reminded of them a bit too often. In addition, Clara's story is one that is worth reading, but readers should also be aware that Carnegie's Maid is very heavy on descriptions of Andrew Carnegie's business dealings. As someone who was completely ignorant of those dealings prior to reading this book, I found myself a bit confused at times; however, I also found myself learning a great deal. Readers who are looking for a heavily romantic story will be disappointed; Clara and Andrew's relationship does not veer into romantic territory much, and once it does, the details and length are sparse. Instead, Carnegie's Maid is very much more the story of the value found in hard work and developing one's intellect through access to information, which is a cause that Andrew Carnegie championed during his life. Benedict's novel seeks to answer the question of what (or who) caused Carnegie's attitude toward business to shift from one of cutthroat advancement to selfless giving, and I found Clara Kelley to be a beautifully crafted answer.

Clara Kelly steps of the boat Envy, from Ireland and now emigrating to America. A woman of the same name and from the same area of Ireland is also expected, our Clara takes the initiative and travels to Pittsburgh to become a Lady’s maid to Mrs. Carnegie, mother to Andrew a business man who will go on to become the wealthiest man in the world.

While the initial premise of this book sounds great, I did find that the idea of a Irish farmers daughter being able to pull off the skilled role of a lady’s maid somewhat unbelievable, but I actually put that aside and just enjoyed the story, this was quite interesting. Clara spends a lot of time with her employer and builds up a friendship with her son. I found a lot of details on the Carnegie family that I was unaware of in this book. I didn’t know much about the family before I started this story, but by the end I found a huge amount of detail had been added as part of the story. It did spark an interest and I found myself reading further on the internet, so I can also now add that the author has done her research well.

So, as well as the research and information given on the Carnegies, there were also some other nice details for social etiquette and status of the time especially when on a visit to New York. The characters of Clara, Andrew and Mrs. Carnegie have been developed very well. This book has a nice steady pace, and has some inclusion of famous historical events that help keep the feel of the era it is set in.

This is a good read that would appeal to readers of historical fiction, American History with social and economic elements from 1860’s America and Ireland included. I did feel there were some discrepancies with the way Clara could have got this job, but I read this as more of a fiction book than a historically accurate fictionalised one.

This was a well written, fast-paced, historical fiction book about the Carnegie family and their advancement from being immigrants to being powerhouses during the industrial revolution. It is told in the perspective of Clara Kelly, an immigrant that works as the ladies maid to the matriarch of the family. There is a bit of a love story thrown in along with the detailed descriptions of the immigrants and how they suffered during this period. The author, Marie Benedict, does a good job blending actual research with purely fictitious storylines to produce a book that is both informative and enjoyable. The format of short chapters that draw the reader to read just a few more pages, then just a few more, enticed me to read the entire book in one evening.

This interesting piece of historical fiction seems to have generated commentary far past what I suspect was the author's intent. Clara is a well drawn character- a poor woman who finds herself in the home of an industrialist as a lady's maid. Don't read too much into how Benedict has portrayed Andrew Carnegie and you'l enjoy this more. His motivation to become a philanthropist may or may not have been a woman like Clara but does that really matter in this context? Some will say it does but frankly, this is a short novel as much about about poverty, class, and 1850s Pittsburgh as it is about Carnegie. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. This is part of the subgenre of novels about women, often fictional, associated with famous men. If you like those, you'll enjoy this.

Marie Benedict's work isn't new to me. I've read, sometime last year, her debut novel, The Other Einstein, that I remember enjoying. For that reason alone, I decided to give Carnegie's Maid a try, since I didn't have a particular interest in the time period of the novel. I ended up enjoying the reading, yes, but it wasn't more than an okay book for me, sadly.

I didn't see any improvement comparing to her previous novel when it comes to the pace. It seemed ridiculously slow at times, especially towards the end. It was heavily detailed when unnecessary, and I found myself not caring that much and probably skipping a few paragraphs ahead.  I also couldn't sense that the story took years to fully take place, unless if I looked at the dates on the beginning of the chapter - the text itself not always gave it away. The end, although predictable, seemed rushed, but I believe that was the intention, since that's the kind of emotions the main character was feeling at the time. 

However, I stand by what I've previously said about the author: she is able to manipulate the reader's emotions. Even though I wasn't very fond of the love interest, and I was aware of the end the story would have, I found myself rooting for them. Actually, I was rooting for every character in the story, since they're all very unique and have different backgrounds and different goals. I'm glad it turned out the way it did.

I'm also glad the narrative touched subjects, although lightly, that concerned women at the time and place, such as the tightness of corsets or the fact that women should not want to attract attention to themselves. And that it reinforced the importance of education.

Carnegie's Maid was a pleasant enough read, I'm just sad it didn't take my interest. It'd maybe work out better for someone curious about the topic.

3.75 Stars

I read Marie Benedict's previous outing, The Other Einstein, with dissatisfaction that was probably borne of her lack of understanding of collegial work and intellectual attributions in the sciences and her overstating Mileva Maric's contributions to Einstein's Theory of Relativity for dramatic effect. (Once again, even if Mileva's discussions with Albert contributed substantially to his solving the relativity issue, she should have been credited for her contributions- there was no need to fabricate a situation in which he stole an idea of hers when clearly she never showed independent work in this particular area. With her math skills and his interest, she impacted his work and deserved full credit for her contribution. That contribution and its recognition was worth a book, right there.) Still, in spite of my dissatisfaction, Benedict is a capable writer and I wanted to read something of hers in which I was less vested. Being of Irish descent myself, and having ancestors that made their way to the US about the same time as Benedict's protagonist Clara Kelly, I was intrigued by what this book might have to offer about the Irish immigrant experience in the mid-1800's.

I'm happy to report that I find Carnegie's Maid is an all-around better book. The premise of the book centers on the stimulus for Andrew Carnegie's becoming a philanthropist and famous builder of public libraries. The reason behind his becoming a keen philanthropist remains a mystery to this day. Benedict provides us with an interesting idea- that it was a woman who influenced him and specifically, a woman from the social class from which he originally stemmed. For romance junkies out there, it's important to note that rather than being a conventional romance, this is a novel of the realities of social classes of the period, how difficult it was to gain purchase on a higher class, especially by marriage, and how ill-regarded the nouveau riche were. Relationships between the upper classes and the servant class never ended well. But here, that's not much of a worry. Stealing the identity of another Clara Kelly in order to get a ride and potential work in Pittsburgh, the heroine of this tale keeps her family, who are in dire straits, ever to the fore of her thoughts. She does so unfailingly. The view of Irish poverty both at home and in the US, as seen through Clara's eyes, is harrowing.

Andrew Carnegie is, in Benedict's hands, by turns a rather cutthroat businessman and a man struggling to remember his lean start in life. Born in a one-room weaver's cottage in Scotland, he and his parents emigrated to the US on borrowed funds and he eeked out a grinding living at the age of 13, working 12 hours a day, six days a week, in a Pittsburgh bobbin factory, Carnegie rose to be the wealthiest man in America and in acts of stunning philanthropy, donated an estimated 90% of his accumulated wealth to various libraries, universities, and foundations by the time of his death.

As I finished the book, I have to say that I thought that one likely conclusion about Andrew Carnegie's desire to provide access to books and education for the public was simply what that same access had meant to his mother, Margaret, who as even Benedict pointed out, read often and widely once she had access to books in the US. What greater way to honor his mother than with this legacy of free and public access to books and the education they provide.

There were various details that I thought stretched my imagination about the degree of contact between Andrew and Clara, or even simple details about things like whether it would be a lady's maid serving at dinner in a pinch, vs. a housemaid, or whether the lady's maid would hold the chatelaine versus the housekeeper. But let it all go and have a fun read. It may make you, like me, want to pick up a biography of Carnegie, or read about Irish immigrants in America.

Review on Amazon will be posted on or around the publication date.

Clara Kelley, a recent immigrant and newly hired ladies’ maid in the Carnegie household captures Andrew Carnegie’s heart and captured mine almost immediately with her ingenuity and reinvention. The two of them together? Magic and fireworks.

Clara is a wonderful character - smart and industrious. She and Andrew first meet in the family library and based on their love of books, a mutual respect and admiration grows. According to the author, historians had theorized that a personal relationship may have changed Carnegie so she took that thought and ran with it, creating the fascinating Clara.

Another highlight of the book for me was Clara and her sister Eliza’s series of written letters. Clara’s poor Irish family had only enough money to send one of their children to America to make a new life and Clara is chosen. Through the course of the book, the girls’ back and forth letters are peppered into the story. Beautifully written and tugged at my heart. Clara’s helplessness was palpable.

Benedict did much research in creating this book, providing an honest look at the lives of ‘domestics’, the challenges of hardworking immigrants and the clear division of poor vs. wealthy. The historical details are fascinating and has made me more curious about business magnate and philanthropic Andrew Carnegie’s life, a man who himself was once a poor immigrant who began work at the age of 12 as a bobbin boy in a cotton factory and went on to change the lives of many thousands of people and become arguably the richest man in the world.
*will add to additional online venues on publication.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania - 1863

Clara Kelley is part of a group of Irish immigrants being processed into America. A gentleman she does not know tells her a Mrs. Seeley is expecting her. Confused, she goes along with it thinking she might be able to get a job. It turns out she is to be posted as a lady’s maid to the wealthy Mrs. Margaret Carnegie. Clara realizes that they were expecting someone else because hers is a common name. But she stays quiet about the mix-up knowing that the other Clara Kelley must have died on the voyage.

Clara works hard to impress Mrs. Carnegie. On her first day off, Clara visits with her mother’s cousin whose family lives in dire straights. On her return to the Carnegie home via the train, she meets Andrew Carnegie, the older son. They enjoy stimulating conversation about the events of the day and find that they have similar interests and beliefs. But while they continue to share intelligent conversations, Clara realizes she must be very careful or people may think she is pursuing him.

Clara’s father had encouraged her to read in-depth and learn about all kinds of subjects. Therefore, she has a sharp mind. Her occasional chance to talk with Andrew is always enjoyable to them but she does all she can to keep her friendship secret from his mother. The woman is a very hard taskmaster and would take great delight in firing her.

When Andrew tells Clara that a company has been started with her as a shareholder, she is thrilled. The money she could make from the shares would more than enable her to bring her family over from Ireland. Andrew wants Clara to be with him but she knows that it would be impossible for them to be accepted as a couple so she turns him down. However, due to his interests in helping people, Andrew Carnegie turns out to be quite the philanthropist throughout his life.

I realize this is a piece of fiction which shows the author has a great imagination for which I commend her. I can’t help but feel that Clara could have gone on to find her way in the man’s world to make her own wealth. It brings to mind the old saying: “If you’re so smart, why ain’t you rich?” But this is fiction so there is no need to do anymore than enjoy the story for what it was meant to be.

Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Famine threatens the livelihood of Irish men and women, forcing them to seek better, yet unknown opportunities abroad in America. It was not uncommon to see a young girl on her own, sometimes the family’s only hope for income, and starting a better life. Clara is just such a girl; coming from a family of 5, her mother and father deemed her the best fit to starting life in America on her own. Clara’s older sister, Eliza, is set to be married, and her younger sister is, well, too young.

Clara seems to be at terms with her change in life. She does what’s best for herself on the voyage over to America; keeps to herself, avoids those who are sick; so that she may have the best opportunity for a job. Clara is settled on having either to work for a mill, or a seamstress- when your family owns a farm, there’s not much to choose from when it comes to work, seeing as she wasn’t trained for anything. Clara’s father, however, saw to it that his 3 daughters would be taught as men; reading, having an opinion, etc. It is because of her father that Clara developed her sharp wit, that puts her at an advantage to stand out.

Surviving the voyage across the sea was a feat upon itself, arriving in Philadelphia, Clara’s biggest concern is quarantine. If one person on the boat is deemed unhealthy, then the entire boat is at risk; setting back the hopes and dreams of finding a job and earning a living. And of course human beings are still separated according to class, like prize chattel going to the slaughter. Our Clara is lower class, not that that seems to bother her one bit. The only promise Clara has at this point is a second cousin already residing in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania- scraping what little money she has together, her plan is to make it to her family and find what little work is available.

By some luck, a Clara Kelley from a “higher class” is missing- and readers are left to guess that the name Clara Kelley is very popular across the seas. Clara hesitantly comes forward ( I mean it is her name and all) to see what exactly they are looking for. It turns out the other Clara was promised for “high end” maid work; judging how unkempt our Clara is from her trip overseas, the valet is questioning if she is who she says. Without any options of proving her validity, the valet whisks her and two other girls off in a carriage.

Ironically Clara is taken to Pittsburgh to start a trial employ with Mrs. Carnegie. Quite a difference in scenery for an Irish farm girl.

Mrs. Carnegie is a tough mistress to work for. She likes things the way she expects them to be preformed, and if you deter from that expectation you are dismissed from service. Clara professed she was a quick learner- picking up on her mistress’ mannerisms, she becomes the ideal lady’s maid. Mrs. Carnegie also takes a liking to Clara, and it is in the private moments between the two of them that she softens, and asks Clara her opinion on societal trends.

As Clara gains confidence in her stolen role, she is reminded of everything she left behind. Receiving letters from home paints a sad picture of what life on the farm has become. She is further reminded of what her life could have been by visiting her relatives. Seeing how destitute a life working in the mill is, Clara bolsters her resolve to do whatever she could to restore her family’s farm. Taking the train home, she breaks down. Missing her family, keeping up her assumed appearance, she sobs in front of complete strangers. That is when her mistress’ son, Andrew Carnegie talks to her.

Stemmed by Carnegie’s generosity of bridging the servant-master gap, Clara starts observing his business practices, and the two secretly exchange business deals to further the Carnegie name. How far can a lady’s maid succeed in business?

Here we are again, with a book breaking the stereotypes of history classes. All throughout high school we are inundated with men: presidents, inventors, business proposals. Reading these historical fiction books however, gives me hope that ideally, women are the backbone of everything these men did. Goading them on in lucrative business proposals, pushing for presidency because they had a good heart, making friends in that inner most circle to gain a vantage point. What if, most (I’m giving men the benefit of the doubt here) men’s brilliant ideas, stemmed from a simple pillow talk with their wife?

In a time where women were more for tea parties, and social events, it’s encouraging to think that woman were just as forward thinking as we are today. It angers me to know that in the past people like me, who are openly opinionated, and not full of decorum, would be looked down upon because I couldn’t keep a comment to myself. Granted, that comment would be dripping with cynicism, but that’s who I am. And I know for a fact I wouldn’t last long in that time period.

Just like in “The Other Einstein”, it feels that for far too long men have been running with ideas stemmed from women and reaping the benefits. All the while women have been scraping nothing but bottom, trying to carve out a place for themselves. I love hearing untold stories of women, even if they are historical fiction.

Again, Marie Benedict knocks it out of the park with “Carnegie’s Maid”. I earnestly hope that he continues her work with untold stories of great women hidden in the monstrous shadows of men.

Look for “Carnegie’s Maid” hitting shelves January 16th! You can pre-order here. I was chosen to receive an advanced reader’s copy in exchange for an honest review. Given that fact, it has not altered my opinion on the book at all.

With captivating insight and great sensitivity of heart, Marie Benedict tells the mesmerizing tale of an unknown woman who might have inspired an American dynasty, transforming Andrew Carnegie from wealthy industrialist into the world’s first philanthropist. In the 1860s, Irish immigrant Clara Kelley, seeks employment as a lady’s maid in the home of Andrew Carnegie, head of the Carnegie Empire. Unfortunately, Clara Kelley is not who she appears to be. Posing as a knowledgeable, well-experienced Irish maid, she is actually a poor farmer’s daughter with nothing to her name. Another woman named Clara has gone missing, and Clara pretends to be her, in order to earn some precious income to send back to keep her family alive. Clara tries her level best keep up the ruse though it requires special talents and skills that she does not possess. But she does have a stern resolve as strong as steel, along with an uncanny, unique gift of business skills, that makes Andrew rely upon her. But Clara cannot afford to let her guard down even for a single moment. It was too dangerous. Revealing the true state of her past might only serve to ruin her own future and that of her family’s, who depended solely on her for sustenance. Soon, Clara and Andrew care for each other deeply. When Clara suddenly goes missing, Carnegie’s fruitlessly persistent search for her eventually lay the foundation for his lasting legacy.

In this well-chronicled and impeccably researched novel, that highlights the hitherto unsung role of all unknown women like the mysterious Clara, who with extreme courage and selfless determination, made their silently, unannounced mark upon the renowned pages of history, we witness with breathless awe the stunning stamp of the relevance of history in the early immigrant experience. In a deeply human narrative of incredibly complex, extremely vulnerable, sensitive characters and peculiar twists and turns of fate, this book reveals the arresting power of ambition to realize the American Dream. With captivating insight, Marie Benedict's clever intellect is dramatically displayed in her well-drawn characters and well-crafted plot, utterly well-suited to historical fiction, in an engaging read, with excellent description and perfectly good balance of emotional tones.

Extremely realistic to accept and confront the vicissitudes of life head-on, the clear-headed, pragmatic Clara Kelley is firm in her convictions and careful to protect herself from impropriety. She struggles to understand Carnegie's inconsistent behavior and stubborn refusal to confront his flaws. Despite the shared chemistry between them, Carnegie's mercurial behavior is revealed in his double personality - the ruthless businessman and the egalitarian, erudite young man. Clara's musings and revelations are interestingly portrayed. Equality with passion is stressed, as the epilogue rushes the story to its logical conclusion. It is sad that in this heart-moving story, Clara and Andrew could never develop their relationship due to the sharp differences in their own particular positions in the echelons of society, forcing Clara to leave the Carnegie home for a life of total oblivion. In this fictional book, although readers are deprived of the 'happily-ever-after," that magical moment when true satisfaction comes to the reader, we derive a small measure of comfort from the fact that Clara’s loss becomes Andrew’s gain, when he pledges to pursue her lofty ideals for the ultimate good of mankind.

The climax of the story takes place on December 23, 1868 in the luxurious interior of the study of a hotel suite in New York, where ensconced behind his desk, Andrew Carnegie wielded his fountain pen with a fury, in dire contrast to the gentle melody of a Christmas song wafting through the air. Haunted by memories of Clara, Andrew had spent most of his time searching for her, without success. There was not even the slightest hint of her trail. Clara had covered her tracks so well that it was as if she had never existed except in a dream. Andrew was alone with his thoughts of Clara. In the seclusion and privacy of the study, intimate memories of Clara washed over him. Andrew was filled with a longing so intense as to give him physical pain. He remembered her demure manner and averted gaze, and the few times when she met his gaze unflinchingly, revealing fleeting glimpses of the sharp intelligence that lay concealed beneath her placid demeanor. Andrew had vowed to Clara that he would carve out a different path for himself, choosing a life that would be the most elevating in character and principles. He would honor his vow even though she had disappeared. Through his inexorable pain and agonizing despair at losing Clara, Andrew found healing grace. He might not have Clara, but he would wield her beliefs like a sword. The twin idols of status and money would be worshipped no longer. Instead, he would utilize them for the benefit and betterment of others, in creating ladders for immigrants to climb to success. The document Andrew so painstakingly drafted would have pleased his Clara. And this thought gave him a small measure of happiness. It was the tiniest of appeasements that was to set Andrew on the path to glory. Clara had won the battle at last.

Historical fiction is not my top favorite genre. However for Marie Benedict I like to make an exception. After reading The Other Einstein I was baffled how she is able to entwine historical facts with fictional characters and a plausible story. In Carnegie's maid she does it again.

Clara Kelly is the daughter of an Irish family. She is send off to America by her family in search of a better future. As by accident her namesake aboard the ship is fatally injured, she is mistakenly seen for the new maid for lady Carnegie.

Clara decides to try her fortune by reinforcing the lies of being the other Clara. She is taken into the household of the Carnegie's where she learns and grows into the role of the personal maid of lady Carnegie. She also meets Andrew Carnegie, the eldest son of the household.

Clara and Andrew develop a secret relationship, since relationships the maid and the employer are frowned upon in the nineteenth century. But as the situation in Ireland gets worse for Clara's family, she has a decision to make: will she chose for the welfare of her family or will she pursue her own happiness?

When she realizes that Andrew's career is taking off, but over the backs of immigrants, she confronts him with his own past. Forced by her own past, Clara does the inevitable to maintain her family's welfare. And indirectly she probably spurred Andrew's beliefs and thoughts. Because from a ruthless business man he changed into a philanthropist.

After the story I found myself googling for Andrew Carnegie. Although some of the facts didn't add up (for instance, he was an only child, whereas he has a brother in the story), it is wonderful to see that there was indeed a remarkable change in him. But it is unclear what fuelled his change. Again Marie has filled the gaps with a believable historical story, where she shows how the important role of strong woman throughout our history is often neglected or not shown. Four out of five stars from me and a special thank you to Netgalley for providing the arc.

My Thoughts

“You have taught me that I should carve out a different path. Pedigree, that accident of birth, does not give a man the right to public respect. Only good deeds can do that.”

What a fabulous premise for a story, that being, two like minds came together and set about making fundamental changes that would have a lasting impact on society. Could a relationship such as this have been a possible catalyst that turned this infamous businessman into a philanthropist? Marie Benedict has written this fictional account of one such possibility - such an interesting concept. Andrew Carnegie built free libraries, providing the gift of books and from that, an education, regardless of rank or money. Once a poor immigrant himself, he fully understood what it was to be a factory worker but went on to become one of the richest men in the world at that time.

“I cannot describe to you the impact that library had on my life and my success. It quite literally made me who I am today.”

This tale incorporates this and so much more, ranging from American industrialisation to class differentiation. Benedict has done her research from Ireland to America, from rural to urban living standards, to the clear division of the ‘haves’ and have nots’. The undisputable historical details are fascinating and will have you checking Google to learn more of not only Carnegie but other recorded facts from this time in American history - from the Civil War to railroad expansion, a fresh insight was superbly integrated. The blend of fact and fiction is seamless.

Am I fully convinced of the author’s theory? Not entirely. With the romance feeling a little bit too ‘Upstairs, Downstairs’ for me, I therefore found it difficult to commit to the profound effect Clara reportedly had on this magnate. I would have preferred more investment in the friendship between Mr. Ford (African American) and Clara for example, to provide more depth. It is also a short read, so there is not much time to cement such a strong assertion.

‘I sat back and watched him wield his “words” like a painter wields his brush, each a masterly stroke in the creation of a seamless whole. Except I was not witnessing the creation of an average painting, I realized. I was watching a masterpiece in progress.’

I cannot, however, dispute the quality of Benedict’s writing - it is an interesting and informative read, shining a light on the the historic details and social mores of the time. So put aside your doubts and immerse yourself in a fictional characterisation:

“ If Andrew still believed that I was the Anglo-Irish tradesman’s daughter Clara Kelley—the woman who had inspired him in business and affection and who challenged him to carve a different, better path than the one driven solely by avarice—the chance existed that my influence might remain.”




This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher and provided through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The quoted material may have changed in the final release

Sometimes, the least expected person can help you find yourself again...

Andrew Carnegie is well known as a steel magnate and philanthropist; however, not much focus has been put on his life as an immigrant before his success, or the circumstances which led to his philanthropic efforts. Perhaps he was a naturally altruistic person, or had those values instilled in him by his family. In Carnegie's Maid, however, Marie Benedict explores a different option - the idea that there might have been a someone to influence him, and that someone could have been his mother's lady's maid, the fictional Clara Kelley.

The relationship between the wealthy and their servants is one that has been explored many times before (Downton Abbey, for example); in my opinion, though, Marie Benedict's approach to the matter was wholly original. This is a beautiful story of hard work, determination, and always remembering your roots. It also hones in on the idea that you can forge your own path and rise in the ranks, no matter your starting circumstances. It's a lovely read, written in the format of Clara's personal account.

Also, major Downton vibes. I might just go rewatch the series now!

A very touching and sweet story. It was interesting to learn a bit of Carnegie's background.

November 4, 1963, irish immigrant Clara Kelley steps on an American soil for the very first time with only one bag in her hand and no place to go. Strangely enough, she hears her name called. There is a confusion, another girl with the exact same name never got off the boat, and Clara decides to take her place. She has no idea where she is going and what is waiting for her when she will get there.

Fortunately for our young Ms. Kelley, she is being employed as a lady's maid by a very nice and respectful family. Clara builts a great relationship with her mistress... and with her son - Andrew Carnegie. Years go by and the friendship between Andrew and Clara grows. He shares his business wisdom with her, and Clara seems to be very eager to learn. Together, with Clara's ideas and Andrew's money they open a new business that keeps growing. Something else is growing in Andrew and Clara's relationship... their feelings towards each other. The young girl has been warned about servant/master relationship multiple times by her only friend in the house, a cook Mr. Ford and her cousin and his family that live in the same town. This type of "friendship" never ends well. Clara is a smart girl herself, she understands that any type of relationship with Mrs. Carnegie's son can lead to her losing a job which is her only source of income. Andrew is very persistent. However, there is something else that stands between them... her little secret... she never told anyone that she is impersonating another girl, a girl that died on the ship and who place Clara has taken.

Mr. Ford and Clara's cousins were right. Everything comes to an end. Mrs. Carnegie discovers both of Clara's secrets, and the young girl is being ordered to leave the residence immediately. Clara has no other choice but to follow Mrs. Carnegie's order. She leaves her job, love of her life and her future in Carnegie's Pittsburgh mansion.

I wish the author would tell us more about what has happened to Clara. Where did she go? How her life turned out to be. The last chapter gives us a few tiny clues. But I wish to learn more... There should be a second part of the book when our wonderful writer answers all our unsettled questions.

I was delighted when I stumbled across Carnegie's Maid on NetGalley. Featuring a beautiful cover and a unique setting/premise, I devoured the book quickly, enchanted within its pages. It pleasantly surpassed what I expected and took me on a beautiful journey with Clara Kelley from Ireland to Pittsburgh and into the Carnegie household.

Marie Benedict does a splendid job of characterization from Clara to Mrs. Carnegie to Mr. Ford. Clara in particular was a real treat, as her story developed from having no one and fitting nowhere, to feeling like she fit with Mr. Carnegie. I also enjoyed Clara's family's backstory, especially Benedict's reference to the Fenians, which I have always thought was an under appreciated moment of history. Benedict also brilliantly intertwines history with her story, painting the picture of the Civil War, the end of the Industrial Revolution, the plight and beginning of America's mass immigration, and even the biography of Andrew Carnegie himself. The finale of the book was well executed, with a beautiful epilogue that was both satisfying to the reader but also left some questions unanswered.

In the end, Marie Benedict's story of two people inexplicably intertwined yet divided because of social class and loyalties was a beautiful read. Her story is well-researched, bravely written and excellently woven with the different characters, motives and historical placements. Carnegie's Maid paints a beautiful picture of the strong Clara Kelley who forged her own way with the cards life had dealt her, in contrast with Andrew Carnegie, who very much did the same. Five out of five stars!

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my fair and honest review.

What a great way to start 2018. This story was phenomenal and had me hooked to the very end. Clara Kelley is one of the most interesting characters I have come across. A well-researched and fascinating way to weave the ending of the Civil War, the building of the Carnegie empire, and the immigration of a young Irish girl as she takes on the role of a ladies maid. It's reminiscent of the drama in Downton Abbey. A must read.

I recently started watching Downton Abbey (finally), and this book reminded me of some of those episodes with the Service learning their role, maintaining appropriate relationships, and completing their tasks. I enjoyed the historical views of the Carnegie family and individuals who came to America looking for work.

Deep down this book is a heartfelt and well written immigrant story. However, I would have enjoyed this story so much more had there not been a love story. I found that to be the least believable part of the story and honestly the most annoying part as well. Part of what bothers me is that Andrew Carnegie is a real person and main character. He did marry and his grandchildren are still living. If this were a story about my grandparent, I’d be upset. It’s one thing to say his experience with his mother’s ladies maid encouraged his philanthropy, but I felt this book laid it all at Clara’s feet making the story seem more preposterous. If these had been entirely fictitious characters I would have really enjoyed the book. I appreciate that the author included a letter to the reader at the beginning to explain why she did what she did, but my skepticism got the best of me. I still gave the book three stars because it is so well written and enjoyable if you can look past the aforementioned issues.

I received an ARC of this book through NetGalley for an honest review.

This is a historical fiction novel focusing on a maid in Andrew Carnegie’s household during Carnegie’s rise to a tycoon of industry. I’ve always been interested in that time in American history and with Benedict writing it (I loved her first book, The Other Einstein) I knew this would be a good one. Clara is from Ireland and while her family survived the famine, there are other enemies. Her father decides to send her to America in hopes of being an additional source of income. When she lands, an opportunity falls in her lap to take the identity of another woman (with the same name) that vanished during the crossing. If she pulls it off and becomes Mrs. Carnegie’s (Andrew’s mother) maid, she will be able to truly support her family. What follows is a transformation of not only Clara, but also Andrew Carnegie. Clara struggles to find herself in her new situation and identity. But what she does is keep Carnegie grounded in where he came from and not just constantly follow the almighty dollar. What this book does so well is show the injustices of the time. We see not only Irish immigrants and other lower class people, but in another way we see how “new money” like the Carnegie’s, try to fight their way into the “old money” upper class. Within all of this, we see the interactions between all of these classes and just how much the world was changing at the time. I loved that Clara was intelligent and was willing to use her smarts. I would highly recommend this book for anyone, especially if you like strong female characters that live bigger than their times.

I absolutely love this novel. It is an interesting read and very empowering for women who feel marginalized.

VERDICT: Superb portrait of the US in the 1860s. A beautiful homage to immigrants, to the love of learning, and to libraries.
As a lover of books, I assume you are one if you landed on my book blog, you have probably entered a Carnegie library at least once in your life.
The first to offer free access to libraries for all, Andrew Carnegie was an important figure in the life of the author’s ancestors. In Carnegie’s Maid, Marie Benedict uses the skills she demonstrated in The Other Einstein to try to shed light on the transformation of the man, from a “tycoon, long-rumored to be heartless”, into “the world’s first philanthropist”.
She followed some historians’ theory that his metamorphosis may have been inspired by a personal relationship.

The book opens in 1868, with Andrew Carnegie writing a letter and trying to honor the memory of a certain Clara.
We then follow Clara from November 1863 to April 1867.
To help her desperate family losing farm land and fearing starvation in Ireland, a 19 year old crosses the Ocean in 42 days to find a job in Pennsylvania. Having no technical skills to offer, despite the excellent education she received at home, rare at the time for young girls, she uses her cleverness and ends up being hired as a lady’s maid at the service of Mrs Carnegie.
A smart observer, “elegant in her thinking” (chapter 15), she will straddle the difficult gap between servants and masters and do all she can to save her family. How will she manage, at what cost?
This is actually a superb portrait of life in the US in the 1860s, with all that’s going on:
the aftermath and impact of the Civil War, with the industrial forces at play
industrialization, with its horrors and filth; business dealings, iron, railway, telegraph; investing
the evolving situation of slaves
the difficult relationships between Catholics and Protestants
the situation also in Ireland
the circumstances of immigrants
the relationships between servants and masters, how downstairs and upstairs can or cannot mingle.

Mr Andrew Carnegie is presented as a complex character, difficult to understand. His evolution and his inner struggles made total sense. His relationship with Clara is shown with a lot of balance. This is NOT a historical romance, the author managed skillfully to avoid a possible trap.
I don’t want to give away anything. The book is smartly built, with a constant tension with dangers looming in Clara’s family, with the possibilities of losing her position, and the risks in her relationships with the Carnegie’s family, and how she uses her mind to come up with a solution, whatever the price.
I also enjoyed a lot the character of John Ford, the cook, a former slave.
The book is ultimately a homage to libraries, to books and to the love of learning in order to succeed in life and help others. We see the importance of books in the education and evolution of Clara and of the Carnegies.

Just as Marie Benedict gave voice to the unrecognized Mrs Einstein, here through a woman with a strong character, she superbly gives “voice to the otherwise silent stories of the thousands of immigrants who built our country. Then and now”.

As would be expected from Ms. Benedict, with her previous book <i>The Other Einstein</i>, this was an pleasurable read at the same time it was informative.

The fictional part presented by the author fits so perfectly with the historical personage of Andrew Carnegie that one must wonder if the story isn't an accurate one!

Historical fiction, romance, and a lot of fun. You'll want to add this to your libraries.

A delightful book for historical fiction fans and for strong women everywhere. What happens when your station in life conflicts with the love of your life? Book clubs and readers will be discussing this long after the last word is read.

Clara Kelley leaves her Irish home and sails to America. Her goal is to find work and save enough money for passage to Pittsburgh to live with distant family. Once she arrives, someone she doesn’t know calls her name to board a carriage to Pittsburgh. With no other options, Clara climbs aboard and begins her life in America.
Once Clara arrives in Pittsburgh, she is sent to Mrs. Seeley. Mrs. Seeley’s job is to find domestic positions for the wealthy families in Pittsburgh. Unfortunately, everyone believes Clara Kelley is another girl by the same name, a young woman who died on the passage to America. Our Clara becomes the dead girl and finds herself a lady’s maid to Mrs. Carnegie.
Clara is swept into the world of the Pittsburgh wealthy. She attends to her mistress’s needs and accompanies her on all outings. Clara learns the business of the Carnegie’s, immigrants themselves who started in the poor lower class and made their way into the upper class. She charts the businesses and tries to learn all she can while supporting her family in Ireland.
When Mr. Carnegie stumbles upon Clara’s studies in the library, he sees she has a wonderful mind and has made business connects he never thought of before. Together, they invest in business ventures and begin to develop a relationship. But this relationship becomes difficult, as it is between people of two separate worlds. And Clara still has a duty to help her family.
I really enjoyed this book. I loved Clara as a narrator and her struggle to learn how to be a lady’s maid under false pretenses. It really brought light to the struggle of immigrants to the States (my own family were immigrants during WWII). Clara sees the struggle of her relatives both in Pittsburgh and in Ireland, she also sees the extravagant living of the wealthy. She just got lucky.
I love the business mind of Clara as she tries to do what Andrew Carnegie did, to invest and make money. Her objective is to support her family back home, stripped of their land. She is bright and understanding.
The blossoming romance between Andrew and Clara is interesting. Of course, it was inappropriate as servant and master. But they both helped and changed each other for the good.

Carnegie's Maid receives 4 stars.