Sarah Waller

Following The Other Einstein, her debut novel about Albert Einstein’s first wife, author Marie Benedict once again centers a stirring historical tale on a one-of-a-kind woman. In Carnegie’s Maid, Benedict creates a fictional woman who influences Andrew Carnegie’s transformation from industrial tycoon to the creator of thousands of free lending libraries, resulting in an imaginative story of forbidden love and the injustice of social classes.

Clara Kelley, an immigrant farm girl from Ireland, arrives in industrial 1860s Pittsburgh and expects to work in a mill to support her family back home. Instead, just off the ship, she assumes the identity of a different Clara Kelley, a second-class passenger who did not make the voyage, and finds herself the lady’s maid to Andrew Carnegie’s mother. Using her quick wit and family-taught education, Clara soon becomes indispensable, but she endangers her position by forming an ever-deepening relationship with Andrew, learning his business secrets and sharing ideas.

Benedict evokes the time period through her graceful writing style, which can seem stiff at first but soon immerses readers in “Downton Abbey”-esque drama. With meticulous historical detail, the luxury of the Carnegies’ world is juxtaposed with the destitution of the poor, as Clara balances her place among the elite while sympathizing with her family, sending money to them overseas and bringing her cousins food on her scarce holidays.

Though Clara is fictional, it’s as important as ever to have stories of the strong women behind men, reminding us of the invisible feminists throughout history.

This article was originally published in the January 2018 issue of BookPage. Download the entire issue for the Kindle or Nook.

Ken Follett follows The Pillars of the Earth and World Without End with a tale of espionage, political intrigue and extreme faith during a time of never-ending religious conflict. Full of adventure and suspense, A Column of Fire is an inspiring and thrilling portrait of one of Europe’s most perilous times in history.

In 1558, Ned Willard wonders if he will ever be reunited with his first love as he finds himself on the opposite side of the religious divide. Amid the power struggle between Catholics and Protestants in England, Ned and others must decide whether they value friendships and family over loyalty and convictions.

When Ned decides to work for Protestant Princess Elizabeth, he must say goodbye to all that Kingsbridge holds: his family, friends and Margery Fitzgerald, who is being forced to marry another young man. When Elizabeth takes the throne, Catholic Europe turns against her and her tolerant beliefs. She organizes England’s first secret service, with Ned at the forefront, to bring her news of assassination plots, rebellions, and to keep an eye on those threatening to take her throne. Over the next 50 years, Ned and Margery fight for their individual beliefs and watch as those in power tear apart families, cities and countries in the name of faith—all while Elizabeth tries to maintain that no one should be killed for wanting freedom to worship and doing her best to rule as a single woman.

Follett is a master of historical fiction, with meticulous research, adept storytelling and an ability to capture the reader’s interest with colorful, smooth language. As captured in his previous books in the Kingsbridge series, Follett’s characters are lively, full of emotion and relatable, making the book’s length of no great concern for old fans or new readers alike.