This is the latest in a series of occasional posts featuring books I read years ago about which I was wildly enthusiastic at the time, wanting to press a copy in as many hands as I could.
There seemed to be something of a vogue for Victorian novel pastiches a decade or so ago. May be it was the turn of the twentieth century that sparked it off or maybe it was Sarah Walters’ success which began with her first novel, Tipping the Velvet. I’m not a huge fan of what almost became a genre in itself but I read Jane Harris’ first novel The Observations for a work assignment and loved it mainly because of Bessy, its wonderfully sassy narrator.
Only fifteen years of age and Bessy already has a past as colourful and inappropriate as the yellow satin gown she wears to walk from Glasgow to Edinburgh in search of work. To escape unwanted male attention, she takes the turning for Castle Haivers and is soon employed by its mistress Arabella who asks her for a record of her 
days working as a maid. When she finds the reason for this puzzling request in the Observations, Arabella’s record of experiments she has conducted in an attempt to find the perfect servant, Bessy is appalled at her own character assessment and decides to take revenge setting in motion a chain of events that she will bitterly regret. Narrated in Bessy’s sly, earthy, often very funny, voice, Harris’ novel is part ghost story, part mystery, and ultimately a heartening tale of redemption.
Harris followed The Observations with the equally brilliant Gillespie and I which features a quintessentially unreliable narrator, always a favourite device of mine. There’s been nothing from her since – six years ago now – but I’m still hopeful.
What about you, any blasts from the past you’d like to share?
You can find more posts like this here.
I love these blast from the past posts, such an interesting selection of books that resurface. I didn’t realise that the Victoriana novel became so prevalent, though perhaps it passed me by in blissful oblivion. Bessy sounds like a marvellous character.
Thank you, Belinda. I loved Bessy – such a bright, sassy voice.
I knew I’d heard a rumour about a new novel somewhere, Naomi. Thanks for confirming it. You’ve two treats in store, here.
This (and Gillespie and I) has been on my shelf for aeons (actual technical term) and it sounds just my thing too. Love the sound of the narrator.
I’m also here to bring good news: there is a new Jane Harris novel coming later in the year: https://www.faber.co.uk/blog/faber-acquires-sugar-money-by-jane-harris/
I like your Blast from the past series because quite often i find myself being acquainted with new titles (for me)
Thanks, Resh. They’re fun to write. Makes me remember both the book and what I was doing at the time.
I read one novel by Jane Harris ages ago, and I didn’t really enjoy it. Actually, I can’t remember the title right now. However, since you and Naomi seem to like her so much and she’s got a new novel out, I think I should totally give her another try soon. Thanks for the reminder Susan!
I wonder which one it was, Elena. I hope you try her again.
This completely passed me by, but it sounds excellent. I will look out for Jane Harris from now on!
That’s good to hear. Both of them are brilliant – I couldn’t mention one without the other.