The House at Riverton

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Set in England between the wars, this sweeping debut novel follows an aristocratic family, a mysterious death, and a vanishing way of life, all recounted by a woman who has kept a secret for decades. Grace Bradley began her service at Riverton House as a girl before World War I, becoming entwined with the Hartford family, especially the two daughters, Hannah and Emmeline. In the summer of 1924, a tragic event occurs during a society party when a young poet takes his own life, witnessed only by the sisters and Grace, who holds the truth. The narrative opens in 1999, with ninety-eight-year-old Grace residing in a nursing home. A young director visits her to create a film about the fateful summer of 1924, prompting Grace to revisit her past. Through flashbacks, the story unfolds, capturing Grace's youth amid the decline of Edwardian aristocracy, the vibrancy of the 1920s, and the profound changes that followed the war. Rich with secrets—some unveiled, others forever concealed—the novel echoes the romantic suspense of Daphne du Maurier. It also serves as a poignant reflection on memory, the impact of war, and offers a beautifully crafted glimpse into a captivating historical period. Originally acclaimed in Australia, it has become a bestseller in England and has been sold in ten countries.