Customer Reviews

One Pair Of Hands

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This was one of the most delightful books I have read in ages. Monica Dickens (great-granddaughter of Charles), despite her privileged upbringing, despite being presented at Court as a debutante, is bored and has little desire to do the rounds of social events expected of a young upper class girl in the mid 1930s. And so she decides to try her hand at domestic service. If you have ever enjoyed watching the wonderful "Upstairs Downstairs" series or reading other tales which reflect the upstairs downstairs lives of the British class system, this is for you. It is light, entertaining and the author writes so fluidly, it has inspired me to begin reading more of her works.

Monica Dickens, the great-grandaughter of Charles Dickens, fits into the "good sport" type of memoirist, recalling life experiences for which she was quite unprepared. I think of Betty MacDonald's "The Egg and I." Apparently well-to-do, Ms. Dickens decided to work as a Cook General for a couple years during the 1930's. The book is a chronicle of her relationships and experiences with various employers. I fully expected that the various households would blend into each other but was delighted to discover how vividly the personalities were portrayed, and so they remained distinct. Most memorable was the clothing designer with a constant finger on the call button, a mistrust of her spending habits and a penchant for draping her in fabrics to envision his newest creations. Some may have a problem with the fact that Ms. Dickens took on the job as a lark and could return to her comfortable life at any time, but the fact is that she really was up to her elbows in the muck of a 1930's kitchen. All in all, I found it a delightful read, although the final chapter which recounts a lecture on "The Problem of the Servant Today" is tedious and merely restates in an arid manner the "problems" so well-documented in the rest of the book.

Monica Dicken's autobiographical novels are some of the most delightful books I have ever read. I first read "One pair of hands" some 25 years ago after finding an old copy in my local library. I rarely remember novels, but her's were so entertaining, I simply could not forget them. Her exploits trying to make it as a servant, even though she knew little about cleaning or cooking, are really funny--something akin to "I Love Lucy." I hope some day that some smart movie producer takes all of her novels and makes a series of movies about them--at least Masterpiece Theatre ought to be interested! Monica Dickens wrote about being a reporter, training as a nurse, and working in a factory making airplanes for the war as well. Her books are worth finding in a used book store. I got to reread them through inter-library loan from Meridith College, Raleigh, NC.

I thought it would be difficult to make an interesting book out of someone's life as a kitchen servant, but this is a great book -- and a vivid look at British society's levels 50 years ago. A great read.

This is a situational comedy of its times - of a well-bred English girl who, because she was bored, decided to become a cook among other things. She is not highly successful even by her own standards - the souffle went soggy, the scones were burnt etc. and she is sooo tired, and stressed and flustered - but for the reader, it is terribly hilarious.

Its not "deep" (don't expect any sermons on the poverty gap - she spent all her earnings on clothes) but do expect a laugh or two.

An quick and easy to read book, but thouroughly fascinating. Monica Dickens describes the life of a cook-general in 1930s England. The upper classmen she meets are described excellently. She meets a lazy bachelor, enigmatic owner of a vast country estate, and a kind family, her last employees. This book is not long and engages readers. The only thing i didn't like was that the only personal reflection included in the book was left to the end. The rest of the book was devoted to her life and the people she meets. However, i recommed this excellent book.

Looking for a light but well-written book? This is it. Absolutely charming.

Monica Dickens has a gift for relating things humorously and the ability to laugh at herself. This book shows the lifestyle of the very rich in old England compared with that of the very poor. A must read, if there ever was one.

"One Pair of Hands" by Monica Dickens clearly demonstrates that writing skills are genetic. Like her great-grandfather Charles, Monica Dickens knows how to write well. The book is charming. It chronicles her life during her twenties when she decides to try her hand at domestic service out of sheer boredom. As they say, hilarity ensues! Readers who have ever made a complete mess in the kitchen or have ever had a stingy boss can relate whole-heartedly to her trials and tribulations.

Not only have I throughly enjoyed this tale relating the author's brief career "below stairs", but I've lent it around and everyone who's read it has loved it too. Highly recommended for "upstairs/downstairs" types, for humor, for those who are interested in mid 20 century london below stairs life, or for Monica Dickens fans -- grab her "Talking of Horses" too.