One Pair of Hands

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.

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

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.

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.

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.