The Rib King opens in 1914 Chicago with groundskeeper (and butler, footman & sous chef) Mr. Sitwell working dliigently to keep the home of his employer Mr. Barclay running as smoothly as possible while the family is going through hard times financially. Taken in as a teenager by the Barclay's from a reform center he has buried his past deeply, until a book brought in by Mr. Barclay's guests stirs up old memories and sets Mr. Sitwell off on a journey no one expects.
Halfway through the book, the story shifts to 10 years later and follows Jennie Williams, formerly a maid of the Barclay's, as she has established her own business as a beautician and creator of a nearly miraculous healing salve. She has tamped down memories and regrets of her time in the Barclay household, until keeping the secrets she holds so tightly threaten to destroy the dream of healing salve being sold to women across the country.
The books starts very well, and then bogs down a bit, however once we get to Jennie's section it picks up to a frenetic pace, and honestly, ends way too soon. The dialogue and descriptions in the book are incredibly vivid and real, making the reader feel as if they are watching the happenings in real time. Absolutely amazing and transportive book!
Halfway through the book, the story shifts to 10 years later and follows Jennie Williams, formerly a maid of the Barclay's, as she has established her own business as a beautician and creator of a nearly miraculous healing salve. She has tamped down memories and regrets of her time in the Barclay household, until keeping the secrets she holds so tightly threaten to destroy the dream of healing salve being sold to women across the country.
The books starts very well, and then bogs down a bit, however once we get to Jennie's section it picks up to a frenetic pace, and honestly, ends way too soon. The dialogue and descriptions in the book are incredibly vivid and real, making the reader feel as if they are watching the happenings in real time. Absolutely amazing and transportive book!