Emily's House

By: Amy Belding Brown

Narrated by: Alana Kerr Collins

She was Emily Dickinson’s maid, her confidante, her betrayer...and the savior of her legacy.

An evocative new novel about Emily Dickinson's longtime maid, Irish immigrant Margaret Maher, whose bond with the poet ensured Dickinson's work would live on, from the USA Today best-selling author of Flight of the Sparrow, Amy Belding Brown.

Massachusetts, 1869. Margaret Maher has never been one to settle down. At 27, she's never met a man who has tempted her enough to relinquish her independence to a matrimonial fate, and she hasn't stayed in one place for long since her family fled the potato famine a decade ago.

When Maggie accepts a temporary position at the illustrious Dickinson family home in Amherst, it's only to save money for her upcoming trip West to join her brothers in California. Maggie never imagines she will form a life-altering friendship with the eccentric, brilliant Miss Emily or that she'll stay at the Homestead for the next 30 years.

In this richly drawn novel, Amy Belding Brown explores what it is to be an outsider looking in, and she sheds light on one of Dickinson's closest confidantes - perhaps the person who knew the mysterious poet best - whose quiet act changed history and continues to influence literature to this very day.

©2021 Amy Belding Brown (P)2021 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

“With lyrical prose and an irresistible narrative voice, Brown gives the reader a scrappy and little-known literary heroine to root for - the Irish maid-servant who helped rescue Emily Dickinson's poems. The immigrant experience is lovingly rendered against the backdrop of family drama, the historical details are immersive, and Dickinson fans will love this novel!” (Stephanie Dray, New York Times best-selling author of The Women of Chateau Lafayette)

"Amy Belding Brown brings us a warm, intimate, and rich portrayal of Irish immigrant Margaret Maher, maid and confidante to Emily Dickinson. Margaret's story gives us a fascinating glimpse into another time while placing us directly inside the Dickinson household. I was captivated by this story and I know you will be too." (Kathleen Grissom, New York Times best-selling author of The Kitchen House)

“What a joy it is to once again revel in Amy Belding Brown’s incomparable voice. In Emily’s House, Brown introduces us to the remarkable Irish maid who saved Emily Dickinson’s unpublished oeuvre from certain destruction after her death. Margaret Maher’s own disappointments mirrored her mistress’s many, but the two women formed a bond so deep that if not for Maher’s abiding determination, Dickinson’s legacy would have been lost to us forever. Do we call Maggie Maher an American treasure? I think we must, and Amy Belding Brown, too.” (Robin Oliveira, best-selling author of My Name Is Mary Sutter)

Review of Emily’s House

I loved the story and the performance in the audiobook. I felt like I really got to know Margaret and found her story compelling. I loved learning about Emily Dickinson and her family.

Beautifully developed characters. Dickenson’s poetry imbues the novel in brief quips and quotes

I already miss the characters and I just finished listening! Highly recommend especially if you’re a writer or have any connection to western Massachusetts, as I do…

Very good book, loved the narration and Voice on Audible

I felt the part after Emily passed Dragged on a bit. Also the love affair she had with Patrick, should've been shortened, as he was not real and just fictional.

Amazing story based on fact.

I loved listening to this story. The Irish accent of the reader made it extra special. I’ve never known much about Emily Dickinson beyond required school classes and I’m not a big history buff, but I LOVED this book! Kudos to Amy Belding Brown!

Emily’s Poems

A splendid introduction to the poetry of Emily Dickinson by reading about her life in her family’s lovely house. The housekeeper tells the story spanning ~50 years. We experience life events linked closely with the emotions engendered. It’s time to read the poems.

Excellent

Recently visited the ED Museum. Much of what was stated in this novel is based on the history as we know it (true or not…). Well researched. Only thing I quarrel with is the description of The Homestead — not as large as portrayed. Overall quite Intriguing. Made me even more enthralled with ED, her poems & her life!

A Beautiful Story

I truly enjoyed this novel from the first word! I love historical fiction, and this was no exception...although based on truth. What a clever and admirable way to tell the story of Emily Dickinson's reclusive life.
The Irish voice of the narrator was perfect!

Great read/listen

Have always loved Emily Dickinson’s poetry but knew little about her personal life. This story told through the eyes of her house maid Margaret helped me understand the social dynamics of Emily’s era and how much she was influenced by her servants. Alana’s voice made Margaret and her family come alive. Wonderful character descriptions and settings. Can’t wait to visit the “Homestead” (now a museum). Highly recommend the book.

Not worth the hype

While the narrator was good, the story really wasn't. The author obviously did a lot of research, but the pacing and plot just didn't work for me.