Carnegie's Maid by Marie Benedict

Who was Andrew Carnegie? He came from humble beginnings in Scotland. In America, he became an iron magnate and the richest man in the world. He used his wealth to improve society, creating free libraries. He sparked philanthropy with pouring money into education and scientific research.

Nevertheless, some accused him of being ruthless. And that’s what this story explores, his character.

The main character is fictional, but Clara Kelley is a very moral, likeable and interesting character. She comes from humble beginnings like Carnegies, but from Ireland. Her father encouraged women education when it was unseen for family of her status to do so. She is observant of Andrew’s character. She likes his equal treatment of all men, but she is bothered by his determination of success. She questions, does the end justify the means? She witnesses family conversations and is allowed access to their library, where she puts pieces together of a 28 year old ambitious Andrew Carnegie.

The story is set between 1863-1867, during a time when opportunities for women were very limited; either in household or marriage. Serving as a nurse (which was limited to religious women) or working as telegraph operator was something new and rare.

It is set mostly in industrial Pittsburgh of Pennsylvania, but it also touches upon the Knickerbockers of NYC – a very tight society of Dutch settlers, who amassed fortunes in trade, railroad and stocks. They had no status in Europe, so to make themselves very important; they invented rules of society and didn’t want to let any outsider in, especially immigrant, no matter how rich.

The story is very grasping, progressing in action (not words), which makes it a page-turner.

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