The Butler

The Butler is a novel by Danielle Steel that tells the story of Joachim von Hartmann, who was born and raised in Buenos Aires by his loving German mother, Liese. When Joachim moves to Paris with Liese in his late teens, his twin enters a dark world and refuses to leave his beloved Argentina. Joachim begins training to be a butler and works in some of the grandest homes in England. Olivia White has given ten years of her life to her magazine, which failed, taking all of her dreams with it. A bequest from her mother allows her a year in Paris to reinvent herself. Joachim takes a job working for Olivia for a few weeks, which turns into months as the unlikely pair discover they enjoy working by side. They strive to discover the truth about each other and themselves, first as employer and employee, then as friends.

Format: Hardback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 30 September 2021
Publisher: Pan Macmillan

The Butler is a captivating tale of family, challenging choices, and destiny, penned by the renowned author Danielle Steel. Joachim von Hartmann, born and raised in Buenos Aires by his loving German mother, Liese, alongside his identical twin, embarks on a journey when he relocates to Paris with Liese in his late teens. However, his twin enters a dark world and remains steadfast in his love for Argentina. Joachim's fascination with the meticulous precision and intense demands of butler training leads him to pursue a career in some of the grandest homes in England.

Olivia White, after ten years of dedicating her life to her failed magazine, finds herself at a crossroads. A bequest from her mother grants her a year in Paris, where she seeks to reinvent herself. In search of assistance in setting up a home in a charming Parisian apartment, she crosses paths with Joachim. Joachim, on a whim, takes a job working for Olivia for a few weeks, which gradually extends into months as the unlikely pair discover a harmonious working relationship. Simultaneously, Joachim is confronted with the family history he never knew, involving his grandfather's sinister wartime activities, and receives distressing news about his twin's involvement in criminal activities.

As Olivia grapples with rebuilding her life, Joachim's world falls apart. stripped of their previous roles, they embark on a journey of self-discovery, first as employer and employee, and then as friends. Their paths become uncertain, leading them to a place where the past loses its significance, and only the present matters. Through their experiences, Joachim and Olivia find solace in their newfound understanding and acceptance of each other, ultimately forging a bond that transcends their past identities.

Weight: 464g
Dimension: 162 x 241 x 29 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781529021691