Eva Moves the Furniture

by Margot Livesey

On the morning of Eva McEwen's birth, six magpies congregate in the apple tree outside the window--a bad omen, according to Scottish legend. That night, Eva's mother dies, leaving her to be raised by her aunt and heartsick father in their small Scottish town. As a child, Eva is often visited by two companions--a woman and a girl--invisible to everyone else save her. As she grows, their intentions become increasingly unclear: Do they wish to protect or harm her? A magical novel about loneliness, love, and the profound connection between mother and daughter, Eva Moves the Furniture fuses the simplicity of a fairy tale with the complexity of adult passions.

Genres: Fiction, Magical Realism, Historical Fiction, Ghosts, Fantasy, Scotland, Book Club

240 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2001

About the author

Margot grew up in a boys' private school in the Scottish Highlands where her father taught, and her mother, Eva, was the school nurse. After taking a B.A. in English and philosophy at the University of York in England she spent most of her twenties working in restaurants and learning to write. Her first book, a collection of stories called Learning By Heart, was published in Canada in 1986. Since then Margot has published nine novels: Homework, Criminals, The Missing World, Eva Moves the Furniture, Banishing Verona, The House on Fortune Street, The Flight of Gemma Hardy, Mercury and The Boy in the Field. She has also published The Hidden Machinery: Essays on Writing. Her tenth novel, The Road from Belhaven, will be published by Knopf in February, 2024.

Margot has taught at Boston University, Bowdoin College, Brandeis University, Carnegie Mellon, Cleveland State, Emerson College, Tufts University, the University of California at Irvine, the Warren Wilson College MFA program for writers, and Williams College. She has been the recipient of fellowships from the Radcliffe Institute, the Guggenheim Foundation, the N.E.A., the Massachusetts Artists' Foundation and the Canada Council for the Arts. Margot currently teaches at the University of Iowa Writers' Workshop.

Reviews

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

My mother and I always believed we had a supernatural bond. We often knew what each other was thinking, knew—even from far away—when we might need each other. She knew how to help me in ways no one else ever has. Now that she is gone, I hear her voice in my head, and feel she is helping me still.

Eva Moves the Furniture is about that kind of supernatural bond. And it’s told in a voice so gentle it could be mistaken for the wind. It could be mistaken for my mother’s voice.

“I was born in 1920 in the lowlands of Scotland, outside the town of Troon, less than thirty miles north of Alloway, where Robert Burns lived. It is a mild-mannered part of the country.”

This is a mild-mannered story. It is about death and heartache and ghosts, but also about motherhood and eternal bonds. It is strangely comforting and I found it powerfully moving. When I got to the last page, I wanted to start over.

This is now a very personal favorite, and I can’t wait to read more from this author.


Just as an aside and an indulgence, since finishing this book, an old Carly Simon song, “Life is Eternal,” keeps going through my head:

I've been doing a lot of thinking
About growing older and moving on
No one wants to be told that they're getting on
And maybe going away
For a long, long stay

But just how long and who knows
And how and where will my spirit go
Will it soar like jazz on a saxophone
Or evaporate on a breeze?
Won't you tell me, please?

That life is eternal and love is immortal
And death is only a horizon
Life is eternal
As we move into the light
And the horizon is nothing
Save the limit of our sight
Save the limit of our sight

[Hutch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eva Moves the Furniture came to me by way of Rodney's Bookstore in Brookline. Margot Livesey's fictional life of Evan MacEwan in WWII-era Scotland appealed to me with its mention of ghostly companions on the back cover. The furniture moving reference reminded me of my studies in Spiritualism, so I brought it home.

From the beginning, the writing style was very engrossing. Livesey's prose is sturdy and clean, and yet extremely evocative of mood. Her words are expressive, but never overstated or grandiloquent, keeping in the theme of a sparsely kept life in a rural countryside.

Eva's character develops slowly but surely, drawing you in to hear her stories. While some references are made to events out of sequence (the book is narrated by Eva, looking backward), they always lead back to the main thread of the story, weaving events and characters neatly together.

What strikes me as the most triumphant success of this book is the ghostly characters themselves. In other books that I have read involving paranormal characters/events, it becomes obvious that asking the reader to suspend disbelief in favor of the ghosts is asking a lot. It's very tricky to keep them "real" enough to make the story work. In Jennifer McMahon's Promise Not to Tell, I found the story engaging, but the ghost involvement jarring compared to the actual characters. Not so with Eva's companions; they glide into place, blending into the tapestry of Eva's life completely.

Since I write reviews without spoilers, I will only say that the ending made me cry. This is the mark of a good book; one that touches you so deeply, you can weep for it. I think perhaps my greatest criticism would be that it's a very short book. I'll be looking for more of Livesey's work in the future.

[lucky little cat · Rating 2 out of 5]

An uncharacteristic misfire from Margot Livesey.


This *very* tame coming-of-age-in-the-1940s novel also happens to feature the two dullest ghosts ever.

The ghosts are no one that Eva, the young mc, knew in life or wishes to hear from--not her own dead mother or grandmother, for example.

The ghosts bully Eva by tipping over chairs during the night and materializing occasionally to give her bland advice. These mild tactics and a few well-timed spectral frowns are enough to intimidate Eva into lifelong silence about the hauntings. So, decades of shielding ghosts.

This pact with the ghosts effectively sabotages Eva's own social skills--other people perceive her as distracted, evasive, or downright rude. In an early interference, one ghost throws a rock which splashes a classmate's nice party dress, dooming the girls' friendship.

The ghosts later steer Eva into marriage with "the wrong man" and otherwise act to ensure that she will have a bland, middling, lonely life close to home (and to the ghosts' hometown graves).

At the end, (and yes, I should have seen this coming) Eva dies a lingering death. Her spirit joyfully transcends her body while also forever cherishing the violets her family has left on her grave.

After all the muted disappointment of the woman's life, this ending is jarringly sentimental, even though the author has tried to prepare readers with early references to "The Little Mermaid."

If you, like me, have lost anyone early in your life, you also may feel briefly that you'd like to punch the author in the nose for this one.

5 hours, 190 w/m

[❀⊱RoryReads⊰❀ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is like listening to a bright, interesting old lady reminisce about her life. The writing is lovely, the time period brought vividly to life and the characters finely drawn. A warning though, this book is about a largely uneventful (though unusual) life. It's a character study rather than event filled historical fiction. There's a great deal of truth here, especially about mothers or mother figures and the children they love.

My only complaint is the title. It's hard to remember and has little to do with the content. I can't help but feel this book deserves better.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Something about this book just really clicked with me. Perhaps it was the beauty of the cover, which so perfectly seemed to match emotions and loneliness of the words inside. Or perhaps it was because I'd just finished a book where the author insisted on beating readers about the head with unnecessary words and imagery. Whatever the reason, this is one of those books that I enjoyed every page of, and was sad to see end.

Livesey's writing has been described by others as "clean" and I can't think of a better description for it. She paints pictures without wasting your time, she conveys thoughts and emotions but still gives the reader enough credit to fill in the blanks. Despite her sparse verbiage, I had crisp images in my head of each character, and found myself eagerly turning each page, even though the book's plot is quite slow paced in hindsight.

And I know several readers found the main character, Eva, to be too robotic, or unemotional. But to me, the novel read as a retelling of a life, as an explanation of how things are and therefore was never intended to convey deep emotional overtures. And beside, one of the central themes of the tale is how Eva, though constantly in the company of others, leads a very lonely existence. Born on the same day as her mother's death, she grows up unable to truly connect with those around her. For Christ's sake, she calls her father by his first name for the whole book! All in all, I found this to be a well written book with characters I won't soon forget.

[Rachel · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is a story about a motherless child who is looked after by her father, aunt and a couple of ghosts.

I guess I thought this would be a heartwarming, quirky, magical story. Unfortunately, this book was mostly boring and somewhat depressing instead. I didn't particularly care for any of the characters and felt the plot was pointless. 1 star.

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did not expect this to be sad but it was.

[Bethany · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5, I think.

I just have to say I loved how Margot Livesey did her ghost elements! I thought it was very creative, not to mention personally satisfying. Her prose wasn't as rich as I was hoping it would be, though. Oh well.
As for the story, it wilted in the middle (or at least I did) and I started losing interest. But then, it got good again, and ended on a beautifully heartbreaking note which I loved; it made me cry! Only a little, but there were tears, nevertheless. I do so love it when I am moved to tears by a story; it doesn't happen often enough.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok, I found this book sad,engaging and a little creepy. But, read the entire thing. I figured out how it would end, but felt compelled to follow through. Not something I'd highly recommend, but then not drivel either.

[Eavan · Rating 2 out of 5]

A strange supernatural story. I don't think I get the point: Ghosts from the past direct a girl's life, to the frustration of those of us who would like to see her follow her own damn path. Were they right? Were they wrong? Who cares?

[Loyola University Chicago Libraries · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cudahy Main Stacks: PR9199.3 .L563 E84 2001.

A spare, dispassionate ghost story. In 1920s Scotland, Eva grows up without a mother, but has two "companions" who keep her company as she goes to school, becomes a WWII nurse, and enters into the adult world of romance and family. The figures are bossy rather than scary; they routinely interfere in Eva's life to steer her in a certain direction and keep her from pursuing relationships or jobs of which they don't approve. There is nothing particularly supernatural or compelling about the arrangement or the book itself, and I felt quite detached from the characters and their subtle, quiet emotions. That said, Livesey does paint an interesting portrait of mid-century Scotland, and I was happy enough to finish this short novel to see if the companions' motives were revealed.

[Jen Wrenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very odd book but enjoyable nonetheless. It's spooky enough to keep you reading to find out if Eva's "companions" are sticking around to protect her or to do her harm!

I was talking to my friend Jane about ghosts and how much I get a kick out of the Travel Channel's "Most Haunted" show. She indicated I should read this book, which has actually been on my "to read" list for about 5 years! Her comment made me suddenly remember it... then a few days later, it was on my chair at the office.Hooray for Jane!
It was an interesting read, although the overall tone is a bit melancholy. A strong sense of loss permeates throughout. Time-period wise, it's a nice complement to "Atonement."

Wow, there seems to be a few depressing titles for me in 2007!

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read this book three times. It's a lovely, if sad, story about Eva, a girl whose mother dies shortly after giving birth to her. Eva lives a life that is muted--she nearly always does what is expected of her--and she knows sacrifice and loss. She also knows what it's like to be haunted, but not by scary ghosts. Her "companions" guide her through her short life. I read this book because it comforts me, though I'm not sure why. It's like a bubble bath, or an evening spent sipping tea, curled up in a blanket. It soothes me. Perhaps it's because of the gentle way Livesey imparts Eva's story, or because of the comforting ease of the language she uses. Whatever the reason, this book is like home sweet home; I'm sure I'll read it again and again.

[Plum-crazy · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful, captivating tale. Everything about this book was a delight. The atmosphere of the Scottish town where Eva was brought up, the attitudes & behaviour of the characters, the loneliness, loss & emotions they felt, all were beautifully brought to life.....& woven in amongst this day-to-day life was the hint of the supernatural - the mysterious "companions". Guardian angels at times, but at others seemingly naughty spirits, making it hard to determine their intentions towards Eva.

An evocative story with a touching & sad ending - but a fitting one I thought, though surprisingly it didn't bring a lump to my throat.

[Tessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a strange little book. It is very like a fairy-tale, but it's set just before and during World War 2. It follows Eva from birth to death, covering her childhood, her stint as a nurse during the war, and, most interestingly, her ability to see ghosts. It's a short book and it doesn't waste any words--it reminded me a bit of how someone might write an account of their own life: just the highlights, just the parts that mattered. I enjoyed this book very much.

[Fiona · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this because I really enjoyed The Road to Belhaven, and this was sort of a companion novel. I thought this book was lovely, and I loved the bonds between mother and daughter, but it didn’t touch me as much as the former did.

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got this book the same day as The Missing World (same author), which I read first, though this is the one that was recommended to me specifically. I liked The Missing World but didn't love it, so Eva sat on the shelf for a year and a half before I started it. At first I thought it was a well-written but rather quiet book - the kind that often isn't published because it doesn't have "breakout" written all over it. But it drew me in, and the end made me cry. I think this is the only book that ever has.

"Were the facts I had taken for granted going to start shifting like the furniture? Yes, of course - the whole world was shifting..." (60)

"It was as if a small piece of the radiance I saw on all sides had bloomed within me." (110)

"...swimming towards daybreak." (185)

"And I have felt
A presence that disturbs me with the joy
Of elevated thoughts; a sense sublime
Of something far more deeply interfused,
Whose dwelling is the light of setting suns,
And the round ocean and the living air,
And the blue sky, and in the mind of man"
-William Wordsworth, "Tintern Abbey"

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

I guess I determine the greatness of a book, by if it makes me cry, or at least has the ability to provoke some sort of intense emotion. A few year ago, I tried to start this book, but couldnt get into it. Last year, after a push from my Mother, I tried to read it again. I was obsessed with it. I dont think this book is so much supernatural but about life-living, dieing, love, whatever. I just loved Eva, and felt so involved in her life! As I like to say, I am NOT A book or movie cryer, unless something really strikes me. This book made me weepy. Livesy has some other good ones (Criminals is good, but depressing, and Banishing Verona, is lovely but not as deep as Eva. ), and her writing style is similar to Maeve Binchy but her books are much shorter.

[Dale Kushner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Despite the obvious success of our rational minds, most of our life is dominated by the unexplainable. One of the reasons I cherish Margot Livesey’s enchanting and enchanted novel, Eva Moves The Furniture, is that the author allows mystery center stage without trying to explain the ineffable via psychology or as a function of our imaginations. In the novel, bereft of her parents, Eva McEwen is inexplicably companioned by a woman and child visible to no one but herself. These figures, neither ghosts nor fantasy creations of a lonely girl, shape Eva’s destiny. Rather than reveal the plot, I’d simply say that Margot Livesey lets the reader dwell in curiosity at a world larger and more replete with possibilities of the unknown that many of us admit.

[Alan Marchant · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eva, do not go gentle into that good night!

Oh yeah, that advice only applies to men. Which helps explain why this cannot be a crossover novel. Margot Livesey's female characters seem natural enough, but the men are less than half-dimensional: passive, clueless, and prepubescent.

Come to think of it, that sort of describes Eva as well. She contents herself with moving the furniture when she should be raising Cain or at least making house.

The most interesting aspect of this pleasant little novel is how it proves that Gothic doesn't necessarily mean scary. I define a Gothic novel as a romance with ghosts. That's exactly what Eva gives us. No less and no more.

[polly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was really moved by this novel. I worried when I began it--the language seemed plain (though I now realize that was really working in its favor, and it has just enough lyricism) and the characters sometimes seemed too good or too easy or something. But these issues faded the further in I got. And the ending moved me very deeply. I've also felt this way about a short story I read of hers--that at first it seemed simple, but emotionally it reached such a deep (and in that case devastating) place. She's doing something here I don't often see. It takes you by surprise.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading a Margot Livesey book for book club and really enjoying it (thank you Anne for recommending it!), I thought I'd pick up another. Wow, I liked this one even more. If you liked Sula by Toni Morrison or The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold, any of those books that deal with the afterlife and loneliness with such grace and bittersweetness, then you will find this book touches your heart long after you have finished reading it.

[Ruthiella · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short, sweet but slight. Ever since Eva can remember she has been accompanied by “The Companions” and older woman and a young girl that only she can see and interact with. Eva grows up in rural Scotland, moves to Glasgow for nurses training during World War II and later ends up in the Highlands, all the while accompanied by the Companions. Are they fairies? Ghosts? Do they mean her harm or are they there to protect her?

[Cottageunderhill · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this story about a woman who sees ghosts and how that impacts her life during the early 1900s. Most of all, this book is emotional and haunting, real and yet (?)... The ending surprised me the most but it left me feeling like the story was complete. Hmmm, perhaps I shall read more by this author, since I loved her prose and her story-telling.

[Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Memorable, heartbreaking ghost story. I'd say "tearjerker," but that sounds demeaning. Still, it's a three hankie one by the end. Evocative and absorbing. Beautifully written.

[melanie (lit*chick) · Rating 4 out of 5]

she really knows how to tell a story...marvelous.

[Christina · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was part of that faze where my friends and I tried to read books with our names in the title. This traces Eva's life and the links between mother and daughter live on beyond the grave.

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished this book in 2 days; it's the type of book that once you start it's hard to put down. It's a mysterious but touching story about the connections and love between mothers and daughters.

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't remember the last time a book made me cry. Before this one, that is. Lovely. So lovely.

[Gab · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a really lovely book, set in Scotland, about love, loss, grief and 'other'. Eva's mother dies shortly after giving birth to her ... and after the omen of six magpies had appeared on a tree that same day. Eva is raised by her father and aunt in a small Scottish town. She has two 'companions' that appear to her and seem to either rescue her or point her in a direction. Eva has never questioned her companions about who they are/were and can't quite figure out if they've been sent to help her or guard her or guide her. Eva realises that the companions belong to her rather than to a place, as she encounters them when she moves to Glasgow to train as a nurse. When she has a daughter of her own she wonders whether her daughter will see the companions.