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bookedbymadeline's review against another edition
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.5
For fans of Downton Abbey (and potentially Bridgerton fans too); it has hidden stories, twists, scandal, and upstairs-downstairs interactions. I loved the plot twists and revelations that were slowly unfolded. The characters were complex and I loved most of them! The story is told through third person so it could be boring at times, because Fellowes tells us exactly what each character’s thoughts and motivations are rather than showing us through actions. For this book it was fine because I did like the beautiful writing and it had filled the Downton sized hole in my heart 😅 The chapters were longer than I prefer but I was so pulled into the story that I didn’t mind.
Overall a relaxing story with a happy ending! It has definitely proven that I not only enjoy regency era movies/series but also books 🥰
Overall a relaxing story with a happy ending! It has definitely proven that I not only enjoy regency era movies/series but also books 🥰
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity and Infertility
Moderate: Addiction, Pregnancy, Death, and War
jhbandcats's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Not having a TV, I never followed Downton Abbey till I saw the first movie in a theater. I was completely taken in - charmed, delighted, and pleased to discover what everyone else was raving about. I was equally unfamiliar with Belgravia.
Now, of course, I'm really glad I learned about it - it's a wonderful book! It won't go down as a Pulitzer or Booker Prize winner but it's thoroughly enjoyable. The two matrons are quite complex. The character arc of Lady Brockenhurst in particular is rewarding, to see someone crushed by grief become almost mellow.
The less savory characters make for a lively tale, and they're fairly fleshed out, too. Though they're despicable, the author shows the reasons for their behavior making them at least understandable though not sympathetic. My only quibble is that the scene at the end by the river seems out of character for both the book and the character himself.
Definitely recommended!
Now, of course, I'm really glad I learned about it - it's a wonderful book! It won't go down as a Pulitzer or Booker Prize winner but it's thoroughly enjoyable. The two matrons are quite complex. The character arc of Lady Brockenhurst in particular is rewarding, to see someone crushed by grief become almost mellow.
The less savory characters make for a lively tale, and they're fairly fleshed out, too. Though they're despicable, the author shows the reasons for their behavior making them at least understandable though not sympathetic. My only quibble is that the scene at the end by the river seems out of character for both the book and the character himself.
Definitely recommended!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity, Alcohol, Classism, Death, Pregnancy, Grief, and Infertility
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