About the book:
On the evening of 15 June 1815, the great and the good of British Society have gathered in Brussels at what is to become one of the most tragic parties in history -- the duchess of Richmond's ball. For this is the eve of the Battle of Waterloo, and many of the handsome young men attending the ball will find themselves, the very next day, on the battlefield.
For Sophia Trenchard, the young and beautiful daughter of Wellington's chief supplier, this night will change everything. But it is only twenty-five years later, when the upwardly mobile Trenchards move into the fashionable new area of Belgravia, that the true repercussions of that moment will be felt. For in this new world, where the aristocracy rub shoulders with the emerging nouveau riche, there are those who would prefer the secrets of the past to remain buried...
My thoughts:
If you're a fan of Downton Abbey, as I am, you won't be disappointed by this book. Like Downton Abbey, many difficulties arise thanks to the rigid class system in the 1800s. Whether one is a member of the aristocracy, the merchant class or the servants class, it is important to know one's place and not cross any lines. Needless to say, this breeds resentment for many who wish to advance. True love is not allowed to prosper, and troubles must be kept behind closed doors. In Belgravia, we meet people from all walks of life, but the main storyline here centers around Sophia's family in the twenty-five years after Waterloo. I won't give away any big secrets, but suffice it to say that her parents and others will continue to struggle in England with a pivotal choice that Sophia made while living in Brussels. This story kept me in suspense, and I was sad to see it come to an end.
About the author:
Educated at Ampleforth and Magdalene College, Cambridge, Julian Fellowes is a multi-award-winning actor, writer, director and producer. As creator, sole writer, and executive producer of the hit television series DOWNTON ABBEY, Fellowes has won three Emmy awards.
Fellowes received the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay for GOSFORD PARK (2002). His work was also honored by the Writer's Guild of America, The New York Film Critics' Circle and the National Society of Film Critics for Best Screenplay. Other writing credits for film include PICCADILLY JIM (2004), VANITY FAIR (2004), YOUNG VICTORIA (2009), THE TOURIST (2010), ROMEO & JULIET (2013), and the three-part drama DOCTOR THORNE for ITV. Fellowes also directed the award-winning films SEPARATE LIES and FROM TIME TO TIME. Fellowes wrote the books for the Tony-nominated stage production of MARY POPPINS and SCHOOL OF ROCK - THE MUSICAL, which opened on Broadway in December 2015, and is written and produced by Andrew Lloyd Webber.
Fellowes has authored two novels: the international bestsellers SNOBS (2005) and PAST IMPERFECT (2008/2009).
Julian Fellowes became a life peer in 2010. He lives in Dorset and London with his wife, Emma.
Facebook: JulianFellowesBelgravia
Twitter: @JFBelgravia
Instagram: @julianfellowesbelgravia
GIVEAWAY
One lucky winner will receive my hardcover copy of Belgravia, by Julian Fellowes! Enter through the Rafflecopter form below. This giveaway is open to U.S. residents only and will end at 11:59 PM ET on Sunday, August 21, 2016.
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Disclosure: I won this book and am donating it for this giveaway. This post contains my Amazon affiliate link.
Even though I think Fellowes plays fast and loose with his characters sometimes, his stories are intriguing!
ReplyDelete--Trix
I was entranced by the story of Downton.
ReplyDeleteI've never watched Downton Abbey but I've heard it's fabulous!
ReplyDeleteDownton Abbey is my favorite television series of all time! I was crushed when it ended! I'd love to read this book!
ReplyDeleteNancy
allibrary (at) aol (dot) com
I was a great admirer of Gosford Park.
ReplyDeleteI did not watch Downton Abbey
ReplyDeletetiramisu392 (at) yahoo.com
We loved Downton Abbey and the great characters
ReplyDeleteFellowes stories are quite interesting. I was sorry to see Downton Abbey end.
ReplyDeleteViolet, Mary, Edith, they all had some great zingers. We miss our Sunday night Downton Abbey.
ReplyDeleteI haven't read any of Julian Fellows books yet, but I would love to. Thank you
ReplyDeleteDownton Abby was a great series. I wish it was still on tv.
ReplyDeleteJFWisherd(at)aol(dot)com
Downton Abby was a great series, so well done. I really enjoyed watching it every Sunday. I haven't read any of his books yet, but this book sounds like another great historical work by Julian Fellowes. Would love to read.
ReplyDeleteI like Downton Abbey! :)
ReplyDeleteI've never watched downton abbey before.
ReplyDeleteive never seen it before
ReplyDeleteI didn't know Fellows was also an actor. What was he in?
ReplyDeleteHi Tracy! Looks like he has 68 credits as an actor on IMDB. Here's a link to his page: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0271501/
DeleteLove Downton Abbey! Look forward to reading this book.
ReplyDeleteI've never watched any or read any.
ReplyDeleteNever missed a Downton Abbey episode. Julian Fellows is brilliant!
ReplyDeleteI never read Julian Fellows, but would love to!
ReplyDeleteI love Downton Abbey. I have several of the seasons on DVD.
ReplyDeleteI love Downton Abbey. I have several of the seasons on DVD.
ReplyDeleteTia
I enjoyed Downton Abbey so much. Always looked forward to Downton Sundays!
ReplyDeleteI have not seen Downtown Abby, but it sounds good.
ReplyDeleteI've never watched Downtown Abbey. I know, I'm missing out!
ReplyDeleteI watched Downtown Abbey all the time, I loved that show-
ReplyDeleteI loved Downton Abbey!! It is one of my all time favorite shows!
ReplyDeleteI love his book Snobs, it's one of my favorites!
ReplyDeletehaven't read any of his, watched a few episodes of downton abbey
ReplyDeleteAlas, I am that person who hasn't seen the show or read any of the books...but I would like to!
ReplyDeleteI have watched downton abbey twice, once on tv and a second time on Amazon. I loved that series.
ReplyDeleteI have not read anything by the author but I'm interested in
ReplyDeleteI've never watched Downton Abbey.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoy watching Downton Abbey. It is one of my favorite shows.
ReplyDeleteI adored Downton Abbey. I also was a big admirer of both the films 'Gosford Park' and 'Young Victoria'. I read that Dame Maggie Smith said that she began to develop aspects of her Dowager Countess persona in the 'Gosford Park' film playing the duchess of Trentham; even though they are different people they have aspects in common.
ReplyDelete******************
{in the contest I am Margot C__ on the Rafflecopter}
I enjoyed "Gosford Park".
ReplyDeletetheyyyguy@yahoo.com
It is amazing
ReplyDeleteI never watched or read Downton Abbey, but it's on my list to catch up on!
ReplyDeleteI have never watched or read her books yet but am hoping to find time to do so soon!
ReplyDeleteDownton Abbey is a modern classic.
ReplyDeleteI'm a huge Downtown Abbey and Gosford Park fan but have not read his books and would like to.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed watching Downtown Abbey. I would enjoy reading his latest book.
ReplyDeleteI guess, like life, I loved and hated Downton Abbey the show. Will have to read it.
ReplyDeleteI was hooked on Downton Abbey asnsoon as it aired. I told my parent's about it and they got hooked. They then got my aunt and uncle hooked!
ReplyDeleteI think Downton Abbey is well made.
ReplyDelete