Publication
New York, NY : Grand Central Publishing, 2016.
Collection
Call number
Large Print Fiction F
Physical description
593 p.; 24 cm
Status
Available
Call number
Description
Fiction. Historical Fiction. HTML: Julian Fellowes's Belgravia is the story of a secret. A secret that unravels behind the porticoed doors of London's grandest postcode. Set in the 1840s when the upper echelons of society began to rub shoulders with the emerging industrial nouveau riche, Belgravia is peopled by a rich cast of characters. But the story begins on the eve of the Battle of Waterloo in 1815. At the Duchess of Richmond's new legendary ball, one family's life will change forever..
User reviews
LibraryThing member BooksForDinner
Very disappointed. The idea here was good: release a chapter or two each week through a dedicated app that included multimedia extras like movies and photos as well a hyperlinks to bios of characters and the like. However, when your app is so bad that it makes reading your book virtually
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impossible, it doesn't matter how good the writing is. And, with regards to the first chapter, the writing/story seemed fine, but certainly nothing to suffer through the horrible reading experience for. Show Less
LibraryThing member Romonko
I was so excited to read this serialized book written by the great Julian Fellowes. I am a huge Downton Abbey fan, and was expecting something wonderful here. Unfortunately, I didn't really find it. I was quite disappointed actually. I found that the character development and the plot were lacking
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somewhat. I really didn't have an affinity for any of the characters, and in some cases, the characters were rather wooden and stilted. It kind of felt like I was reading a screenplay, where the stage notes and character notes are outlined. There are traces of the Downon magic in this book, and that is why I gave it three stars instead of two. He does not stint on the drama and on the effect that long-held secrets have on the people who were knowingly and unknowingly involved. But the final outcome was predictable. There are nor real surprises here. Show Less
LibraryThing member jillrhudy
I am the most tolerant person of fictional chats over tea imaginable, but this book was so dull. I could not endure one more fraught discussion over tea (ladies) or liquor (gentlemen) about the secret identity at the core of the plot. People were constantly "giving away too much" or "had no idea
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how much they were giving away" and you are wishing desperately they would spill the beans already, just to get the book over with. Show Less
LibraryThing member pennsylady
"On the eve of the Battle of Waterloo, 15th June 1815, when the Duchess of Richmond threw a magnificent ball in Brussels for the Duke of Wellington.
Just before 1am, word came that Napoleon had unexpectedly crossed the border and Wellington and his troops had to leave immediately to prepare for
Many of the officers died on the battlefield, still in their dress uniforms." (book jacket)
Belgravia, by the creator of Downton Abbey, is a tale touching a myriad of human emotions and weaknesses.
It's a slice of the world in the early to mid 19th century.
As the story begins we meet "James and Anne Trenchard, who have made their money in trade.
Their beautiful daughter Sophia has caught the eye of Edmund Bellasis, the son and heir of one of Britainâs most prominent families." (reviewer's note)
The majority of our story takes place in the 1840's
Edmund Bellasis had died in the Waterloo conflict and Sophie had died months later.
---
Let me begin by saying...I did not read this as an episodic novel.
My hardcover runs through the entire story.
Yes, it had a certain predictability.
There are the rich and those who provide services for them.
But the story was engaging and moved at a sufficient pace.
Fellowes did give me a good sense of place and the customs and formalities of the time; but, we also find the aristocrat now must interact with the "emerging industrial nouveau riche."
The reader is privy to a secret that dictates the direction of the novel.
I recommend it as a worthwhile historical fiction read with emphasis on the timeless foibles of human nature.
4★ Goodreads Giveaway
Just before 1am, word came that Napoleon had unexpectedly crossed the border and Wellington and his troops had to leave immediately to prepare for
Show More
war.Many of the officers died on the battlefield, still in their dress uniforms." (book jacket)
Belgravia, by the creator of Downton Abbey, is a tale touching a myriad of human emotions and weaknesses.
It's a slice of the world in the early to mid 19th century.
As the story begins we meet "James and Anne Trenchard, who have made their money in trade.
Their beautiful daughter Sophia has caught the eye of Edmund Bellasis, the son and heir of one of Britainâs most prominent families." (reviewer's note)
The majority of our story takes place in the 1840's
Edmund Bellasis had died in the Waterloo conflict and Sophie had died months later.
---
Let me begin by saying...I did not read this as an episodic novel.
My hardcover runs through the entire story.
Yes, it had a certain predictability.
There are the rich and those who provide services for them.
But the story was engaging and moved at a sufficient pace.
Fellowes did give me a good sense of place and the customs and formalities of the time; but, we also find the aristocrat now must interact with the "emerging industrial nouveau riche."
The reader is privy to a secret that dictates the direction of the novel.
I recommend it as a worthwhile historical fiction read with emphasis on the timeless foibles of human nature.
4★ Goodreads Giveaway
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LibraryThing member librisissimo
Belgravia is exactly what you would expect from Julian Fellowes, the creator of 'Downton Abbey.'
LibraryThing member Zumbanista
If the app had worked well, I would have given Belgravia 4 stars. I did enjoy the story, although at times, the writing lacked oomph - I'd say "good enough" but not really great writing. I discovered I didn't like being an episodic reader after all and was frustrated by having to wait for the next
As to the app, how terribly frustrating! I was trying to read on both my iPad and iPhone. At first they were syncing perfectly. Eventually, by about Chapter 7-8 I was having trouble downloading my episodes on both devices, and gave up even trying to sync to where I last left off. I was gritting my teeth, and it really did ruin my enjoyment of the book. Next time, I'll wait until the whole novel's been released so I can read it all at once.
Good idea, bad execution and I just didn't like waiting a week between chapters.
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instalment, although originally, I thought it was a grand idea.As to the app, how terribly frustrating! I was trying to read on both my iPad and iPhone. At first they were syncing perfectly. Eventually, by about Chapter 7-8 I was having trouble downloading my episodes on both devices, and gave up even trying to sync to where I last left off. I was gritting my teeth, and it really did ruin my enjoyment of the book. Next time, I'll wait until the whole novel's been released so I can read it all at once.
Good idea, bad execution and I just didn't like waiting a week between chapters.
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LibraryThing member ritaer
Fairly predictable plot with some interesting plot twists. I was occasionally thrown out of the scene by historical questions such as the descriptions of fashions, the fact that Mary Grey's brother, at 20 would not have been managing his estates on his own, and a general feeling that the psychology
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of the characters was too modern. But a good, light read. Show Less
LibraryThing member Doondeck
Some similarity to Downton but lacks the vsuals. Reads like a soap opera.
LibraryThing member stringcat3
What a disappointment! After enjoying the witty Snobs, I was expecting more of the same here but got a by-the-numbers Regency romance. No, wait - no bodice-ripping, so not even that much entertainment. The plot is uber-predictable with stock characters. And not a shred of humor to be found. I
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skimmed to the end hoping there'd be some twist but it was as uninspired and insipid as any Lifetime movie. Show Less
LibraryThing member briandrewz
A joy to read. Julian Fellowes has once again proved that he is the master of upstairs/downstairs storytelling. The book reads like a season of Downton Abbey. Any lover of that show will certainly appreciate this book. In this book, Anne Trenchard and the Countess of Brockenhurst discover that they
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have a mutual grandson. Both must find a way to establish a relationship with him, while keeping his identity a secret. Fast paced, gripping reading! Show Less
LibraryThing member froxgirl
Beware books where the author's name proceeds the title! SAVAGE EGO ALERT! Julian Fellowes is best known for TV's Downton Abbey, but his earlier efforts, the film Gosford Park and the novel Snobs were actually better. Now, he's either very old or too famous (or both), and lackadaisical, and the
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plot here does not hold the reader captive, as his other efforts did. This one is aristocrats vs trademen, and with one exception, the servants are all venal. There's a lovely innocent couple and two dastardly young men, and one good plot twist. Skip it and rewind back to Fellowes' earlier efforts. Show Less
LibraryThing member bookappeal
Fellowes is the master at drawing us into the lives of high society families, their devilish deceptions, and the servants who hear every word. The audiobook narrator's voice is soothingly ideal, from royalty to the merchant class to the maids.
LibraryThing member thewanderingjew
Belgravia, Julian Fellowes, author; Juliet Stevenson, narrator
Fans of Upstairs, Downstairs and Downton Abbey will enjoy this book look-alike. English novels have a certain sophistication and sense of style that American authors often fail to lend to their novels. In this book, there was no sex, no
This is an interesting novel about class distinction. The members of the aristocracy had their own way of life, and the lower classes basically served their needs. They looked down upon those that engaged in commerce and were not in their own society. The women had a social calendar. They had a life of tea parties, doing charity work, attending balls and entertaining. The men had their hunting and their club life. Women led quiet lives governed largely by a male member of the family who held sway over all of their choices and decisions. Money was passed down to the eldest son, and in some families, extraordinary jealousy arose between siblings, although there was often justification. A great disparity in lifestyle existed between those that inherited the major portion of their ancestor’s estate, and those that did not.
The novel takes place in the 1800’s. The reader is placed squarely into that atmosphere by the expert narrator. Her portrayal of the characters placed the aristocratic residents haughtily in their drawing rooms, perfectly at home there, with the readers watching them as if they were there, as well, allowing them a view into that world. The pompous attitude of those that lived in that rarefied environment was clearly on display. The arrogant tone of voice and condescension were often evident.
The obsequious behavior of the servants came to life as they interacted with their masters. Although they respected their employers and the employers respected their servants, albeit often to a lesser degree, each knew the other’s shortcomings. Those upstairs knew that their lives were the topic of discussion, ridicule and a source of pleasure below stairs. They were careful not to reveal too much when the servants were present, but often, the servants overheard private conversations and only too happily shared their tidbits with other servants. Although many were loyal, those upstairs and those downstairs often hatched plans to betray each other and their adversaries, some to insure their inheritances and some to simply gain an extra pound or two for their added “service” when they passed on information. Many characters could be bought for a price, and many of the landed gentry and the working class could be convinced to act impulsively and disloyally for selfish gain.
The Trenchard family, James and Anne, parents of Sophia and her brother Oliver, were not members of the upper class, but James aspired to be accepted by them. James was a merchant who became successful and attained a modest amount of wealth. When Sofia fell in love with a member of the aristocracy, Edmund Bellasis, who had secured them an invitation to his aunt’s ball, James was over the moon with happiness. Anne, on the other hand, was more realistic. She did not believe for a moment, that his intentions were entirely honorable since the classes simply did not mix. Although they had money, they were still not part of society.
It was 1815, in Brussels, when the family went to the ball arranged by Sophia’s sweetheart. On that night, Sophia made a tragic discovery that would affect the lives of her family for the next three decades. Although she believed she had been secretly married and therefore had been intimate with her “husband”, on that night she saw that the man who had married them was in uniform, and he was about to ride away with Edmund Bellasis into battle with the forces of Napoleon. Could he have impersonated a member of the clergy? Was she really married? Had she been tricked? When the death of Edmund is announced, Sophia is completely bereft. She had been compromised. She was whisked off with her lady’s maid so that her pregnancy could be concealed and her reputation preserved. Things did not work out exactly as planned, however, and after the birth of the child, he was placed in the home of a clergyman who, with his wife, raised him as their own. He was given the name of Charles Pope. Decades passed and although he was told he was adopted, he was never told of his true heritage.
Some thirty years later, in the mid 1840’s, Anne Trenchard, now the wife of a very successful husband, was invited to tea at the home of a Duchess. There she had the occasion to speak with Edmund Bellasis’s mother, Lady Brockenhurst, whom she now realized had no heir. Edmund had been her only child. She felt Caroline’s sadness. You see, although Anne had not met Mr. Pope, and knew little about his life, she had known that he was her grandson, and that gave her a degree of peace and happiness. She decided to reveal the secret of the child’s birth to Caroline to provide her with a degree of comfort. No good deed goes unpunished, however, and the consequences that follow threaten to tear the Trenchard family apart.
This book is compelling and each segment ends with a cliffhanger forcing the reader to keep turning the pages. What would happen to the memory of Sophia Trenchard? Would it be besmirched? How would the Brockenhursts handle this delicate situation? The Trenchards and the Brockenhursts normally did not mix as they were from different avenues of society so how would this dilemma resolve itself? The standards for the behavior of men and women were vastly different then. Would the parentage of Charles Pope be revealed? Was he illegitimate? Will that revelation have an effect on the inheritances of others? How will it involve the various lives of some who live upstairs and some residing below stairs?
This story kept me engaged throughout. The arrogance of the upper classes and the chattering gossip and behavior of those that lived below stairs was revealing. The mid 1800’s was a time of change for the world of the aristocratic, and the author brought the class distinctions, with its concomitant class warfare, to the fore, and it was evident that change was truly coming. The secrets and the betrayals were plausible. The acceptance of the idea that men were allowed their dalliances while women who engaged with them were fallen women, was the nature of the belief in those days. Some of the characters were not very likeable, and often their greed and petty jealousies prevailed, but in spite of their negative character traits, they were all interesting to contemplate. The resolution of all the conflicts and betrayals surprised me and I wondered, was Fellowes planning a sequel in the future?
Fans of Upstairs, Downstairs and Downton Abbey will enjoy this book look-alike. English novels have a certain sophistication and sense of style that American authors often fail to lend to their novels. In this book, there was no sex, no
Show More
foul language and no real violence; there was just a beautifully written book with a prose that was eloquent and expressive. The reader, Juliet Stevenson, provided each character with its own voice and speech pattern, its own appropriate accent and cadence bringing each to life individually.This is an interesting novel about class distinction. The members of the aristocracy had their own way of life, and the lower classes basically served their needs. They looked down upon those that engaged in commerce and were not in their own society. The women had a social calendar. They had a life of tea parties, doing charity work, attending balls and entertaining. The men had their hunting and their club life. Women led quiet lives governed largely by a male member of the family who held sway over all of their choices and decisions. Money was passed down to the eldest son, and in some families, extraordinary jealousy arose between siblings, although there was often justification. A great disparity in lifestyle existed between those that inherited the major portion of their ancestor’s estate, and those that did not.
The novel takes place in the 1800’s. The reader is placed squarely into that atmosphere by the expert narrator. Her portrayal of the characters placed the aristocratic residents haughtily in their drawing rooms, perfectly at home there, with the readers watching them as if they were there, as well, allowing them a view into that world. The pompous attitude of those that lived in that rarefied environment was clearly on display. The arrogant tone of voice and condescension were often evident.
The obsequious behavior of the servants came to life as they interacted with their masters. Although they respected their employers and the employers respected their servants, albeit often to a lesser degree, each knew the other’s shortcomings. Those upstairs knew that their lives were the topic of discussion, ridicule and a source of pleasure below stairs. They were careful not to reveal too much when the servants were present, but often, the servants overheard private conversations and only too happily shared their tidbits with other servants. Although many were loyal, those upstairs and those downstairs often hatched plans to betray each other and their adversaries, some to insure their inheritances and some to simply gain an extra pound or two for their added “service” when they passed on information. Many characters could be bought for a price, and many of the landed gentry and the working class could be convinced to act impulsively and disloyally for selfish gain.
The Trenchard family, James and Anne, parents of Sophia and her brother Oliver, were not members of the upper class, but James aspired to be accepted by them. James was a merchant who became successful and attained a modest amount of wealth. When Sofia fell in love with a member of the aristocracy, Edmund Bellasis, who had secured them an invitation to his aunt’s ball, James was over the moon with happiness. Anne, on the other hand, was more realistic. She did not believe for a moment, that his intentions were entirely honorable since the classes simply did not mix. Although they had money, they were still not part of society.
It was 1815, in Brussels, when the family went to the ball arranged by Sophia’s sweetheart. On that night, Sophia made a tragic discovery that would affect the lives of her family for the next three decades. Although she believed she had been secretly married and therefore had been intimate with her “husband”, on that night she saw that the man who had married them was in uniform, and he was about to ride away with Edmund Bellasis into battle with the forces of Napoleon. Could he have impersonated a member of the clergy? Was she really married? Had she been tricked? When the death of Edmund is announced, Sophia is completely bereft. She had been compromised. She was whisked off with her lady’s maid so that her pregnancy could be concealed and her reputation preserved. Things did not work out exactly as planned, however, and after the birth of the child, he was placed in the home of a clergyman who, with his wife, raised him as their own. He was given the name of Charles Pope. Decades passed and although he was told he was adopted, he was never told of his true heritage.
Some thirty years later, in the mid 1840’s, Anne Trenchard, now the wife of a very successful husband, was invited to tea at the home of a Duchess. There she had the occasion to speak with Edmund Bellasis’s mother, Lady Brockenhurst, whom she now realized had no heir. Edmund had been her only child. She felt Caroline’s sadness. You see, although Anne had not met Mr. Pope, and knew little about his life, she had known that he was her grandson, and that gave her a degree of peace and happiness. She decided to reveal the secret of the child’s birth to Caroline to provide her with a degree of comfort. No good deed goes unpunished, however, and the consequences that follow threaten to tear the Trenchard family apart.
This book is compelling and each segment ends with a cliffhanger forcing the reader to keep turning the pages. What would happen to the memory of Sophia Trenchard? Would it be besmirched? How would the Brockenhursts handle this delicate situation? The Trenchards and the Brockenhursts normally did not mix as they were from different avenues of society so how would this dilemma resolve itself? The standards for the behavior of men and women were vastly different then. Would the parentage of Charles Pope be revealed? Was he illegitimate? Will that revelation have an effect on the inheritances of others? How will it involve the various lives of some who live upstairs and some residing below stairs?
This story kept me engaged throughout. The arrogance of the upper classes and the chattering gossip and behavior of those that lived below stairs was revealing. The mid 1800’s was a time of change for the world of the aristocratic, and the author brought the class distinctions, with its concomitant class warfare, to the fore, and it was evident that change was truly coming. The secrets and the betrayals were plausible. The acceptance of the idea that men were allowed their dalliances while women who engaged with them were fallen women, was the nature of the belief in those days. Some of the characters were not very likeable, and often their greed and petty jealousies prevailed, but in spite of their negative character traits, they were all interesting to contemplate. The resolution of all the conflicts and betrayals surprised me and I wondered, was Fellowes planning a sequel in the future?
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LibraryThing member diana.hauser
BELGRAVIA by Julian Fellowes is a glowing gem of a book.
I just finished the last chapter and was very satisfied with the ending.
The plot, the characters, the settings, the atmosphere, the period, the tone - every aspect of the book was interesting and fit perfectly with the serialization
I very much enjoyed this book and thought there was just enough time between installments.
The online publicity, notes and excerpts were well-done, also. I especially liked the drawings/illustrations. They fit well with the time period of the story.
Every aspect of the book seemed to be well-thought out and executed.
Thank you for a great reading experience.
I just finished the last chapter and was very satisfied with the ending.
The plot, the characters, the settings, the atmosphere, the period, the tone - every aspect of the book was interesting and fit perfectly with the serialization
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technique.I very much enjoyed this book and thought there was just enough time between installments.
The online publicity, notes and excerpts were well-done, also. I especially liked the drawings/illustrations. They fit well with the time period of the story.
Every aspect of the book seemed to be well-thought out and executed.
Thank you for a great reading experience.
Show Less
LibraryThing member deslivres5
I listened to the audio book version read by the actress Juliet Stevenson. I agree that the story had predictable twists and turns, but I enjoyed it anyway. Ms. Stevenson did a superb job bringing all the various characters to life. I hope they do wind up serializing this for the screen.
LibraryThing member amaraki
Entertaining and enveloped one in the atmosphere of 19th c aristocracy -- if you are into that sort of thing. That said the book seemed way too long with predictable characters and outcome.
LibraryThing member Cariola
Belgravia is exactly what you would expect from Julian Fellowes, the creator of 'Downton Abbey.' A ball is held in Brussels on what will become the eve of the Battle of Waterloo. Two families, one aristocratic, the other headed by a wealthy social-climbing merchant, launch into a strained
It's a bit difficult to talk about this story without giving too much away: suffice it to say that it slowly unravels over the years. Like so many of Fellowes's stories, it is based on the fine points of the British class system, acceptable manners, sibling rivalries, long-held secrets, and scheming both upstairs and down. Many of the characters are the usual stereotypes--the haughty Duchess, the trusting but clueless merchant, the disgruntled younger brother, the rake, the scheming lady's maid, the honest industrialist, etc. Nevertheless, the story they populate is catchy--particularly the audio version, which is read by the wonderful Juliette Stevenson. As it develops, the plot gets increasingly intricate, knotting the characters to one another, bursting into a dénouement that leaves almost everyone with a happy ending.
Overall, a fun. light read, nothing earthshaking, but certainly entertaining.
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relationship when titled heir Edmund Bellasis wrangles an invitation to the famous Duchess of Richmond's ball for Sophia Trenchard, the young lady he is courting, and her parents. Can love conquer all, or is Edward just toying with a pretty girl beneath his station? Alas, we don't find out for quite some time as the battle ensues, Edward joins his regiment, and a double tragedy ensues that will affect both families for decades. It's a bit difficult to talk about this story without giving too much away: suffice it to say that it slowly unravels over the years. Like so many of Fellowes's stories, it is based on the fine points of the British class system, acceptable manners, sibling rivalries, long-held secrets, and scheming both upstairs and down. Many of the characters are the usual stereotypes--the haughty Duchess, the trusting but clueless merchant, the disgruntled younger brother, the rake, the scheming lady's maid, the honest industrialist, etc. Nevertheless, the story they populate is catchy--particularly the audio version, which is read by the wonderful Juliette Stevenson. As it develops, the plot gets increasingly intricate, knotting the characters to one another, bursting into a dénouement that leaves almost everyone with a happy ending.
Overall, a fun. light read, nothing earthshaking, but certainly entertaining.
Show Less
LibraryThing member etxgardener
Julian Fellowes capitalizes on the runaway success of her "Downton Abbey" television series to write a novel of romance and the English upper classes in nineteenth Century England.
The book opens at the famous ball the Duchess of Richmond gave in Brussels on the eve of the Battle of Waterloo. There
Fast forward 25 years later. The Trenchards have comeup in the world and are now living in a house on Eaton Square in Belgravia in London not far from the aristoractic Bellaisis.' Using every cliche from every romance novel written in the past 100 years, Fellowes tells a tale of class prejudices, scheming heirs, adulterous relationships sand finally, of course, the gathering of all the participates where all is revealed.
This is familiar tale and there is not much that the reader does not see coming. However, Fellowes is an engaging storyteller and her keeps you turning the pages. An engaging summer read.
The book opens at the famous ball the Duchess of Richmond gave in Brussels on the eve of the Battle of Waterloo. There
Show More
the beautiful Sophia Trenchard, the daughter of the Duke of Wellington's chief equpiment supplier has caught the eye of young Lord Bellasis. They are in love, but of different classes and.....Fast forward 25 years later. The Trenchards have comeup in the world and are now living in a house on Eaton Square in Belgravia in London not far from the aristoractic Bellaisis.' Using every cliche from every romance novel written in the past 100 years, Fellowes tells a tale of class prejudices, scheming heirs, adulterous relationships sand finally, of course, the gathering of all the participates where all is revealed.
This is familiar tale and there is not much that the reader does not see coming. However, Fellowes is an engaging storyteller and her keeps you turning the pages. An engaging summer read.
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LibraryThing member Gingermama
Overall, this was an enjoyable read. Set primarily in London in 1841, the story weaves together the lives of several aristocratic families (some with money, some in genteel decline) with other families and individuals who've gained their wealth through commerce. There's also lots of
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"upstairs/downstairs" intrigue. My main quibble was that too many of the characters are right out of central casting and lack any emotional depth, which makes the ending visible a mile off. Still, if you enjoyed "Downton Abbey," you'll probably find this book a pleasant way to pass a few hours. Show Less
LibraryThing member adpaton
If you liked Gosforth Park and loved Downton Abbey, chances are you will enjoy Belgravia, a historical romance penned by their creator and, almost certainly, destined for another small screen block buster.
Belgravia is unapologetically chick fic, despite the historical setting: it begins in 1815 at
25 years later the couple is dead but there is yet another misalliance between their families – a delicious froth in the Georgette Heyer style, Belgravia is sheer delight.
Belgravia is unapologetically chick fic, despite the historical setting: it begins in 1815 at
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the Duchess of Richmond’s legendary Brussels ball on the eve of the Battle of Waterloo, when the beautiful but lowborn Sophia Trenchard and Edmund, Lord Bellasis – heir to an Earldom – set the floor alight. 25 years later the couple is dead but there is yet another misalliance between their families – a delicious froth in the Georgette Heyer style, Belgravia is sheer delight.
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LibraryThing member robeik
I've only just started reading this book. How can a young woman (Sophia) just disappear? Didn't she have any friends, no family? She comes back from Brussels, is whisked off with her mother a few months later to hide her pregnancy, dies somewhat alone, and then just pooof... gone.
LibraryThing member LARA335
Well-plotted easy-read story set in the 1840s. James, a successful man in trade, knows he has a grandson, but to acknowledge him would be to dishonour his dead daughter. And following the death of her son at Waterloo an aristocratic woman knows the family seat will go to an undeserving nephew.
Interesting story, full of historical domestic detail and well-drawn characters, with plenty of upstairs / downstairs intrigue.
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Slowly the fate of the two families become entwined.Interesting story, full of historical domestic detail and well-drawn characters, with plenty of upstairs / downstairs intrigue.
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LibraryThing member readyreader
Another Downton Abbeyesque story and setting. Easy reading, predictable characters, and a cultural study of family life in these times. Entertaining read.
LibraryThing member FerneMysteryReader
Following my own historical pattern of star ratings I might have given this 4 stars. However, I have given 5 stars because I loved "Belgravia" characters as much as I loved all of the "Downton Abbey" characters created by Julian Fellowes presented in the television series and the movie. From
With visions of the grandeur of "Downton Abbey" scenes dancing in my mind, I could easily envision each scene in "Belgravia." I was also my own casting director transferring actors and actresses from "Downton Abbey" to now star in my mind's visions of "Belgravia" as I turned each page.
Julian Fellowes knows how to tell a story whether for television, motion picture screen, or novel. He can delve into secrets and pace his reveals and add humor with perfect timing. I would be remiss if I did not give a nod of appreciation to Imogen Edwards-Jones, Editorial Consultant, and Lindy Woodhead, Historical Consultant. We do not know precisely what assistance was provided other than assumptions from their titles but we can imagine the refinement their work has given to bring this story for our attention and reading pleasure by our own reactions.
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cover-to-cover I was immersed in the lives of the Trenchard and Bellasis families as their lives truly begin to intermingle as they attend an extravagant ball at the home of the Duchess of Richmond in Brussels on the evening of 15-Jun-1915. From history we are aware of this evening as the Battle of Waterloo begins but there is more personal history than either family realizes.With visions of the grandeur of "Downton Abbey" scenes dancing in my mind, I could easily envision each scene in "Belgravia." I was also my own casting director transferring actors and actresses from "Downton Abbey" to now star in my mind's visions of "Belgravia" as I turned each page.
Julian Fellowes knows how to tell a story whether for television, motion picture screen, or novel. He can delve into secrets and pace his reveals and add humor with perfect timing. I would be remiss if I did not give a nod of appreciation to Imogen Edwards-Jones, Editorial Consultant, and Lindy Woodhead, Historical Consultant. We do not know precisely what assistance was provided other than assumptions from their titles but we can imagine the refinement their work has given to bring this story for our attention and reading pleasure by our own reactions.
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LibraryThing member booklovers2
Quick Paced English Drama from the Author of Downton Abbey! Excellent and endearing
Awards
Audie Award (Finalist — Fiction — 2017)
RUSA CODES Listen List (Selection — 2017)
Language
Original publication date
2016
ISBN
9781455541942