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This was basically I regency romance. I did enjoy it.
If you want to scratch the Downton Abbey itch, this is the book for you. It's a fairy tale set in Victorian England, upstairs downstairs, malevolent villains and damsels in distress. The bad are punished and the good are rewarded. Insubstantial but thankfully not long enough to become a drag (although I did find myself hoping for a less obvious denouement).
Den var fin, men ikke rigtig min genre. Jeg synes, st det hele endte vel idyllisk.
Très bonne lecture ! J'ai eu le sentiment de revivre des passages de Downtown Abbey, que j'avais adoré en série, mais cette fois en roman.
J'ai aimé l'écriture, l'intrigue, les dialogues et la fin "tout est bien qui..."
J'ai aimé l'écriture, l'intrigue, les dialogues et la fin "tout est bien qui..."
3.5 really. This was a fun, light read - nothing too special and fairly predictable, but good if you're in the mood for some Downton Abbey style drama.
3.5/4⭐️ -
Belgravia begins in Brussels, 15 June 1815, at a party hosted by the Duchess of Richmond before the famed Battle of Waterloo. With the impending battle, this prestigious ball seems to be just what the young men need to lift their spirits. With so many people of status and position in attendance, why is that girl and her parents here? That girl, is the beautiful eighteen year old, Sophia Trenchard, accompanied by her parents, James and Anne Trenchard. Mr. Trenchard is chief supplier to the Duke of Wellington, not a man of noble birth or marriage so again, why are they at this ball? Edward, the eldest son of an earl, has gotten them tickets to the because it seems he is smitten with Sophia.
Of course, the relationship with Sophia and Edward is not socially acceptable; he's a man with title and inheritance. Sophia is beautiful, but she's not of noble birth; she is the daughter of a self made merchant supplier. James supports his daughter's relationship with Edward, viewing Edward as a trustworthy young man. Sophia is headstrong and rebuffs her mother's caution about Edward. James also views this event as an opportunity to network and rub shoulders with the upper echelon. James's success alongside opportunities like this should help him ascend up the social ladder.
"Sophia lived in a dream, like her father, and dreams could get people into trouble if they were not careful."
The men leave in preparation for the battle and there is an emotional goodbye between Edward and Sophia. As the Trenchards prepare to leave the party, Sophia is distressed for another reason, one she doesn't disclose to her mother. Shortly after, Mr. Trenchard returns home after the battle and breaks the news of Edward's death to Anne and Sophia. Fellowes manages to throw in tragedy as I'm accustomed to from my experience with watching Downton Abbey, but what will happen to Sophia now?
In episode 2, over 25 years later, in 1841 we encounter Anne Trenchard in Belgravia where her husband has made a fortune in building the beautiful private palaces in this fashionable and well to do area. James has convinced Anne to attend afternoon tea among the ladies of society, one of which is the Dowager Duchess of Richmond, the aunt of Edward (Lord Bellasis). We learn Sophia has died! Again, another supposed shock to the audience. Anne has another conversation with The Countess of Brokenhurst (it takes me a while to figure out what title goes to which person), Edward's mother. Lady Brockenhurst has an abrasive, almost dismissive demeanor. When she finds out that Anne knew her son, Anne has to tell her top, that Sophia has died.
With each episode, we learn more about the Trenchards and the dynamic of the remaining relations. Oliver, son of the Trenchard is spoiled and somewhat self centered. He's married to Susan and their relationship seems a bit lukewarm. Susan is always pinning for opportunities to mix with the upper echelon although Anne doesn't invite or encourage such behavior.
On the Brockenhurst side, their family is not without problems either. Lady Brockenhurst's husband, Peregrine Bellesis, has a younger brother, a cleric named Stephen who constantly stops by to ask for money. Stephen has a gambling problem and John, his son, is a womanizer who lives way above his means. Both men are counting on their inheritance at Peregrine's eventual demise, since Peregrine has no male heir. The title, estate and inheritance will go to his handsome and self centered nephew, John, if there's any money left. Peregrine seems to bail them out of debt too many times to count but I digress. There is quite a bit of drama from Stephen and John. John is also engaged to Lady Maria Grey although no date has been set for the nuptials.
James Trenchard is in partnership with a young business man named Charles Pope, a mill owner. He's bright and ambitious, the complete opposite of his son Oliver. Oliver can't understand his father's interest in this nobody. Before Lady Brockenhurst has provided some financial backing to Pope as well. Who is Charles Pope?
True to Downton Abbey form, there humor and wit, along with some gossip and scandal among the servants who care for the well to do families of society. Center stage is Ellis, lady's maid to Anne Trenchard and Turton, the butler in the Trenchard home. There were characters that reminded me of some in Downton Abbey but overall, the characters in Belgravia were unique to the story. Unlike Downton, we don't get a chance to really know the servants so I was a little disappointed with that aspect of the story. If you watched Downton, you remember many endearing relationships; Anna and Bates, Mrs. Hughes and Carson.
Told in 11 episodes, Belgravia was reminiscent of Downton Abbey, each episode being delivered in a way to make you want more. I could binge several episodes much like I did when first introduced to the show by a friend who invited me to a viewing party of the show. How in the world can I go watch a show I know nothing about? With Belgravia, I had no idea what the book was about. There were two factors that influenced my decision to pick it up. The first was because the narrator is one of my favorite, Juliet Stevenson. She is a phenomenal narrator and I'm convinced I would listen to almost anything she narrates. The second is because I was a fan of Downton Abbey. Belgravia was a quick read and I would 100% recommend the audiobook. Juliet Stevenson is stellar and I can't say enough about her brilliant narration.
I read online that ITV (in the UK) will be adapting it into a series, which I hope will mean it will be available in the US shortly thereafter.
Belgravia begins in Brussels, 15 June 1815, at a party hosted by the Duchess of Richmond before the famed Battle of Waterloo. With the impending battle, this prestigious ball seems to be just what the young men need to lift their spirits. With so many people of status and position in attendance, why is that girl and her parents here? That girl, is the beautiful eighteen year old, Sophia Trenchard, accompanied by her parents, James and Anne Trenchard. Mr. Trenchard is chief supplier to the Duke of Wellington, not a man of noble birth or marriage so again, why are they at this ball? Edward, the eldest son of an earl, has gotten them tickets to the because it seems he is smitten with Sophia.
Of course, the relationship with Sophia and Edward is not socially acceptable; he's a man with title and inheritance. Sophia is beautiful, but she's not of noble birth; she is the daughter of a self made merchant supplier. James supports his daughter's relationship with Edward, viewing Edward as a trustworthy young man. Sophia is headstrong and rebuffs her mother's caution about Edward. James also views this event as an opportunity to network and rub shoulders with the upper echelon. James's success alongside opportunities like this should help him ascend up the social ladder.
"Sophia lived in a dream, like her father, and dreams could get people into trouble if they were not careful."
The men leave in preparation for the battle and there is an emotional goodbye between Edward and Sophia. As the Trenchards prepare to leave the party, Sophia is distressed for another reason, one she doesn't disclose to her mother. Shortly after, Mr. Trenchard returns home after the battle and breaks the news of Edward's death to Anne and Sophia. Fellowes manages to throw in tragedy as I'm accustomed to from my experience with watching Downton Abbey, but what will happen to Sophia now?
In episode 2, over 25 years later, in 1841 we encounter Anne Trenchard in Belgravia where her husband has made a fortune in building the beautiful private palaces in this fashionable and well to do area. James has convinced Anne to attend afternoon tea among the ladies of society, one of which is the Dowager Duchess of Richmond, the aunt of Edward (Lord Bellasis). We learn Sophia has died! Again, another supposed shock to the audience. Anne has another conversation with The Countess of Brokenhurst (it takes me a while to figure out what title goes to which person), Edward's mother. Lady Brockenhurst has an abrasive, almost dismissive demeanor. When she finds out that Anne knew her son, Anne has to tell her top, that Sophia has died.
With each episode, we learn more about the Trenchards and the dynamic of the remaining relations. Oliver, son of the Trenchard is spoiled and somewhat self centered. He's married to Susan and their relationship seems a bit lukewarm. Susan is always pinning for opportunities to mix with the upper echelon although Anne doesn't invite or encourage such behavior.
On the Brockenhurst side, their family is not without problems either. Lady Brockenhurst's husband, Peregrine Bellesis, has a younger brother, a cleric named Stephen who constantly stops by to ask for money. Stephen has a gambling problem and John, his son, is a womanizer who lives way above his means. Both men are counting on their inheritance at Peregrine's eventual demise, since Peregrine has no male heir. The title, estate and inheritance will go to his handsome and self centered nephew, John, if there's any money left. Peregrine seems to bail them out of debt too many times to count but I digress. There is quite a bit of drama from Stephen and John. John is also engaged to Lady Maria Grey although no date has been set for the nuptials.
James Trenchard is in partnership with a young business man named Charles Pope, a mill owner. He's bright and ambitious, the complete opposite of his son Oliver. Oliver can't understand his father's interest in this nobody. Before Lady Brockenhurst has provided some financial backing to Pope as well. Who is Charles Pope?
True to Downton Abbey form, there humor and wit, along with some gossip and scandal among the servants who care for the well to do families of society. Center stage is Ellis, lady's maid to Anne Trenchard and Turton, the butler in the Trenchard home. There were characters that reminded me of some in Downton Abbey but overall, the characters in Belgravia were unique to the story. Unlike Downton, we don't get a chance to really know the servants so I was a little disappointed with that aspect of the story. If you watched Downton, you remember many endearing relationships; Anna and Bates, Mrs. Hughes and Carson.
Told in 11 episodes, Belgravia was reminiscent of Downton Abbey, each episode being delivered in a way to make you want more. I could binge several episodes much like I did when first introduced to the show by a friend who invited me to a viewing party of the show. How in the world can I go watch a show I know nothing about? With Belgravia, I had no idea what the book was about. There were two factors that influenced my decision to pick it up. The first was because the narrator is one of my favorite, Juliet Stevenson. She is a phenomenal narrator and I'm convinced I would listen to almost anything she narrates. The second is because I was a fan of Downton Abbey. Belgravia was a quick read and I would 100% recommend the audiobook. Juliet Stevenson is stellar and I can't say enough about her brilliant narration.
I read online that ITV (in the UK) will be adapting it into a series, which I hope will mean it will be available in the US shortly thereafter.
Rating: 3.5 stars
Oh this was such a delightful read: Downton Abbey in book form. Romance, drama, intrigue, the upstairs/downstairs element... I thought the end was a bit anticlimactic, so I can't give it a 4 star rating. The characters were all interesting enough and it's an extremely fast read; Julian Fellowes definitely knows how to keep his audience captivated, whether it's tv or a novel.
Oh this was such a delightful read: Downton Abbey in book form. Romance, drama, intrigue, the upstairs/downstairs element... I thought the end was a bit anticlimactic, so I can't give it a 4 star rating. The characters were all interesting enough and it's an extremely fast read; Julian Fellowes definitely knows how to keep his audience captivated, whether it's tv or a novel.
Bueno, viendo la serie de Downton Abbey escrita por el autor no pude evitar comprar este libro a ver qué tal le iba con una novela y debo decir que el tipo lo hace espléndidamente.
**RESEÑA**
Toda esta historia comienza con la familia Trenchard radicada en Bruselas días previos a la invasión de Napoleón, el ambiente estaba cargado de ansiedad y tragedia y justo la noche previa a la batalla de Waterloo se celebra el famoso baile de la duquesa de Richmond, pero los Trenchard no estarían invitados a dicho evento a no ser por Sophia, la hija mayor de la familia, que tenía un amorío con Edmund, el sobrino de la duquesa, que estaba interesado en presentarla en sociedad pero ambos sabían que tenían todas las de perder: él era el hijo del conde de Bellasis, mientras que ella era la hija de un simple comerciante.
Los años pasan y conocemos al señor Charles Pope, un comerciante del algodón en bruto en las calles de Manchester. Habría pasado desapercibido de no ser porque la gente importante se entera de su verdadero origen e intentan ayudarlo pero no saben todas las hostilidades que dichas atenciones despiertan en ciertas personas que irán desvelando todos los secretos que se esconden detrás de Pope, secretos que él mismo desconoce.
**OPINIÓN**
Como comenté al principio, Fellowes crea historias muy bien hechas, bien documentadas y muy creíbles, te hace sentir en esa época, en las mansiones que tanto describe, eres capaz de imaginar el Londres del siglo XIX (momento en el que se encuentra ubicada esta historia) y teletransportarte.
Hablando de los personajes, amé a cada uno de ellos, no hubo ni uno de ellos que me hostigara y es que incluso los que se podrían tomar como los antagonistas están muy bien construidos. Empecemos por Pope, la verdad lo que más me gustaba de él era verlo sufrir por María, porque del resto era el único personaje que era totalmente bueno, que no cometía errores. Por otra parte los señores Trenchard los amé a ambos, creo que ambos eran inteligentes desde diferentes perspectivas, Anne es un personaje pasional pero muy inteligente y observador, por su parte James, para él quedarse en el mundo de los negocios sería lo mejor. John Bellasis, el antagonista de todo el show, le faltó un poco de agilidad para darse cuenta de todo lo que estaba pasando a su alrededor. La condesa de Brokenhurst, una perra controladora, acá la amamos, todo lo veía calculado.
Ahora, no le doy las 5 estrellas porque siento que a veces daba muchas vueltas en círculo para acabar, pero por lo demás me gustó mucho y en las ultimas 100 paginas me dieron un buen par de plot twists que ya necesitaba saber cómo terminaría por desarrollarse toda la trama.
EN CONCLUSION, ES UNA NOVELA QUE SE RECOMIENDO MUCHO, CON EXCELENTES PERSONAJES CON UNA TRAMA QUE TE LLEVA DE LA MANO, UNA HISTORIA MUY BIEN ESCRITA QUE ES CAPAZ DE LLEVARTE A LA GRAN BRETAÑA DE ESA EPOCA, CON LOS CASONES Y LA GENTE VESTIDA CON SUS TRAJES. LA VERDAD ME GUSTARIA SEGUIR LEYENDO ESTOS PERSONAJES, PERO BUENO 101% RECOMENDADO.
**RESEÑA**
Toda esta historia comienza con la familia Trenchard radicada en Bruselas días previos a la invasión de Napoleón, el ambiente estaba cargado de ansiedad y tragedia y justo la noche previa a la batalla de Waterloo se celebra el famoso baile de la duquesa de Richmond, pero los Trenchard no estarían invitados a dicho evento a no ser por Sophia, la hija mayor de la familia, que tenía un amorío con Edmund, el sobrino de la duquesa, que estaba interesado en presentarla en sociedad pero ambos sabían que tenían todas las de perder: él era el hijo del conde de Bellasis, mientras que ella era la hija de un simple comerciante.
Los años pasan y conocemos al señor Charles Pope, un comerciante del algodón en bruto en las calles de Manchester. Habría pasado desapercibido de no ser porque la gente importante se entera de su verdadero origen e intentan ayudarlo pero no saben todas las hostilidades que dichas atenciones despiertan en ciertas personas que irán desvelando todos los secretos que se esconden detrás de Pope, secretos que él mismo desconoce.
**OPINIÓN**
Como comenté al principio, Fellowes crea historias muy bien hechas, bien documentadas y muy creíbles, te hace sentir en esa época, en las mansiones que tanto describe, eres capaz de imaginar el Londres del siglo XIX (momento en el que se encuentra ubicada esta historia) y teletransportarte.
Hablando de los personajes, amé a cada uno de ellos, no hubo ni uno de ellos que me hostigara y es que incluso los que se podrían tomar como los antagonistas están muy bien construidos. Empecemos por Pope, la verdad lo que más me gustaba de él era verlo sufrir por María, porque del resto era el único personaje que era totalmente bueno, que no cometía errores. Por otra parte los señores Trenchard los amé a ambos, creo que ambos eran inteligentes desde diferentes perspectivas, Anne es un personaje pasional pero muy inteligente y observador, por su parte James, para él quedarse en el mundo de los negocios sería lo mejor. John Bellasis, el antagonista de todo el show, le faltó un poco de agilidad para darse cuenta de todo lo que estaba pasando a su alrededor. La condesa de Brokenhurst, una perra controladora, acá la amamos, todo lo veía calculado.
Ahora, no le doy las 5 estrellas porque siento que a veces daba muchas vueltas en círculo para acabar, pero por lo demás me gustó mucho y en las ultimas 100 paginas me dieron un buen par de plot twists que ya necesitaba saber cómo terminaría por desarrollarse toda la trama.
EN CONCLUSION, ES UNA NOVELA QUE SE RECOMIENDO MUCHO, CON EXCELENTES PERSONAJES CON UNA TRAMA QUE TE LLEVA DE LA MANO, UNA HISTORIA MUY BIEN ESCRITA QUE ES CAPAZ DE LLEVARTE A LA GRAN BRETAÑA DE ESA EPOCA, CON LOS CASONES Y LA GENTE VESTIDA CON SUS TRAJES. LA VERDAD ME GUSTARIA SEGUIR LEYENDO ESTOS PERSONAJES, PERO BUENO 101% RECOMENDADO.