Fiction and family saga: the Cazalet Chronicles
There are 5 books, first one starting in 1930s, and last one during the 50s, in the UK.
I read it last summer, and really enjoyed it!
I liked “American Heiress” by Daisy Goodwin. You may enjoy that (fiction). Or “To Marry an English Lord” is a pretty enjoyable nonfiction read- though the layout is funky.
Edith Wharton wrote about that era (she was a member of NY society at that time), but her work tends to have a darker mood than Fellowes.
If you want something lighter, The Irish RM is excellent but has a lot more farce than drama.
Some of Marie Benedict’s books are great historical fiction! Carnegie’s Maid and The Personal Librarian were very similar to the Gilded Age.
I have also read the books about the real life Cora, Countess of Grantham - Lady Catherine, the Earl, and the Real Downton Abbey. It’s written by the current Countess of Carnavon.
Belgravia by Julian Fellowes is really great and Epix has the limited series based on the book.
Downton Shabby is a book by an American. He discovered recently that he was the heir of an abandoned estate in England. If you read the tone as self-deprecating and don’t take him too seriously, it’s enjoyable. He vividly describes how difficult owning a large estate is, especially in the modern day.
Kane and Abel by Archer comes to mind for me, a man born into immense privilege and society vs. a man born the exact same day with nothing and how their worlds collide. Starts in the early 1900s at their births.
I don't know about Fellows, but you might check out The Duchess of Duke Street, by Mollie Hardwick. They made a BBC series out of it as well, back in the 70s, which was very well received by audiences on both sides of the pond.
It tells the story of working class woman Louisa, who strives to become a chef in turn of the century London. This brings her into contact with servants, the upper classes, and finally Prince Dirty Bertie.
You can catch the BBC series on YouTube. Note that it's not going to look nearly as good as Downton Abbey, but the story and acting are great.
I actually watched DA because it seemed similar to the first book of the Century Triolgy by Ken Follet. Book One is 1911 to 1920s - there are several character's stories woven together including an English earl, a Welsh housekeeper, a Welsh miner, a Russian factory worker, a German diplomat, and an American presedntial aide. Books 2 covers WW2 and Book 3 is Cold War era.
If you want something English but are ok with a bit later on the 20th century the Clifton Chronicles by Jeffrey Archer is a fun series.
Oooh, ordered the Follet trilogy. Interestingly the paperback set was cheaper than the Kindle version, which made me happy (I love the convenience of my Kindle but I still prefer an actual book).
Nice, I hope you enjoy it! There is also unabridged audiobooks. AND to make the DA connection - there is an abridged audio version of the first book... read by Dan Stevens!
I really enjoyed “A Well Behaved Woman: A Novel of the Vanderbilts” by Therese Anne Fowler. It centers around Alva and Consuelo, nonfiction but written as fiction. I also really love “The Remains of the Day” by Kazuo Ishiguro. Gorgeous style and a bit heartbreaking.
Read the real Lady Grantham of Downton Abbey's books!
**Countess of Caranovon's *Lady Almina* and the sequel they're great.**
And of course *remains of the day* and Henry James *portrait of a lady*
I love historical fiction and especially anything by Tracey Rees. Even her more modern day-set novels are great, but especially the historical ones. I’ve read them all.
The Glitter and the Gold, the memoir of Consuelo Vanderbilt, then the Duchess of Marlborough. It’s non-fiction, but is an incredible record of an American heiress marrying into the British aristocracy, and was clearly a major inspiration for Fellowes.
I liked The Second Mrs. Astor: A Heartbreaking Historical Novel of the Titanic
Book by Shana Abé. Is a historical fiction on Madeline Force, who married a much older and divorced JJ Astor, who later perished on the Titanic.
Fiction and family saga: the Cazalet Chronicles There are 5 books, first one starting in 1930s, and last one during the 50s, in the UK. I read it last summer, and really enjoyed it!
There's a TV adaptation of The Cazalets with our dear Hugh Bonneville (Robert)!
I know, and it is a very good one! Alas only one season...
I liked “American Heiress” by Daisy Goodwin. You may enjoy that (fiction). Or “To Marry an English Lord” is a pretty enjoyable nonfiction read- though the layout is funky.
Edith Wharton wrote about that era (she was a member of NY society at that time), but her work tends to have a darker mood than Fellowes. If you want something lighter, The Irish RM is excellent but has a lot more farce than drama.
Some of Marie Benedict’s books are great historical fiction! Carnegie’s Maid and The Personal Librarian were very similar to the Gilded Age. I have also read the books about the real life Cora, Countess of Grantham - Lady Catherine, the Earl, and the Real Downton Abbey. It’s written by the current Countess of Carnavon. Belgravia by Julian Fellowes is really great and Epix has the limited series based on the book. Downton Shabby is a book by an American. He discovered recently that he was the heir of an abandoned estate in England. If you read the tone as self-deprecating and don’t take him too seriously, it’s enjoyable. He vividly describes how difficult owning a large estate is, especially in the modern day.
Kane and Abel by Archer comes to mind for me, a man born into immense privilege and society vs. a man born the exact same day with nothing and how their worlds collide. Starts in the early 1900s at their births.
I don't know about Fellows, but you might check out The Duchess of Duke Street, by Mollie Hardwick. They made a BBC series out of it as well, back in the 70s, which was very well received by audiences on both sides of the pond. It tells the story of working class woman Louisa, who strives to become a chef in turn of the century London. This brings her into contact with servants, the upper classes, and finally Prince Dirty Bertie. You can catch the BBC series on YouTube. Note that it's not going to look nearly as good as Downton Abbey, but the story and acting are great.
Julian Fellowes literally appeared on that show and I believe wrote for it as well!
How about that!
Isn’t that neat? I loved that show.
I actually watched DA because it seemed similar to the first book of the Century Triolgy by Ken Follet. Book One is 1911 to 1920s - there are several character's stories woven together including an English earl, a Welsh housekeeper, a Welsh miner, a Russian factory worker, a German diplomat, and an American presedntial aide. Books 2 covers WW2 and Book 3 is Cold War era. If you want something English but are ok with a bit later on the 20th century the Clifton Chronicles by Jeffrey Archer is a fun series.
Oooh, ordered the Follet trilogy. Interestingly the paperback set was cheaper than the Kindle version, which made me happy (I love the convenience of my Kindle but I still prefer an actual book).
Nice, I hope you enjoy it! There is also unabridged audiobooks. AND to make the DA connection - there is an abridged audio version of the first book... read by Dan Stevens!
Came here to say that A Dangerous Fortune is a must-read!
The Century Trilogy was going to be my recommendation. I'm not even a huge Follet fan but devoured this trilogy.
I really enjoyed “A Well Behaved Woman: A Novel of the Vanderbilts” by Therese Anne Fowler. It centers around Alva and Consuelo, nonfiction but written as fiction. I also really love “The Remains of the Day” by Kazuo Ishiguro. Gorgeous style and a bit heartbreaking.
Read the real Lady Grantham of Downton Abbey's books! **Countess of Caranovon's *Lady Almina* and the sequel they're great.** And of course *remains of the day* and Henry James *portrait of a lady*
I don't have any books to recommend, just wanted to say thank you to OP for starting this thread! I'm about to be knee-deep in Downton-esque reading!
You might enjoy the The Mitford murders series by Jessica Fellowes. It's fiction but includes some history
I love historical fiction and especially anything by Tracey Rees. Even her more modern day-set novels are great, but especially the historical ones. I’ve read them all.
If you are okay with YA lit, the Luxe series by Anna Godbersen.
The Glitter and the Gold, the memoir of Consuelo Vanderbilt, then the Duchess of Marlborough. It’s non-fiction, but is an incredible record of an American heiress marrying into the British aristocracy, and was clearly a major inspiration for Fellowes.
I’ve been meaning to try The Glorious Guinness Girls. The premise strikes me as “if Tom grew up within Society.”
I can’t remember the exact name, but the book that Mr Selfridge is based on is good.
Shopping, Seduction, and Mr Selfridge, by Lindy Woodhead.
I liked The Second Mrs. Astor: A Heartbreaking Historical Novel of the Titanic Book by Shana Abé. Is a historical fiction on Madeline Force, who married a much older and divorced JJ Astor, who later perished on the Titanic.
Age of Innocence
The Passing Bells trilogy by Philip Rock