Series 2 of the popular TV drama “Downton Abbey“ has just two more weeks to go on PBS. What’s a fan to do when the upstairs/downstairs intrigue ends (other than wait for the Christmas special, of course)?
Books hold the answer. As I’ve said before, World War I has been a hot topic in publishing lately, and the runaway ratings for “Downton” have made it an even hotter commodity. The following books should help tide fans over until the premiere of Series 3 (filming now, with Shirley MacLaine added to the cast).
If you enjoy . . .
the exploration of the effects of WWI on society
then you should read . . .
The Maisie Dobbs series by Jacqueline Winspear (Harper). Winspear’s series is set in the 1920s and ’30s, but its heroine—once a maid in a great house, now a private investigator—personifies the changing times, and takes on cases that are rooted in the damage done by the war.
The Return of Captain John Emmett by Elizabeth Speller (HMH). This sensitive debut novel tells the story of a young WWI veteran investigating the apparent suicide of one of his fellow soldiers. Look for a sequel this summer.
Life Class by Pat Barker (Doubleday). No one has explored the legacy of World War I quite like Barker. Though her Regeneration trilogy (beginning with 1991′s Regeneration) is perhaps better known, Life Class details the pioneering days of plastic surgery, first developed to help disfigured veterans.
If you enjoy . . .
the glimpse into the lives of the servants of the rich-and-mighty
then you should read . . .
Rose: My Life in Service to Lady Astor by Rosina Harrison (Penguin). This spirited account of one young Yorkshire woman’s 35 years as a maid to the infamous Lady Nancy Astor was first published in 1975 and has been reprinted to capitalize on the “Downton” craze.
The House at Tyneford by Natasha Solomons (Penguin). Though set just before and during World War II, this novel puts an interesting twist on the upstairs/downstairs dilemma when a young, upper-class Jewish woman escapes Austria to work as a maid in an English manor house.
If you enjoy . . .
wartime romance
then you should read . . .
Rilla of Ingleside by L.M. Montgomery. One of the few novels about World War I to be written almost while it was happening—the book was published in 1921—Montgomery’s final installment of the Anne of Green Gables series follows Anne’s youngest, Rilla, who must grow up, and fall in love, in the shadow of the war.
Losing Julia by Jonathan Hull (Delacorte). This 2000 debut tells the story of a World War I soldier who comes to know his friend Daniel’s fiancée through her letters to him. When they meet 10 years after the war (and Daniel’s death), there’s a connection between Patrick and Julia that can’t be denied.
If you enjoy . . .
the one-liners from the Dowager Countess
then you should read . . .
An Evening of Long Goodbyes by Paul Murray (Random House). This Wodehousian novel, which follows shiftless Bertie, a member of the Irish aristocracy in its waning days, is full of hilarity and heart—just like everyone’s favorite Countess.
If you enjoy . . .
Downton’s trench warfare scenes
then you should read . . .
The Beauty and the Sorrow by Peter Englund (Knopf), which will take you right into the trenches with letters and diaries from 20 soldiers who fought at the front.
If you enjoy . . .
Lady Sybil’s politicalization and her chauffeur beau
then you should read . . .
To End All Wars by Adam Hochschild (HMH), which gives an in-depth look at the political mood in Britain as the war broke out—particularly the pacifist movement. Portraits of aristocrats at war should also appeal to the “Downton” devotée.
If you enjoy . . .
the soapy romance and glitzy fashion
then you should read . . .
The Titled Americans by Elizabeth Kehoe (Atlantic Monthly). This nonfiction account of the lives of the three Jerome sisters—rich Americans who married British aristos, and one of whom became the mother of Winston Churchill—is a “beguiling chronicle” of the Edwardian era, replete with descriptions of homes, dresses and extramarital affairs with royals.
The Luxe by Anna Godberson (Harper). OK, it’s a YA novel, and it’s set in 1890s New York City, but it’s a “Downton” companion in spirit! Just consider it the background story on Lady Cora Grantham.
What books would you recommend to fans of “Downton Abbey”?
Love this list!
I’m reading A Duty to the Dead by mother/son writing team Charles Todd…a whodunit at the outbreak of WWI. Can’t get enough of “If you like Downton Abbey, read this…!”
I suggest some mysteries: Charles Todd’s two series, one following Inspector Ian Rutledge, just after his return from WWI, and other following nurse Bess Crawford. The authors–a mother and son–are American but nail the British setting and time period. And for a lighter touch, try Rhys Bowen’s Royal Spyness series, set in 1930s England.
So glad you posted this! Downton withdrawal is the worst! I had been thinking of taking Cynthia Harrod-Eagles’ Moreland Dynasty series out for a spin as I like the idea of a following a family line over the years as we are poised to do with the Grantham family. It starts much earlier (during the War of the Roses), but it’s only a matter of time before it hits the Great War!
Definitely The House At Riverton by Kate Morton. Told from the point of view of a maid, both in real time and looking back in her old age, the story is fabulous.
The House at Riverton by Kate Morton almost reads as the script for Downton with added depth of the aging servant and the secrets she knows. A most enjoyable read.
What about the book that started it all? The inspiration for Upstairs/ Downstairs as well as Downton Abbey – Below Stairs by Margaret Powell. The memoirs of a kitchen maid, later cook, in the Edwardian era.
I just read “Below Stairs,” and it was great! I ordered the second memoir, “Climbing the Stairs” too. I think I got a Canadian edition, as it’s not published in the US as of yet.
Pingback: While You’re Watching: Downton Abbey « read this!
Loved Rilla of Ingleside. Great book by one of my fav authors. I can’t wait to read these other books. Hope my library is well stocked! Thanks for the list!
Angela Thirkell wrote a series of twenty-odd novels from the mid-thirties through the late ‘fifties that are set in a fictional English county, tracing the lives and doings of a number of families, although without so much of the upstairs/downstairs focus. They are alternately witty and touching, with very deft characterizations. They also have the benefit of being written in “real time,” so the World War 2 era books are particularly interesting.
Great list! An Evening of Long Goodbyes and Rose both look particularly interesting. I started Downton late so I’m only halfway through the first season right now… but at least I have some reading to draw it out even further!
I am now not sure where you’re getting your info, however good topic. I must spend a while learning more or working out more. Thanks for wonderful information I was in search of this info for my mission.
What about by Kazuo Ishiguro?
And perhaps by E.M. Forster.
Pingback: Around the World (Wide Web) « Words and Reads