Title: BelgraviaAuthor: Julian Fellowes
Pages: 417 pages
Published July 5th 2016 by Grand Central Publishing (first published June 30th 2016)
Source: Library
Library Haul - July 2020
GoodReads Description: "FROM THE CREATOR OF DOWNTOWN ABBEY. The New York Times bestselling novel about scandalous secrets and star-crossed lovers 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..."
This book was like a wonderful combination of Downton Abbey and Jane Austen. The time-period was very Jane Austen-esque, as well as the wrapping up of all loose ends at the end of the book. The drama was very Downton Abbey. And it was a lot of fun!
The Trenchards are the main set of characters. James Trenchard is a merchant with a penchant for social climbing. Sophia, his daughter, has her heart set on the Viscount Bellasis. But the Battle of Waterloo will disturb many of their plans and leave them all to pick up the pieces.
I enjoyed this book very much! It was a fun, light-hearted read that felt like a journey back in time!
I did feel like there were a lot of characters to keep track of, but also that it was necessary to the story. There were several families and their servants all involved - again remniscent of Downton or Austen - well, except Austen doesn't deal in things happening below stairs often.
Julian Fellowes is an excellent historical fiction writer. It almost feels like the book is from that time period! But slightly more modern writing and dramatic elements.
MY RATING:
Story: 4
Characters: 4
Overall: 4 stars!
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