With the release of the Downton Abbey movie, I couldn't think of a better time to grab this book off my shelf. Of course, I saw the film and loved it. That same week I started Wendy Wax's book While We Were Watching Downton Abbey. The two made a perfect pair. With its wit, fabulous women, and charm, I gave this book 3.5 stars.
While We Were Watching Downton Abbey is a story about the power of friendship (and a really good TV show). It follows three women, Claire, Samantha, and Brooke, who all live in the same apartment complex. The fourth and final person the novel follows is their concierge to the stars, Edward. The group hits it off in their building's weekly Downton Abbey viewing sessions. Edward acts as the women's fairy godmother, as he brings these three together when they needed it most.
I love the way Wendy Wax made this book parallel the world of Downton Abbey. In the television show, there is a constant contrast between upstairs and downstairs, the elite family and those who serve them. The same division of viewpoints exists in this novel between the three women who live in the building and Edward the concierge. Edward acts as the behind the scenes magic that makes these women's lives easier. He unnoticeably pushes them together, recognizing three women in grave need of friendship. Edward largely parallels Carson, the head butler in charge of Downton. The perfect host and most reliable friend.
There were so many quotes and snippets from Downton Abbey sprinkled within this story. Do you need to have watched the series to read this book? No. But it will allow you to enjoy all the references made to different characters and scenes? Yes. Anyone considering watching Downton Abbey should be aware this book does contain some spoilers, but only for the first two seasons. If you were not planning on watching it but decide to read this book, it might just make you want to start. It certainly made me want to watch it all over again.
The true love song of this novel is the friendship between each of our leading ladies. All three are fighting their own battles. Samantha is trying the keep her family afloat, Brooke is struggling with her recent divorce, and Claire is a newly empty nester trying to write her next novel. The relationship developed between the three is so pure. It is the type of friend group we all want to have. What I loved about this book was that it felt like sitting down with friends, sharing a glass of wine, and watching a remarkably good show.
I hope all of the Downton Abbey lovers out there get a chance to pick this book up. It took me back to the days of watching the show with my friend and indulging together every week. The two of us were even more excited when we got to travel to England and visit the real Downton Abbey, Highclere Castle. There is something so magical about something that takes you away to a different time and place, and this book was able to do that for me.
See below for photos from Highclere Castle!
Yours Literarily,
Lauren
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