Julian Fellowes's Belgravia
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3.8 • 19 Ratings
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- $12.99
Publisher Description
The New York Times bestselling novel about scandalous secrets and star-crossed lovers. Watch the new original series Belgravia only on EPIX.
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 . . .
*EPIX is only available in the United States of America
APPLE BOOKS REVIEW
Downton Abbey screenwriter Julian Fellowes transfers his attention from the Edwardian countryside to Victorian London’s poshest neighborhood: Belgravia. The result is a vivid and very entertaining historical novel. Because urban life is much more conducive to intermingling between the various social strata, the story quickly morphs into a deliciously soapy affair. In this case, the intrigue comes from the bond between a rich, social-climbing tradesman’s family and a true aristocratic clan—who share a reluctant secret. Sure, there’s less upstairs-downstairs action than at Downton, but all the forbidden romance, lying, crying, and spying is still here, as are the witty dowagers, clueless husbands, lotharios, underestimated ingenues, and handsome heroes we love and love to hate. Belgravia is a rollicking read with more than a few excellent surprises.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Fellowes, the creator of the hit TV series Downton Abbey, develops another rich cast of (mostly rich) characters, this time set in 19th-century London. Introducing the cast at a fancy ball on the day of the Battle of Waterloo in 1815, the story quickly moves to the 1840s, when fate brings them together again in all sorts of class-conscious episodes as varied, complex, and addictive as Fellowes's other period drama. Actor Stevenson is superb as narrator and as each and every one of the characters is given special treatment. Her British accent is entirely appropriate and perfectly clear to American listeners. She artfully distinguishes upper-, middle-, and lower-class men and women, providing each with telling vocal characteristics and tone. Together Fellowes and Stevenson hook readers from the start. A Grand Central hardcover.
