The latest series is just around the corner (wee!!) and if you're like me then you may be in the mood to do some Downton-esque reading to get you through the next couple of weeks. In honour of that, I've put together a list of some books that match the subject/glamour/tone of Downton, just for you! (Also, re-watching the last Christmas special - where the above photo is from - also works...how good was that episode?! Royalty! Scandal! Dresses! Jewellery! A ball!).
So, without further ado....
The Bolter, Frances Osborne (Virago, 2008)
The Bolter is a non-fiction biography of Idina Sackville a scandalous woman who was famous for being a founding member of the 'Happy Valley' crew in Kenya in the 1920s. Although the 'famous' part of Idina's story does not start until the 1920s the book starts covering her life in Edwardian England. This book is really well written and researched. It also includes photos of Idina and her family. Also, there is scandal. And murder.
That Woman, Anne Sebba (Phoenix, 2012)
Another biography, this time about Wallis Simpson. Who was Wallis Simpson, you ask? Why just some scarlet, American, divorced women who fell in love with Edward VIII (and who also may or may not have been a Nazi sympathiser. Probably not though? Depends on who you ask). Anyway, this love affair between the two of them was so frowned upon that Edward abdicated the throne so that he could marry her. He also showered her with jewels. Seeba's biography of Wallis Simpson is more comprehensive that you would expect, given the size of the book and it not only covers her life but also the public perceptions of her and rumours that circulated about her. It also includes photos.
The Luxe, Anna Godbersen (Penguin, 2008)
The Luxe is the first novel in a young adult series that follows the lives of the young and wealthy in New York c.1899. Its like Gossip Girl mixed with Downton Abbey and it's addictive. Although the story-lines are fairly predictable (though the last book in the series does keep you on your toes) the book really is a pleasure to read. I would recommend this if you don't have the time or attention to get into something too deep at the moment but want something with a few twists and turns, some dashing young men, and some dang-good descriptions of ball scenes.
The House of Mirth, Edith Wharton (Virago, this ed. 2008)
What can I say about this? It's a classic. If you have always wanted to read it but were unsure about whether you could get into it or not (it was first published in 1905) I can tell you that it is a fairly easy read. The narrative is fairly event driven which also makes it easier. If you've been looking for an excuse to read or re-read it, here it is.
Z: A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald, Therese Anne Fowler, (Two Roads, 2013)
A fictional account of Zelda Fitzgerald's life and her marriage to F. Scott Fitzgerald. This is told from the perspective of Zelda and as such it provides you with some (fictional) insights into her world. I would say the tone of this novel is different than what I expected. I bought this thinking it would be more of a beach read, with some drama and tension (if you know Zelda's story you know what I mean) but this is actually pretty engrossing, heavy and sad.
To Marry an English Lord, Gail MacColl and Carol McD. Wallace (Workman, 2012)
This is probably my favourite book on this list. It is a non-fiction book about the turn of the century when young American heiresses travelled to England in order to marry into a title. It doesn't sound like the most interesting book in the world, I know, and all my guy friends made fun of me for reading it but it really is fascinating. The book is packed-full of information, the pages are set out beautifully and more than one famous name pops up. It would also be a great gift for a Downton fan in your life. Apparently Julian Fellowes is developing a new show around this time period and honestly, I couldn't be more excited.
My Last Duchess, Daisy Goodwin (Headline Review, 2010)
Consider this the fictional version of To Marry an English Lord. If you like the sound of the above book but aren't really sure about the non-fiction format then I have you covered. My Last Duchess follows Cora Cash, a young American heiress who travels with her mother to England in order to secure a husband with a title. There is a good nugget of a mystery in this novel which stops it being too much of a typical historical romance (though, to be honest that's really all you get out of this book). Cora, is a pretty likeable character, though sometimes you cringe reading what shes doing because it seems quite short-sighted and naive. Honestly, though it's nothing that you can't live with. Her mother and the mother of her moody (think Rochester) love interest are really great characters who pop off the page more than the younger-folks do. I haven't read Goodwin's newer novel The Fortune Hunter but if you're interested that might be worth a read too.
Book Depository (my version unavailable - alternate cover here)
See you lovelies later,
xo
*photo is not mine. Sourced from here
**this post is not sponsored. All photos, unless otherwise stated, are my own - do not use them without permission (also, I know that picture above is not the best; I was under time constraints and unfortunately could not use natural light)
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