Word Nerd Posted January 9, 2012 Share Posted January 9, 2012 I've seen several threads about other shows and movies related to Downton Abbey, but I haven't seen one about similar books. I know there is a new behind-the-scenes companion book for the series, but I'm more in the mood for historical fiction with a similar flavor and setting. What novels and authors are your favorite from this era and setting? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Xuzi Posted January 9, 2012 Share Posted January 9, 2012 American Heiress by Daisy Goodwin. Just finished reading it yesterday. Definitely had a "Downton Abbey" feel to it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Word Nerd Posted January 9, 2012 Author Share Posted January 9, 2012 That does look fun! Adding it to my list. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yellowperch Posted January 9, 2012 Share Posted January 9, 2012 http://www.amazon.com/Fall-Giants-Book-Century-Trilogy/dp/0451232577/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1326136537&sr=8-2 Ken Follet's book Fall of Giants is not great literature by any account, but it is a good read if you are in the Downton Abby mood. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jane in NC Posted January 9, 2012 Share Posted January 9, 2012 Look at books (or the PBS Masterpiece series based on the books) by R.F. Delderfeld. To Serve Them All My Days or the trilogy entitled A Horseman Riding By may be just the ticket! Also, if you have not read Angela Thirkell you are in for a treat! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Word Nerd Posted January 10, 2012 Author Share Posted January 10, 2012 Thank you! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ErinE Posted January 10, 2012 Share Posted January 10, 2012 The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro. My favorite literary work of the modern era. So many layers, so well written. Love, love, love this book. Did I mention I love this book? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
astrid Posted January 10, 2012 Share Posted January 10, 2012 YES! In fact, I mentioned in my post under the Downton Abbey thread that last night I had to really pay attention and THINK about the characters because in between watching seasons and two of DA I read "Fall of Giants." The characters are so similar! astrid (I loved both, by the way!) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yellowperch Posted January 10, 2012 Share Posted January 10, 2012 Just watching the latest episode now, and I thought of two other books that speak to the war itself. http://www.amazon.com/Regeneration-Pat-Barker/dp/0452270073/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1326165728&sr=8-1, and the two books that follow highlight the cataclysm WWI was. Also, http://www.amazon.com/Birdsong-Novel-Love-Sebastian-Faulks/dp/0679776818/ref=pd_sim_sbs_b_1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jhschool Posted January 10, 2012 Share Posted January 10, 2012 The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro. My favorite literary work of the modern era. So many layers, so well written. Love, love, love this book. Did I mention I love this book? I think "The Remains of the Day" is the best written book of modern time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Word Nerd Posted January 10, 2012 Author Share Posted January 10, 2012 I was just thinking about the movie adaptation of The Remains of the Day before posting this thread, only I couldn't remember the title. I haven't read the book but I am planning to soon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ErinE Posted January 10, 2012 Share Posted January 10, 2012 I think "The Remains of the Day" is the best written book of modern time. I was going to say the same, but then I thought: I haven't read all the books of the modern era.... That being said, I try to read this book once a year. It truly opened my eyes to great literature and the author's craft. So beautiful up to the very last paragraph. I tried to get my book club to read this book and all the women thought I was crazy for my infatuation. I quit the club soon after. FYI, Fall of Giants was awful, awful, awful. I can't believe it was written by the same man who wrote Pillars of the Earth. It has a lot of history, but the characters are two-dimensional and the plot is clumsy. Plus, lots of gratuitous adult content. Sorry to others who like FoG, but I'm really upset with Follett. I was hoping for a series comparable to Pillars of the Earth. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yellowperch Posted January 12, 2012 Share Posted January 12, 2012 Here you go: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/12/business/media/mad-for-downton-publishers-have-a-reading-list.html?src=me&ref=general Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.