Wednesday, May 07, 2014

Review: While We Were Watching Downton Abbey by Wendy Wax

Genre: Contemporary Women's Fiction
Publication Date: 2nd April 2013
Time: 10hrs 24mins
Narrator: Orlagh Cassidy
Book Source: Own audio

Synopsis: When the concierge of The Alexander, a historic Atlanta apartment building, invites his fellow residents to join him for weekly screenings of Downton Abbey, four very different people find themselves connecting with the addictive drama, and—even more unexpectedly—with each other…

Samantha Davis married young and for the wrong reason: the security of old Atlanta money—for herself and for her orphaned brother and sister. She never expected her marriage to be complicated by love and compromised by a shattering family betrayal.

Claire Walker is now an empty nester and struggling author who left her home in the suburbs for the old world charm of The Alexander, and for a new and productive life. But she soon wonders if clinging to old dreams can be more destructive than having no dreams at all.

And then there’s Brooke MacKenzie, a woman in constant battle with her faithless ex-husband. She’s just starting to realize that it’s time to take a deep breath and come to terms with the fact that her life is not the fairy tale she thought it would be.

For Samantha, Claire, Brooke—and Edward, who arranges the weekly gatherings—it will be a season of surprises as they forge a bond that will sustain them through some of life’s hardest moments—all of it reflected in the unfolding drama, comedy, and convergent lives of Downton Abbey. 

My Thoughts:
This book was an absolute joy to listen to, the weekly gathering of residents of The Alexander for the first two seasons of Downton Abbey, themed food and drinks had me green with envy but it was more than this much loved show. 

It's about people connecting, concierge Edward and Downton Abbey are the vehicle for these interactions but as Samantha, Claire and Brooke bond and become firm friends, I was caught up in their everyday lives, personal growth, and yes, their wine and sanity sessions. I identified in some way with each of the women and their 'travels' ...  the strength of female friendship is a wonderful thing. 

Orlagh Cassidy narrates brilliantly, as cliched as it sounds, she brought each of the characters to life; diverse personalities, distinct voices, accents and quirks captured perfectly. For me, Cassidy's narration elevated a good story to an all-round wonderful listening experience. 

Friendship, wine and Downton Abbey ... what more could you want.

Recommend: Not just for Downton addicts ;)


Connect with Wendy Wax



9 comments:

  1. Replies
    1. are you a Downton Abbey groupie B? ... hope you get to it soon!

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  2. I have this waiting for me in audio! I'll definitely have to move it up the queue now.

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    Replies
    1. I'm kicking myself for waiting Belle, let me know what you think :)

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  3. I really enjoyed reading this book, however you are making me wish I listened to it on audio. It is always great when the narrator does a great job.

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    Replies
    1. :) Kathryn. I must compile a list of my favourite narrators, some stories are just so much 'more' in audio.

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  4. I liked this one too and I think it would be fun to watch Downton Abbey with a group of friends and a bottle of wine :)

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