lisaeirene's review
3.0
Very interesting true story read. If you're a Downton Abbey fan you'll like this history. The only downside was that the book needed a little editing down. Some of the chapters seemed unnecessary.
meferguson75's review
3.0
Lady Catherine, the Earl, and the Real Downton Abbey was an enjoyable book. It drew a realistic picture of high society life in England from the early 1920's through the the second World War. Included in this portrait were Lord and Lady Carnarvon, the family and friend, servants and the estate itself - Highclere Castle.
Some have criticized this effort as not being brutally honest or in-depth enough about Catherine and Porchey's various addictions - drink or women. I believe those criticisms fail to take into account the aim of this book, which was to be more of a family history of the Carnarvon's and Highclere Castle. In that context the book is successful. The volume examines how Catherine and Porchey settle into Highclere after his father's passing and make it their own, how they adapt to the changing financial situation and especially the coming second World War in their now separate lives.
The novel does drag in a few areas, which is why I did not give it a higher ranking. As much of it is sourced from private archives and letters there are some inaccuracies, which is to be expected.
Fans of Downton Abbey will enjoy this book. I would definitely recommend it to get a "picture in time" view of Great Britian between the wars.
**I received a copy of this book through a Goodreads giveaway.
Some have criticized this effort as not being brutally honest or in-depth enough about Catherine and Porchey's various addictions - drink or women. I believe those criticisms fail to take into account the aim of this book, which was to be more of a family history of the Carnarvon's and Highclere Castle. In that context the book is successful. The volume examines how Catherine and Porchey settle into Highclere after his father's passing and make it their own, how they adapt to the changing financial situation and especially the coming second World War in their now separate lives.
The novel does drag in a few areas, which is why I did not give it a higher ranking. As much of it is sourced from private archives and letters there are some inaccuracies, which is to be expected.
Fans of Downton Abbey will enjoy this book. I would definitely recommend it to get a "picture in time" view of Great Britian between the wars.
**I received a copy of this book through a Goodreads giveaway.
sarahtokar's review
informative
reflective
medium-paced
3.0
I liked this book bc I have met the author and toured the home. Also LOVED Downtown Abbey, and this real life story echoes that show's characters/events. (Lots of aristocrats with titles and drama and money troubles.). I liked the book best when it focused on the WWII years. The author does a good job of not over-romanticizing her husband's family (being honest about their failed loved affairs and other issues). I listened to this book on audio.