While We Were Watching Downton Abbey

by Wendy Wax

 

No secrets about Downtown Abbey are laid bare in this review.  This book briefly deals with happenings from Season One and Two of Downtown . 

I loved all three seasons of Downtown Abbey and saw this book as a way to continue the nostalgia and loss I was feeling when Season Three ended.  I wanted more and didn't want to wait for Season Four that won't show until next January. 

This book is not really about Downtown Abbey and it isn't even necessary to have seen the show to enjoy the book.   It's more about three  women and the one male concierge who develop an unlikely friendship.  They know of each other before the concierge, Edward, decides to show weekly screenings of the first two seasons of Downtown Abbey in hopes of building a feeling of community in their upscale apartment building.  It's fun to see how these different personalities forge a bond that helps them through some tough times in their individual lives.

I thoroughly enjoyed the backgrounds of each individual and how Ms. Wax provided me with just enough to further peak my interest.  Sometimes more knowledge led to more questions, which fed my desire to keep reading. 

 I liked some of the characters better than others, but I could sympathize with each and I absolutely fell in love with Edward.   Even though moments from the actual show weren't talked about very much it was fun getting a glimpse or two of past episodes of Downtown Abbey that I had forgotten about.  I need to re-watch all seasons again.  Netflix, here I come!

 Everyone who reads this will wish they lived in an apartment building with a concierge like Edward.  Oh, my!  The Sunday night viewings were enjoyed along with the most delicious sounding refreshments.   What a fun way to watch Masterpiece Theater with friends and neighbors and good food and drink.  It would be great to bring Edward to life and have him cater a book club meeting.   (That would be a perfect job for someone living in a city!)

I recommend this book to those who loved Downtown Abbey as well as those who haven't watched the show or haven't even heard of it.  If you like books about friendships, hurdles in life, a little romance,  starting over again, finding love, keeping it,  along with a touch of humor, I think you'll enjoy this book.  I certainly did.

 ***I received an advanced reader's copy of While We Were Watching Downtown Abbey in return for an honest review.***