Highclere Castle (the real Downton Abbey)

Happy NEWS ~ over vacation I was able to read all about the lost legacy of Highclere Castle.  It's true, the story of "Lady Almina and the Real Downton Abbey" was a wonderful read and I highly recommend it to all of you.

And YES, for all you Downton Abbey fans with an insatiable desire to learn more about this story, or for those of you who might be needing a little "fix" as you eagerly sit on the edge of your sofa for the 3rd series to finally arrive, this page turner will definitely keep you coming back for more!!!

Okay, not to be a huge tease or anything, but I am thrilled to share a few points that will probably leave  you running for your car to pick up this book now = )  I promise to try not give anything away.

The story has fascinating correlations between the book and TV series both in the characters and scenarios that unfold.   For example, it seems to me that Lady Almina represents Lady Cybil in many ways.  As for the rest of the correlations....I'll leave you to wonder = )

Being a lover of travel myself and reading how often the people in this book traveled, I'm SOooo happy to say that travel doesn't take nearly that long these days..... no train to boat, boat to motor car, motor car to train and so forth and so on for days on end.  Gosh that must have been horrible!!!

It was awesome finding out that the countess and earl of Highclere Castle were always having and arranging parties!  Speaking from personal experience, I know that throwing parties can be a blast, but I don't think I'll ever be like Almina who could, "manage these occasions in her sleep" do to the fact that she planned so many.  Ha, ha!

I think the book is well written, although the author does tend to jump around a little throwing in random points that don't seem to come at the proper time.  Also NOTE: it may be helpful having a dictionary and pen on hand as one is bound to come across a new word or two, seriously, I learned alot!

Of course one of my favorite actresses in the entire series is Maggie Smith ~ not only because we share the same name =) but because she has Maggie moments like these:

  You have to agree, her comments are pretty hysterical.

I'll leave you with a quote that I underlined (yes, I write in my books all the time! :) In speaking about women Almina says, "In the dark ages, which are not very far behind us, we used to be called the weaker sex. We never were, and we never shall be weaker in our patriotism.  In this as in all similar matter we are neither inferior nor superior, but only very different and I am convinced that we shall do most good to our country and her cause if instead of imitating men we endeavour to widen and perhaps enrich the spirit of public life by being simply ourselves."

I'm terribly sorry if I went on and on, but I just had to smash in and share all of this wonderful Downton Abbey goodness with you.  Basically, this book is a must read if you ( or your boyfriend = )  are smitten with the Downton Abbey TV series.  

Happy reading!