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SALT LAKE CITY — “Downton Abbey,” PBS Masterpiece Classics’ incredibly popular drama, created and written by Oscar-winning writer Julian Fellowes, first hit American television screens in January of 2011. The response was phenomenal.
The show, set in a British country estate, following the lives of the Crawley family in the early 1900s, is now the most successful British costume drama since 1981, according to the Guinness Book of World Records. In 2012, “Downton Abbey” was the most nominated non-American program in the Primetime Emmy history with a combined 27 nominations for the first two seasons.
The show deserves every accolade it gets (and there are many). I watched my first episode last fall and instantly fell in love. The characters, the setting, the costumes, the drama, the heartache and the romance – it’s all perfectly enthralling and addicting.
If you, too, are a huge fan anxiously waiting for the third season, check this list of books that have the same feel and magic as the popular show. Read these to hold you over until Jan. 6, 2013 when life at "Downton" resumes. (It’s only 151 days, from today, Aug. 8, 2012 — but who’s counting?)
- “The World of Downton Abbey” by Jessica FellowesIf you really want to immerse yourself in “Downton” then pick up this gorgeous companion book. With a foreword by creator Julian Fellowes and stunning photographs by Nick Briggs, this book dives deep into the time period history, background and on-set happenings of the popular show. It’s a fascinating, insightful and a beautiful read.
- “The House of Velvet and Glass” by Katherine Howe In the first episode of “Downton,” the Crawley family learns that two family members have died in the sinking of the “Titanic.” This book deals with the same event and evokes some of the same emotions and sentiments. Set in Boston in 1915, Sibyl Allston grieves the loss of her mother and sister on the “Titanic.” Seeking solace, she visits a spirit medium and is given a crystal looking glass. When mysterious images appear in the glass, Sibyl must decide if it’s just the effects of the opium or something much more. This book is full of wonder, mystery and romance. A great read.
- “The Forgotten Garden” by Kate Morton Moving between the present and Edwardian society, this book is as captivating and atmospheric as the PBS show. Author Kate Morton draws the reader in with beautiful writing, mystery and engaging characters. When Cassandra’s grandmother Nell dies, she inherits a strange book of dark fairy tales written by the Victorian-authoress, Eliza Makepeace, who mysteriously disappeared in the early 20th century. Cassandra’s quest to find out the truth of her grandmother’s past leads down unexpected paths where she meets her family’s history and discovers truths about herself. Morton’s other books, “The Distant Hours” and “The House at Riverton” are also good choices.
- “The Light Between Oceans” by M.L.Stedman Set in the early 1900s, this impressive debut novel is “a story about right and wrong and how sometimes they look the same.” It’s a journey of love and moral dilemma, in a haunting setting that readers will anxiously devour. Tom Sherbourne, a survivor of four years on the Western Front, comes home to Australia and takes a job as the keeper of a remote lighthouse. He brings with him a young, adventurous new wife, Isabel. Three years later the couple has suffered through two miscarriages and one stillbirth. One night a boat crashes on the rocky shores, a baby girl the only survivor. Isabel, still mourning her childless life, takes the baby in as her own against Tom’s better judgment.
- “The Remains of the Day” byKazuoIshiguro The early 20th century was a time of great social change in England. This movement away from the days of stark separation between the social elite and those in service is a major theme of “Downton Abbey.” This touching book deals with the same social changes. Stevens, a long-time faithful butler of Darlington Hall, during a trip to the country, recalls his life in service and the happenings of a time of shifting beliefs. Ishiguro’s novel takes the reader on an unforgettable journey with a sad and humorous love story as well as the illumination of an important part of history.
- “The Dressmaker” by Kate Alcott Tess dreams of making more of her life, of rising out of the lower class to become a successful seamstress. When she is hired as the personal maid to famous designer Lady Lucile Duff Gordon, Tess thinks she’s finally caught her big break. But her first journey with Lady Gordon is on the ill-fated maiden voyage of the “Titanic.” Tess is one of the lucky survivors, but when she returns home she is caught in the media frenzy about those who made it back safe. Brimming with time-period glamour, emotions, tragedy and romance, this book captures many of the same feelings as “Downton.”
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*Teri Harman, author and book enthusiast, writes a bi-weekly column, Book Matters, for ksl.com and also contributes a monthly book segment to Studio 5. Her debut novel, "Blood Moon," comes out June 2013. For more book fun, visit book- matters.com**
