Snobs

By: Julian Fellowes

Narrated by: Richard Morant

Length: 10 hrs and 44 mins

Publisher's summary

Edith Lavery, the pretty daughter of an accountant, meets gossip-column favorite Charles Broughton (Earl of Broughton and heir to the Marquess of Uckfield) at Ascot. When he proposes and she accepts, does she really love him, or is she merely dazzled by his title and money?

In a tale that mixes contemporary Jane Austen with the brilliant social commentary of Gosford Park, Julian Fellowes chronicles Edith's rise and fall with twists and turns aplenty. Through the eyes of his narrator, a journeyman actor who manages to negotiate the choppy waters of snobbery and excess as he moves between the upper and middle classes, in Snobs Fellowes gives us a delicious comedy of manners to rival Oscar Wilde at his wittiest.

Includes a bonus interview with Julian Fellowes, the Academy Award-winning author of Gosford Park.

©2004 Julian Fellowes (P)2005 BBC Audiobooks Ltd.

Critic reviews

"Mr. Fellowes knows his turf well." (Dominick Dunne)
"Provocative, titillating, and seductive." (The Spectator)
"Sparklingly rompish....As long as this world does still exist, Fellowes is a delectable guide to its absurdities." (Sunday Times [London])

A Fine Story

I enjoyed this story. Nothing earth shattering or world changing. Just a good story to pass the time while I walk my dog or go to the gym.

Fun, Witty, Arch.

Julian Fellowes’ eye for detail is exquisite. It is particularly delightful to see his insights and observations in a modern environment

Perfect Contemporary English Fiction

This was a great listen! It's a story of contemporary London, and has the "haves" mixing with the "have-nots" -- a wonderfully written (and read) glimpse into the politics of relationships and families in English society.

Study on British Class System

A sociological study as much as a work of fiction, this novel deconstructs the "happy-ever-after" fairy tale of the untitled beauty who snares an aristocrat and is instantly transported into the stratosphere of social privilege. I would buy it again for Fellowes' almost compulsive interest in the habits and dysfunctions of the upper classes. Fellowes is sympathetic to his characters, regardless of their flaws. Yet I found it difficult to really care deeply about any of them.

Fabulous

Fellowes’ wickedly sharp observations of humanity resonate and transcend class lines. This book is both entertainment and an inadvertent psychological study of his characters. Well worth the listening time.

Narrator’s voice was addicting!

Good story, GREAT narrator. I would listen to any book this gentleman narrates. The book is witty, charming, unique, and serves a glimpse into the world of English society. Honestly, the narrator made it for me. Perhaps without him, I may not have enjoyed it as much. I encourage you to give it a sample

Can't stop listening

Engaging especially the last part. However I'm quite unimpressed of the oh-so-smooth ending that way.

Great Story!

I'm really surprised by some of the bad reviews, and the talk of boring and uninteresting characters. Snobs is an interesting story that is well-written and well-read. If you choose to listen to this book, then you will not be disappointed.

So nice I listened to it twice!

A must for any Anglophile. A witty and entertaining telling of in's and outs of English high society and their wannabes. The narrator was wonderful and perfect.

Absolutely loved it!

The writing was smart and witty with the perfect amount of British dryness while still appealing to the American reader. I felt like I was listening to an old classic rather than a modern novel, though, language was modern enough to be accessible by anyone. It was quite the enjoyable, well written read and will be recommending!