While We Were Watching Downton Abbey

By: Wendy Wax

Narrated by: Orlagh Cassidy

Length: 10 hrs and 24 mins

Publisher's summary

From the author of Ten Beach Road and Ocean Beach, a new novel of four friends - and a shared passion that could change their lives.

When the concierge of The Alexander, a historic Atlanta apartment building, invites his fellow residents to join him for weekly screenings of Downton Abbey, four very different people find themselves connecting with the addictive drama, and - even more unexpectedly - with one another....

Samantha Davis married young and for the wrong reason: the security of old Atlanta money - for herself and for her orphaned brother and sister. She never expected her marriage to be complicated by love and compromised by a shattering family betrayal.

Claire Walker is now an empty nester and struggling author who left her home in the suburbs for the old-world charm of The Alexander, and for a new and productive life. But she soon wonders if clinging to old dreams can be more destructive than having no dreams at all.

And then there's Brooke MacKenzie, a woman in constant battle with her faithless ex-husband. She's just starting to realize that it's time to take a deep breath and come to terms with the fact that her life is not the fairy tale she thought it would be.

For Samantha, Claire, Brooke - and Edward, who arranges the weekly gatherings - it will be a season of surprises as they forge a bond that will sustain them through some of life's hardest moments - all of it reflected in the unfolding drama, comedy, and convergent lives of Downton Abbey.

©2013 Wendy Wax (P)2013 Penguin Audio

Great book for commuting or vacation

As a fan of Downton Abbey, the title intrigued me. It was a nice light listen, and the narrator is spot on for the characters. Some books are one time listens, others like this one, you can listen to again and again. It is like a bubble bath, the story takes you away from the hectic barrage of life.

Couldn't Stop Listening

Would you consider the audio edition of While We Were Watching Downton Abbey to be better than the print version?

The narrator, Orlagh Cassidy, definitely added to the spell the book cast. She was amazing with her voices.

What did you like best about this story?

I liked how the author wove Downton Abbey into the story line. She also added a lot of contemporary detail which added to the story. I enjoyed the character development.

What does Orlagh Cassidy bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Her voices definitely brought the characters to life and added to the weaving together of the Downton Abbey story line with the main character's story lines.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I couldn't put the audio book down, so to speak. It was like 'reading" a good book that keeps one from one's daily tasks.

Any additional comments?

Downton Abbey fans are definitely the target audience. I think it helps if you have seen the program. There are definitely spoilers in the book if you haven't.

Great book

This was fun. I loved the characters. Just what I needed, a great escape. Well done.

Not interesting

I usually like Wendy Wax but this was just awful. Could not even get into it. Had to stop. Didn't like narration or characters. Pity.

I enjoyed it thoroughly!

I typically don't read novels set in contemporary time. But I needed a lighter read and so chose this one. Before I knew it, I was pulled into the story and began to connect with and care about the characters. The book could have used a bit more editing out of repetitive descriptions of almost nearly identical scenes (for example,the detailed aides descriptions of the beverages and food at each showing of Downton Abbey). But, once I became used to this, it wasn't enough to keep me from eagerly coming back for more.

Much has already been said about the narration by Orlagh Cassidy. Yes, she did seem to need more more training in British and Southern accents. Other than that, her actual narration of the book was fine and I came to enjoy her voice. Please don't give up on her. I noticed that she was the narrator of the wonderful book, The Shoemaker's Wife, and remember Ms. Cassidy's narration as one of the most beautiful I've ever listened to. And as far as accents go, almost then entire novel required that it be read with a Northern Italian accent, one which she captured beautifully.

Enjoyably relaxing.....

As an avid Downton Abbey fan... I am avidly awaiting the new series in January, I really enjoyed this book. Its a story about three women living in a posh apartment building and each come from different backgrounds, with different circumstances and are brought together every Sunday evening in the rec room to watch the Downton Abbey series. On the surface they have a facade of normality, but each one is struggling with their own problems.

This was a "real" life story, making the characters so real with every day issues about family, finances, love and sadness...

I was sorry when it ended and it could end up with a sequel... let's watch this space..

A must read for Downton addicts.

What did you love best about While We Were Watching Downton Abbey?

I loved the diversity of the four main characters, their growing pains, and ultimate triumphs.

What was one of the most memorable moments of While We Were Watching Downton Abbey?

After each showing of Downton Abbey, the group has a discussion. While this was not exactly memorable, I enjoyed the comments made by the different characters as it reminded me of scenes from the series.

What about Orlagh Cassidy’s performance did you like?

I thought Ms Cassiday's performance was wonderful. Her accents were spot on and not over the top. The tone and lilt of her voice is quite pleasant, but won't put you to sleep.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

There were places where I laughed out loud and there were a couple of places that made me cry (some with anger, some with joy).

Any additional comments?

I really enjoyed this book. The characters are believable and easy to identify with. You can't help but feel you could be friends with all of them. Watching their friendships grow; seeing them discover their own strength and courage, engaged me throughout the book. I would recommend this to all my fellow Downton Abbey addicts.

Love Wendy Wax Books!!!!

Would you listen to While We Were Watching Downton Abbey again? Why?

Yes! I love Wendy Wax books! Always exciting with a great story line with serious and laugh out moments. Wendy has become one of my most favorite authors!

Who was your favorite character and why?

I over all the characters.

Which scene was your favorite?

There are too many to list because I enjoyed every part of the book.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

A must see!

Any additional comments?

I have yet to read a Wendy Wax book I don't like. This one is entertaining, relaxing and a great getaway!!

Highly recommend!!

I will read anything Wendy Wax writes!! Love the intertwining of Downton Abbey into the story line.

Loved it

Another excellent Wendy Wax journey!!!!
Keep them coming please
I can't wait for new stuff.