The World of Downton Abbey

Elizabeth McGovern does a superb job of narrating this well written book. It was wonderful to learn about the backstory of the TV series and the lives of the characters that we know and love.

Having someone British narrate this would have made it better.

Not, I think.

As I said, she is a better actress than narrator. She sounds boring.

As the series progresses, one would probably be interesting.

Maggie Smith would have made an interesting narrator

I have listened to this book twice - because the first time through I was "distracted" by my teenager. It was worth it; picked up on some things I am glad I did not miss. I had just completed a marathon "catchup" viewing of Downton Abbey - not really a television person - and wanted to know more about their world. This book gave some great insight upon a worldview that is very far removed from us today - at least the Western World. And that does not mean because they were so rich (although it was fun to calculate their net worth back then - amazing! and with no taxes!). For women and minority cultures especially, it lets me know that progress is slow but progress is being made to open up opportunities and new horizons. But this book also exposed many of the things we have forever lost and will never retrieve. Take time to listen this one - not a "long read."

This was my first performance by Ms. McGovern - I thought it was very good and look forward to hearing some of her other readings. She is really an excellent actress.

I listened to it in one sitting and it was worth it.

Having watched two seasons of the series, it was interesting to get more background information.

This is more about the history of the period and a little less about show. Yet, if you are history buff and interested in the background character that is the time period this may be worth a listen. Yes, it is slow and can be at times dull, but it is also informative.

I am a die hard fan of Downton Abbey but this book just didn't add anything exciting for me. The history behind the times was good though.

Narration by Elizabeth McGovern who plays Cora.

Learning more about the life and times of the early 20th century.

Simply that one has gotten to know her voice through her on-screen performance.

Not really - just enjoyed getting my Downton Abbey addiction fix.

A nice addition to the world of Downton Abbey while awaiting Season 3. The only thing I didn’t like was learning that the entire program is not filmed in the manor - takes away some of the show’s authenticity.

I would recommend it from the historical point of view. I thought it was going to be more about the story. The descriptions were interesting.

I am eagerly awaiting to find all of this series on audio books! What a lesson in history we have here. One of my favorite story lines is how caring all the family and staff are to each other.

Excellent. For anyone that loves Downton Abbey the TV series and has been thrown into Downton withdrawals after the end of last season, it is a must listen. And gives great insight into the details of how the house and family would have run in that time.