While We Were Watching Downton Abbey

De: Wendy Wax

Narrado por: Orlagh Cassidy

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 each other…

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.

Delightful! A total blast!!

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

The narrator was incredibly good. All the voices were distinguishable including the male characters. This book was such an enjoyable experience made even more so by the narration. Cannot stress enough what a fantastic job she did.
My interest in the series Downton Abbey, was a big drawing point for me initially. Variety of characters that included many different backgrounds, personalities and so forth but the similarities of anybody, (woman or man, although this was very much about being a woman) became a primary theme of the story.
How alike rather than different we all are regardless of our backgrounds or life experience was made more apparent as the story went on.

What other book might you compare While We Were Watching Downton Abbey to and why?

It is a good example of a light read but with substance and many plots that intertwined to give the entire book a cohesiveness. Easy to listen to and well written with just enough cliff hanging chapters that made me continue listening. Reminds me of Elizabeth Berg's novels and also Jennifer Weiner but with a serious side that balanced well with the humor infused within the story.

What about Orlagh Cassidy’s performance did you like?

Everything!!! Her portrayal of the concierge who arranges the Sunday night screenings was magnificent! This character set the scene up and provided the outline for the rest of the book. The narration of this character was the best of all the characters in the book. Amazed at the range and accents she is able to use. An incredible narrator. This is the first book I have listened to with this narrator but I will definately look for other books she has narrated.

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

This book ran the gamut of emotions. Many smiles, occasional laugh out loud giggles with serious moments that made me think and question the individual characters. Each of the major characters had their own story with a central theme that all came together very nicely at the conclusion. Wish it was longer but really, the story was complete and finished. Would love a sequel.

Any additional comments?

Although this was not a heavy read, it was a joy to listen to. A well written and extremely well narrated book that I found appealing. As a fan of the Downton abbey series, the book was especially of interest and I could relate to and enjoyed the discussions by the characters about their reactions and questions each time they viewed an episode. The concierge who acted as host each Sunday night was very well developed as a person which added to the development of the others through his interaction with the other characters.
All in all I would recommend this book. I felt entertained and enjoyed every moment!

I will listen to it again!

This book was a delight! I loved everything about it! Just lovely in every way!

Listened twice

I recommend this book, never boring, great characters, well done! I liked it so much listened to it again a few years later. Still

I was actually surprised!

If you could sum up While We Were Watching Downton Abbey in three words, what would they be?

Enjoyable, laughter, light

What other book might you compare While We Were Watching Downton Abbey to and why?

Can't think of any off the top of my head.

Which scene was your favorite?

Anytime the gals and guys were watching Downton Abbey, then eating the great food.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Whenever the "butler" would see to the needs of others. Nice touch

Any additional comments?

After listening to so many "heavy" books, I needed a light, happy, didn't have to know anything about Downton Abbey book. I truelly enjoyed it!! The narrator did a fantastic job and it was just an book that left you feeling good. Thanks, I needed that!!

OK for Chic Lit.

Thin storyline. Predictable and silly at times. It is one of those books that makes you think, "Heck, maybe I can be a writer if this is all it takes".It is a book you might listen too while cleaning the house because it does not require close attention. It is certainly not riveting material, just a light, kind of fun read. The narration was kind of nasal, with an over the top Southern drawl at times. A bit annoying. I personally did not like or dislike the characters. They were not at all engaging.