• While We Were Watching Downton Abbey

  • By: Wendy Wax
  • Narrated by: Orlagh Cassidy
  • Length: 10 hrs and 24 mins
  • 4.4 out of 5 stars (413 ratings)

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While We Were Watching Downton Abbey  By  cover art

While We Were Watching Downton Abbey

By: Wendy Wax
Narrated by: Orlagh Cassidy
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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

What listeners say about While We Were Watching Downton Abbey

Average customer ratings
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  • Overall
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ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS BOOK!!!!

Where does While We Were Watching Downton Abbey rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Out of the a lot of audiobooks I have listened to in recent year, While We Were Watching Downton Abbey was and still is one of my absolute favorite books. Definitely in my TOP five list of favorite books.

Who was your favorite character and why?

It is quite hard to choose a favorite character in this story, they are all so dynamic. You can't help but fall in love with all these ladies and Edward. If I had to definitely pick a favorite character I would have to say Edward, the Concierge. Why, because he seemed to be the confidant of all of the ladies always giving them good advice and a bit of wisdom and never passing judgement.

Have you listened to any of Orlagh Cassidy’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No. While We Were Watching Downton Abbey was my first book narrated by Orlagh Cassidy. She was so great listening to her as I read along with my copy of While We Were Watching Downton Abbey made my reading experience so much more vivid and alive.

Who was the most memorable character of While We Were Watching Downton Abbey and why?

They all were very memorable for me. I can not choose just one.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Great book

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

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Highly recommend!!

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

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Brilliant!

I love everything about this book. I listened the first time without watching Downton Abbey and loved it; now that I have binge watched all 6 seasons and reread the book it's that much better. But this story is so much more than DA. The character's issues are real; so real for so many of us. I found myself identifying with all of the main characters at some point. I fully and 100% recommend this book to anyone, Downton fan or not.
The narrator does a fantastic job as well. All accents are believable and extreme in their differences, Southern and British! Fantastic job all around.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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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.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

great from start to finish

Any additional comments?

What an outstanding book for anyone who loves a great story about finding friends, ourselves and what makes us happy with the outstanding back drop of the series Downton Abbey. This was our book club pick for the month, which I think will be a hit! 4 stars

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Fun book for Downton Abbey fans

I loved this book. It will be fun for anyone who is a "Downton" fan. If you aren't yet a follower, this would be a chance to get started. The book is a light "summer" read. I enjoyed the characters and got into their lives and stories. There is a character for everyone to relate to. Enjoy!

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Really enjoyed!

I'm a big Downton Abbey fan, but I also really enjoyed the characters and story.

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Light and fun!

I use audio books to help me survive my 35 min drive to and from work each day. I had a little trouble separating all the characters in the beginning and would rewind for clarification. This book was so enjoyable that i found myself unable to turn it off once home. It's a sweet story about friendships and relationships....i was sad when it ended.

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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!!

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