Long Live the King

By: Fay Weldon

Narrated by: Katherine Kellgren

Length: 9 hrs and 8 mins

Publisher's summary

From the award-winning writer of the original Upstairs Downstairs - the second novel in an irresistible trilogy about an Earl's family and his servants at the turn of the 20th century.

As 1901 comes to an end, there is much to be grateful for: The Dilberne fortune has been restored, and the grand Dilberne Court, with its 100 rooms, has been saved. Lord Robert's son, Arthur, is happily married to Chicago heiress, Minnie, who is pregnant and trying to come to terms with her new role as lady of the manor, and her charming but controlling mother-in-law, Lady Isobel. As Lord Robert and Lady Isobel get caught up in the preparations for the coronation of Edward VII, they debate the future of their recently orphaned niece, Adela. Isobel and Minnie want to take her in; Robert and Arthur do not. While they argue, Adela runs away and joins a travelling group of spiritualists and has a life-saving run-in with the king.

With Long Live the King, Fay Weldon continues the magnificent trilogy that began with Habits of the House. As the award-winning writer for the pilot episode of the original Upstairs Downstairs, Weldon brings her deservedly famous wit and insight to this novel of love and desire, morals and manners.

©2013 Fay Weldon (P)2013 Macmillan Audio

Breaks the "second in a series" curse

Would you listen to Long Live the King again? Why?

This book is actually better than the first story, which I enjoyed, but wasn't as fine tuned as this one. The story moves along with tongue-in-cheek humor and an uncharacteristically honest approach to character development.

Which scene was your favorite?

Minnie's birthing experience.

Any additional comments?

A good listen if you're looking for something entertaining and well-told. Narrator does an incredible job with creating distinct voices for the characters.

LONG LIVE FAY WELDON!

If you could sum up Long Live the King in three words, what would they be?

Engaging, delightful, witty

What other book might you compare Long Live the King to and why?

I listened to The Habits of The House first, so that's an obvious choice. That was a bit harder to get into, but once I did, I loved it as well and couldn't wait to listen to this book.

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

Katherine Kellgren is absolutely the best! I have narrators that I love such as Davina Porter, Wanda McCaddon, etc., but Katherine is perfect for this type of book. I'm going to listen to another book just because I am not ready to listen to another voice!

If you could take any character from Long Live the King out to dinner, who would it be and why?

That's tough! I would love to go out to dinner with most of the characters! Maybe I would start with Lady Rosina!

Any additional comments?

I think you will like this book if you know something about the English Edwardian period - the Downton Abbey fans may like it - American heiress marries cash poor English Aristocracy.
It's not as serious as Downton Abbey, nor even as serious as The American Heiress, by Daisy Goodwin. It's just delightful fun!
I can't wait for the last book to come out...on audible..hopefully with Katherine Kellgren narrating in December 2013!