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Habits of the House by Fay Weldon
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Habits of the House (original 2013; edition 2013)

by Fay Weldon

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3062285,025 (3.21)6
Fiction. Historical Fiction. HTML:

From the award-winning novelist and writer of Upstairs Downstairs, the launch of a brilliant new trilogy about what life was really like for masters and servants before the world of Downton AbbeyAs the Season of 1899 comes to an end, the world is poised on the brink of profound, irrevocable change. The Earl of Dilberne is facing serious financial concerns. The ripple effects spread to everyone in the household: Lord Robert, who has gambled unwisely on the stock market and seeks a place in the Cabinet; his unmarried children, Arthur, who keeps a courtesan, and Rosina, who keeps a parrot in her bedroom; Lord Robert's wife Isobel, who orders the affairs of the household in Belgrave Square; and Grace, the lady's maid who orders the life of her mistress.Lord Robert can see no financial relief to an already mortgaged estate, and, though the Season is over, his thoughts turn to securing a suitable wife (and dowry) for his son. The arrival on the London scene of Minnie, a beautiful Chicago heiress with a reputation to mend, seems the answer to all their prayers.As the writer of the pilot episode of the original Upstairs, Downstairsâ??Fay Weldon brings a deserved reputation for magnificent storytelling. With wit and sympathyâ??and no small measure of mischiefâ??Habits of the House plots the interplay of restraint and desire, manners and morals, reason and insti… (more)

Member:Reimerra
Title:Habits of the House
Authors:Fay Weldon
Info:St. Martin's Press (2013), Hardcover, 320 pages
Collections:Your library
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Habits of the House by Fay Weldon (2013)

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» See also 6 mentions

Showing 1-5 of 22 (next | show all)
I unearthed this gem from the opaque pile on my bedside table—I believe it was a gift, probably last Christmas. The cover bears a sticker reading “ if you liked Downton Abbey, you’ll love this!” And it was true, I did love it. I don’t think I’ve read a Fay Weldon novel since The life and loves of a she-devil, which was probably back in the ‘90s, and couldn’t be more different. As it happens I do love Downton Abbey, and I did appreciate the similarities. This is a sort of parlour drama, a novel of the English upper classes at the turn of the 20th century. The Earl of Dilberne is a bit of a gambler and playboy, who has managed to fritter away a couple of significant fortunes. He and his wife the countess have designs on an American heiress, whose fortune could save their family, if they can match her with their son (who is also a layabout and spoiled playboy). Short, concise chapters allow the action to unfold almost day by day, and give interesting insights not only into the minds of the family, but also their servants, as well as tidbits that illuminate the state of the world in general (steam cars and sulfurous fog...?) I think I read that Weldon was actually involved with the creation of the original PBS series Upstairs Downstairs, and she certainly has a way of telling stories of the English social classes. I will plunge happily and directly into the next installment. ( )
  karenchase | Jun 14, 2023 |
I read about a quarter of it and may finish it later but it wasn't keeping me interested and I have lots to read.
  Wren73 | Mar 4, 2022 |
I just couldn't get into this book. Made it almost halfway and gave up. I have too many other books on my list. Maybe someday I'll come back and try again. ( )
  AmyJ71 | Jun 20, 2017 |
Book received from Goodreads Giveaways.

I have had this book for awhile now and I've tried to read it several times. I found the audiobook at my library and decided to give it a chance. I think it is much better listened to than read. I gave it two stars due to how many times I've picked it up and had to put it down. It is the first in a series but I don't believe I'll be reading/listening to the rest. I will admit the parts focusing on the servants of the house are much more interesting than the main family. If you're missing Downton Abbey give it a shot. ( )
  Diana_Long_Thomas | Jan 29, 2017 |
Riding that Downton Abbey gravy train!

If I could give this another half star I would, as it is quite funny in a farcical way. The action takes place over two months and the reader is privy to all the goings on - sexual, finanicial, political, intellectual from the family in the big house, to their servants, their(Jewish) banker in Gilders Green, the wealthy Americans visting London etc.

It's Fay Weldon so parts of the novel are sharp and quite amusing but ultimately feels a little phoned in. And good heavens, it's the irst in a trilogy! ( )
  laurenbufferd | Nov 14, 2016 |
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6.58 a.m. Tuesday, 24th October 1899
In late October of the year 1899 a tall, thin, nervy young man ran up the broad stone steps that led to No. 17 Belgrave Square.
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Fiction. Historical Fiction. HTML:

From the award-winning novelist and writer of Upstairs Downstairs, the launch of a brilliant new trilogy about what life was really like for masters and servants before the world of Downton AbbeyAs the Season of 1899 comes to an end, the world is poised on the brink of profound, irrevocable change. The Earl of Dilberne is facing serious financial concerns. The ripple effects spread to everyone in the household: Lord Robert, who has gambled unwisely on the stock market and seeks a place in the Cabinet; his unmarried children, Arthur, who keeps a courtesan, and Rosina, who keeps a parrot in her bedroom; Lord Robert's wife Isobel, who orders the affairs of the household in Belgrave Square; and Grace, the lady's maid who orders the life of her mistress.Lord Robert can see no financial relief to an already mortgaged estate, and, though the Season is over, his thoughts turn to securing a suitable wife (and dowry) for his son. The arrival on the London scene of Minnie, a beautiful Chicago heiress with a reputation to mend, seems the answer to all their prayers.As the writer of the pilot episode of the original Upstairs, Downstairsâ??Fay Weldon brings a deserved reputation for magnificent storytelling. With wit and sympathyâ??and no small measure of mischiefâ??Habits of the House plots the interplay of restraint and desire, manners and morals, reason and insti

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