Julian Fellowes's Belgravia (Omnibus Season 2)

By: Julian Fellowes

Narrated by: Juliet Stevenson

Julian Fellowes's Belgravia is the story of a secret. A secret that unravels behind the porticoed doors of London's grandest postcode. Set in the 1840s, when the upper echelons of society began to rub shoulders with the emerging industrial nouveau riche, Belgravia is peopled by a rich cast of characters. But the story begins on the eve of the Battle of Waterloo in 1815. At the Duchess of Richmond's new legendary ball, one family's life will change forever.

©2016 Julian Fellowes (P)2016 Hachette Audio

Critic reviews

"...the story is expertly narrated by [Juliet] Stevenson, who paces it expertly in her highly listenable voice. Her delicious characterizations include some aggrieved and unctuous younger sons, a breathtakingly crisp countess, a good-hearted hero, a spirited heroine, shiver-inducing cardsharps, and oh so many more." (AudioFile)

Page-turner?-maybe; "binge-listener"? YES!

Where does Julian Fellowes's Belgravia rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Those who binge-watched "Downtown Abbey" and fretted at the series' end now may rejoice at having another luscious Julian Fellowes melodrama to devour! Mr. Fellowes is no George Eliot, but he obviously knows his audience and masterfully gives us what we want.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Here is yet another example of why the brilliant JULIET STEVENSON is my all-time favorite reader. Ms. Stevenson voices every character so perfectly that the listener has no difficulty whatsoever recognizing each of them. Her gift is so great that her performance lifts even mediocre writing to the sublime.

Which scene was your favorite?

It should come as no surprise that all loose ends are tied at the story's end, but Mr. Fellowes draws out the climax most wonderfully.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I would've been keen to read this book's printed pages all in a day, but I was perfectly content to take my time and luxuriate in listening to Ms. Stevenson read to me!

Any additional comments?

I will forever be happy to buy whatever Julian Fellowes writes and Juliet Stevenson reads. Please, you two, do it again!

simple plot, charming story

nothing complicated about this plot.. what you see is what you get, which can be nice if you're in the mood for simple Victorian intrigue with a happy ending. it was a great vacation listen.

amazing

the perfect guilt pleasure! I only wish there were a sequel for me to read next!

More to the story

Loved the series on TV. This lead me straight to the book to linger with the characters longer. So impressed with the narrators different voices. I have already researched what other books she has narrated. Always sad to close the backside of a well written book. Thank you.

Entertaining read

Julian Fellowes has written another great story with his penchant for character development that highlights the class issues of Victorian England. Juliet Stevenson very ably narrated. I hope this will be produced for Masterpiece in the near future.

Fantastic

I enjoyed every aspect of this work. I recommend listening to Belgravia after An Infamous Army by Georgette Heyer. The historical setting, characters, and details are a perfect prequel to this fantastic story.

Enjoyable

Any additional comments?

This was an addictive listen. The story was pleasant even if predictable, but that didn't hurt the enjoyment of it.

Period story telling at it's best.

Love the story line and sense of period.Whilst the style is typical,Julian Fellowes this book does not disappoint. I was "hooked" After the first ten minutes.
Narration is wonderful with the exception of a couple of regional accents.(This does not subtract any enjoyment to the listening)

Good for Jane Austin Fans

I loved this book. I didn't want it to end. In no small part because Juliet Stevenson's narration makes anything she reads enjoyable but not that alone.
I won't rehash the plot. The publisher has done that and so have other reviewer's. I will simply say that it is an interesting plot with twists and turns, interesting characters, well told. Everything is not predictable yet the story remains hopeful despite challenging situations for the characters.

If you enjoy this genre, Jane Austen Elizabeth Gaskell etc., and are looking for similar books, you will not be disappointed. If that genre is not your thing, you probably won't even be reading this.

English drama as only the English can drama!!!

Thwarted love, time lost, redemption, and the beautiful narration only made the story even better. Thoroughly enjoyed this one. Well done!!!