Tuesday, May 03, 2011

KIWI CONNECTION TO THE WORLD OF DOWNTON ABBEY


The BBC's TV series Downton Abbey written by Oscar Award (Gosford Park) writer Julian Fellowes, screens next week on Prime television. Attracting around 9 million viewers per session, this popular series involves the life, times and scandals of an Edwardian family, their friends and servants.

What is not generally known is that the recently published NZ biography Searching For Grace, written by Carol Henderson and her mother Heather Tovey, published by Steele Roberts, lifts the lid on this same aspect of Edwardian society, uncovering family secrets and skeletons that prove to be every bit as intriguing as the fictional goings on depicted by the illustrious Mr Fellows.

English writer and historian Edward Mayor reviewing Searching For Grace comments, “We read of an attempted kidnapping, physicians with much to hide, a glamorous social whirl involving he future King Edward V111, and finally death and burials worthy of a Wagnerian music drama. Gliding between England, South Australia and New Zealand, this book is simply sensational.”

2 comments:

Kathleen said...

I couldn't agree more! A fantastic read. I wonder when we are going to see this story on screen – it would be stunning!

Jennifer Finlay said...

I agree with Kathleen, this book cried out to be a film series!!! Perhaps Peter jackson will take it on - I'll send him a copy! Actually, the book itself is wonderful, well written, and beautifully produced, just looking through it is a joy. This is Carol's second book, I hope it will not be her last.

Jenny