Elise Landau, at 19 years old, has lived a privileged life among her liberal family in Vienna, Austria. Champagne, luxurious bath salts and silk dresses are the norm. However, as many Jewish families begin to disappear, Elise is shipped to England to work as a house maid in an expansive, stately home by the seaside, while her family stays behind. The reader watches as Elise struggles to digest new expectations, the uncertainty of her parents whereabouts and the declaration of WWII. When Elise meets Kit, the heir to the Tyneford estate, life becomes more colorful than Elise could ever have imagined.
I picked this novel up when I saw that it was compared to Downton Abbey (I was actually hoping for something less soapy and a bit more historical). I can say, for certain, that it was very much like Downton Abbey (Wrexham is Carson in my mind), soaptastic and all. I managed to finish it rather quickly as the story moves at a steady pace and didn't require too much analysis.
Solomons stunned me with her descriptions of the luxury of the city of Vienna, and the verdurous landscape of the English countryside. Tyneford, a city by the sea, is described in such detail that you can smell the salty air and the sand on your skin.
Solomons realistically displayed the changes to Elise's character as the story progressed. Elise, the baby of the family, is spoiled and naive. She's often whiny and suffers from self esteem issues. However, once in England, Elise loses her freedom immediately, and it's here that we she finally begins to construct her own identity. After being forced into service, Elise is independent for the first time in her life. She befriends a vibrant cast of characters and revels in the landscape that surrounds her.
I'll admit that a romance constitutes the last half of the novel. And this was the bit that I didn't really enjoy. I felt that most of the situations created to help the story along were contrived and mostly outrageous. I was disappointed in the lack of detail about Elise's emotional turmoil. One never knows how individuals respond in difficult times, especially being forced from your family, but I felt that the author focused on her love life and not the serious events that were occurring all around. The conclusion was a little rushed and left me wanting more insight on Elise's life after the war.
All and all, it was an entertaining read that I managed to finish rather quickly. I definitely recommend it to those seeking interesting characters and landscapes without making a huge investment. And I highly recommend it to those who need a Downton fix while waiting for the next episode.
After reading all your talk about Downtown Abbey on twitter I pulled up a preview of season 1 and told Ryan we should watch it. He didn't seem super interested, but I know if I get my hands on season 1 he would do it :)
ReplyDeleteBrenna! A couple of things before you ignore my suggestions forever... While Justin and I really enjoyed most of the first season, as it was less inclined to relying on crazy drama to progress, we found that the second season wasn't as great. I won't say anything here for fear of spoiling it for all those who haven't seen it, but we found it got way too soapy. We really enjoyed the aspects of the "downstairs" cast though. You'll have to let me know. And don't hate me if you don't enjoy it.
DeleteI want to read this for the same reason you did -- DOWNTON LOOOOVE. Haha. Although I am behind two episodes already *sigh*. Sounds like this will be a fun, if not earth-shaking, read.
ReplyDeleteLorren, We sort of cheated and watched many of the episodes through a paid internet tv service. I enjoyed it but found the first season offered much more substance. This book is definitely very similar despite occurring during WWII and not WWI. Let me know if you get around to it!
ReplyDeleteHmm, I think I would want more history and less romance too. Surely Elise would be mainly consumed with worry for her family?
ReplyDeleteSam, That's exactly what I was thinking. To be fair, you'd have to read it to see what I'm talking about it. There are parts when it's somewhat understandable and others that left me scratching my head.
DeleteSoaptastic? I love that, Beth. I have had such a hard time wrapping my head around anything lately -- maybe this is something I should try. Still, I have to agree that not dealing head-on with Elise's feelings as the war progressed might seem a bit weird. Great review!
ReplyDeleteCol,
DeleteIt's a lighter read to some extent. I think that it's much to do with the way the author addressed the topic. I think it could have been far heavier if she'd explored the turmoil of Elise's character. I'll be looking to see if you check it out!
I just happened upon your blog while searching for reviews of this book - I'm in charge of choosing a book for a group to read in March, and everyone in it adores Downton Abbey... so we just might have to give this a try. Thanks for the review.
ReplyDeletep.s. Lots of your recent reviews are on my "to read" list, so I look forward to digging through your archives to get even more ideas!
Anne,
DeleteSo glad you stopped by! I think it would certainly be a perfect pick for Downton lovers. Please let me know if you have any other questions on other posts! I actually led a book group myself for a while and have some recommendations!