Julian Fellowes' Belgravia by Julian Fellowes Published by Grand Central Publishing, Hachette Book Group on July 5, 2016
Genres: Fiction / Historical
Pages: 416
Format: Hardcover
Source: Personal Copy
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The New York Times bestselling novel about scandalous secrets and star-crossed lovers.
On the evening of 15 June 1815, the great and the good of British society have gathered in Brussels at what is to become one of the most tragic parties in history - the Duchess of Richmond's ball. For this is the eve of the Battle of Waterloo, and many of the handsome young men attending the ball will find themselves, the very next day, on the battlefield.
For Sophia Trenchard, the young and beautiful daughter of Wellington's chief supplier, this night will change everything. But it is only twenty-five years later, when the upwardly mobile Trenchards move into the fashionable new area of Belgravia, that the true repercussions of that moment will be felt. For in this new world, where the aristocracy rub shoulders with the emerging nouveau riche, there are those who would prefer the secrets of the past to remain buried . . .
Review
You think your family has secrets? Try being a Victorian aristocrat.
Julian Fellowes’ Belgravia opens with a bang – literally. It’s 1815, and while Europe’s elite dance at a glittering ball in Brussels, Napoleon’s cannons are about to tear their world apart. But that’s just the beginning. Fast forward 25 years, and those same families are still dealing with the fallout of one fateful night.
The creator of Downton Abbey knows how to spin a tale of scandal and society. His story follows the Trenchards – new money trying to muscle their way into London’s upper crust – as they clash with the old guard who’d rather die than let them in. At the center is Anne Trenchard, a merchant’s wife carrying a secret that could destroy multiple families. She’s the kind of character who says more with a raised eyebrow than most people do in a full conversation.
Fellowes writes like he’s spilling tea at a dinner party – deliciously detailed but never boring. His dialogue crackles with subtle shade and social warfare. These Victorians don’t need Instagram to destroy each other; they can do it with a perfectly timed snub at a garden party.
While the plot occasionally ventures into familiar territory (shocking revelations at fancy dinners, forbidden love across class lines), Fellowes keeps things fresh with sharp character work and genuine surprises. The women especially shine, finding clever ways to wield power in a man’s world. Think Gossip Girl in corsets, but with actual stakes.
The book takes a minute to get going – there are quite a few characters to keep straight, and the time jumps might give you whiplash. But stick with it. Once the pieces start falling into place, you won’t be able to put it down. Fellowes weaves past and present together like a master tailor, creating something both elegant and explosive.
Belgravia isn’t trying to reinvent the historical fiction wheel. Instead, it’s doing what Fellowes does best: serving up a delectable slice of society in crisis, garnished with wit and scandal. It’s the perfect escape for anyone who likes their drama with a side of history and their tea with a splash of poison.
Rating: 5/5 stars
If you loved The Age of Innocence or The Crimson Petal and the White, clear your schedule – you’re going to want to devour this in one sitting.
