Why Downton Abbey Works

      Downton Abbey has just finished its third season. Its appeal appears to transcend both age and nationality. Here are a few reason why:

1. Lady Violet- Lady Violet, the dowager countess is played with aristocratic hauteur by Maggie Smith. Lady Violet gets some of the best lines in the whole show.

2. The history- Season 1 of the show was bookmarked by the sinking of the Titanic at the beginning and the ended with the announcement that World War I had begun. Season two saw Downton Abbey turned into a hospital for soldiers. This was based on a true event. Highclere Castle (the home where Downton is filmed) was used as a hospital during WWI. Read all about it in: Lady Almina and the Real Downton Abbey http://alpha2.suffolk.lib.ny.us/record=b4483902~S50
Season 3 sees the Irish War for independence becoming part of the storyline.

3. The villains occasionally show their human sides. Thomas, footman turned under butler and O’Brien, Lady Grantham’s maid, are the resident villains of Downton. Thomas, however is moved to tears by the suicide of one of the soldiers who is recuperating at the house. O’ Brien in a rare moment of kindness, comforts Mr. Lang (Bates’ replacement) who suffers from shell shock.

4. Lady Edith- a bit of an unusual choice, but of the three sisters she is the one who undergoes the most drastic change. She is a pill for Season 1, but in Season 2 begins to become a nicer person due to her work in the house turned hospital. Season 3 sees more changes for her. Lady Mary is always the aristocratic older sister and Lady Sybil is always the young rebellious one, but Lady Edith gets a chance to change and become a more likable and sympathetic character.

5. The show illustrates the truth that life is not easy for either class. Lord Grantham and family face challenges, as do their servants.

6. At its core, Downton Abbey is about family.

7. The romance! Let’s face it, romance drives many of the plot threads at Downton Abbey. Reluctant love, star crossed love, love that dare not speak its name, one sided relationships, the romance truly drives the show!

Season 4 of Downton is due to begin filming shortly.It looks like the show will follow the same schedule, premiering in the UK in the Fall and then landing stateside in January. It will be awhile before we see Downton return so check out some of these read alikes and watch alikes keep you entertained until Season 4! If you are new to Downton, watching the first 3 seasons should keep you busy:

Downton Abbey Season 1 http://alpha2.suffolk.lib.ny.us/record=b4360603~S50

Downton Abbey Season 2 http://alpha2.suffolk.lib.ny.us/record=b4448680~S50

Downton Abbey Season 3 http://alpha2.suffolk.lib.ny.us/record=b4587098~S50

For a behind the scenes look at the production try:

Jessica Fellowes’ The World of Downton Abbey http://alpha2.suffolk.lib.ny.us/record=b4479379~S50

Jessica Fellowes’  The Chronicles of Downton Abbey
http://alpha2.suffolk.lib.ny.us/record=b4552206~S50

For even more suggestions check out the Library's own Downton Abbey Bibliography! http://www.portjefflibrary.org/docs/downtonabbey.pdf
Copies can be found in the rounder on the table in the Reading Room. It is the one that faces the new book section. It has the "Readers Advisory" sign on top. 

As always if you need any help please feel free to stop by the Reference Desk and the librarian will be happy to assist you!