Toward the end, we were told of the widowed Almina remarrying Ian Dennistoun, the ex-husband of one of her good friends, Dorothy Dennistoun. And then it was mentioned that there was some kind of a court case that carried on for years between them. It was the court case that caused a law to be passed that divorce preceeding would never again be reported in the news.
But the book really only promised the "Real Downton Abbey", not the real story.
I've only seen season one oF DA. I couldn't find more on Netflix! But now, I'm completely taken with sons of anarchy, which is soooooo different than DA! But I guess they're both about the human condition, eh? I'm feeling so very pensiv and philosophical lately! Either my hormones are on overdrive or I'm just succumbing to the "real" me! Hugs sweet friend! Serene
ReplyDeleteThe Denniston's divorce isn't really that much about Downton Abbey, but about people peripheral to it. It just goes to show that even in Victorian times folks were fairly wild. As to this being the last divorce reported in the media, I always thought Charles and Diana were pretty in-your-face with their situation. If Bertie (George the VIth) was disgusted and shamed by the Dennistons, I can only imagine how Liz (Elizabeth II) felt about their goings on.
ReplyDeleteI gather it wasn't exactly a riveting book?
Hi Serene - I've never seen Sons Of Anarchy, but one of the stars was (tragically) in the news lately, so I was thinking of looking for it. I don't think there is anything wrong with being pensive and philosophical, as long as you don't loss your sense of humor. And I think the "real" you has a cute sense of humor, from all of your blog writings and comments. Thanks for all the Hugs! In real life I am a hugger, but you manage to convey that in your writing - you have quite a gift.
ReplyDeleteHi Shelley - It was very entertaining, but also long and repetitive. I enoyed the King Tut's tomb part, but the long lists of battle and casualities for WWI got old. I wish I'd read about the family before I read this book, since the bias toward an idylic existence at Highclere seems to be more important to the author than the facts. There were little clues, like the description of a rapt Almina gazing over her new son, and then seeing the picture of the scene where she just looked posed and disinterested. Or looking at the pictures that were supposed to contain the 6th Earl, and not being able to figure out which one was him, since he bore absolutely no resemblance to the 5th Earl. Then you read other sources and find that the woman who supposedly adored her husband was depositing huge sums of money into Ian's account, and married him in the same calendar year (1923) that her husband died. Very curious.
ReplyDeleteI simply have to get this DVD series for the first two seasons. Not sure how I managed to miss the airing because I'm usually pretty good at keeping up with what's on PBS. Do you know when the 3rd season will air in the US?
ReplyDeleteHi Sanda - The 3rd season won't be on American TV until after Christmas, so you have plenty of time to catch up. I suggest watching at least one episode for free to make sure you like it before investing in the DVD's - it is, afterall, just an historical soap opera, with British accents. Although I love the stuff, I wouldn't spend the money on it. But I would let one of my children buy it for me as a Christmas present. And then you could borrow it from me.
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