There is something inherently fascinating about the upper classes, that privileged race that most of us secretly envy. Edith Lavery, through a chance meeting, is suddenly given the opportunity to infiltrate it and purposely enslaves the Marquess of Uckfield. This is bittersweet romantic comedy, highly informative social history and a charming escapist yarn. It is a must for fans of the film Gosford Park, of which Fellowes wrote the screenplay, and essential for all social climbers. It is also fun, addictive and immensely satisfying. I loved it.

Comparisons: Jane Austen, Evelyn Waugh, Victoria Clayton.
Similar this month: Katie Fforde, Jojo Moyes.

Synopsis

Edith Lavery is a woman on the make. The attractive only child of a middle-class accountant, she leaves behind her dull job in a Chelsea estate agents and manages to bag one of the most eligible bachelors of the day - Charles Broughton, heir to the Marquess of Uckfield.

But is life amongst the upper echelons of 'good' society all that it seems? Edith soon discovers there's much more to the aristocracy than dancing in Anabel's, shooting small birds and understanding which fork to use at dinner. And then there is Charles's mother, the indomitable Lady Uckfield, or 'Googie' to her friends, who is none too pleased with her son's choice of breeding partner. With twists and turns aplenty, this is a comical tale worthy of a contemporary Jane Austen.

Reviews

'Fellowes doesn't try to hide his love of the funny, sealed, above-stairs world of dukes, duchesses, marquesses, nursery maids, herbaceous borders and breakfast kedgeree, all of which makes Snobs such a a good, fresh read' Mary Wakefield, Daily Telegraph

About the Author

Julian Fellowes, actor, writer, producer, was educated at Ampleforth, Magdalene College, Cambridge and the Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art. He trained in repertory theatre at Northampton and Harrogate before making his West End début in 'A Touch of Spring' by Sam Taylor at the Comedy Theatre. He is probably best known for his portrayal of the incorrigible Lord Kilwillie in the BBC's popular Sunday night series, 'Monarch of the Glen'. In the cinema, he was seen in 'Shadowlands' with Anthony Hopkins, 'Damage' with Jeremy Irons and 'Tomorrow Never Dies' with Pierce Brosnan. As a writer for television, he is responsible for the scripts of 'Little Sir Nicholas,' 'Little Lord Fauntleroy' (winner of an International EMMY, 1995) and 'The Prince and the Pauper' (nominated for a BAFTA, 1997) which he also produced. His screenplay début for the big screen was 'Gosford Park' directed by Robert Altman, which won a plethora of prizes, not least the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay. His new version of 'Vanity Fair' is currently filming with Reese Witherspoon. He is now writing the book for a new stage musical of 'Mary Poppins' for Cameron Mackintosh and Disney. Julian is married to Emma, née Kitchener, a lady-in-waiting to HRH Princess Michael of Kent. They have a son Peregrine. More books by this author Author 'Like for Like' recommendation