Once again, I return with another period drama book recommendation list! I have to say, I really enjoy creating these lists. I watch these period dramas and get absorbed in its world and want to spend more time in it, henceforth I go and find appropriate books to fit the bill. Belgravia is a fairly odd period drama for me- both seasons/series were just okay for me, but I still enjoyed the periods and wanted to read on. If you enjoy sweeping stories and the life of the ton, I have you covered! These are the best books if you love Belgravia.
The Best Books If You Love Belgravia
Belgravia, Julian Fellowes
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…
Why You Should Read This…
This isn’t my favourite piece of historical fiction, but I always feel like reading the book used as a basis for a show or film is a good choice. You get a lot more background and inner thoughts that don’t necessarily make the cut in a script.
The Indiscreet Princess, Georgie Blalock
As the fourth daughter of the perpetually in-mourning Queen Victoria, Princess Louise’s life is more a gilded prison than a fairy tale. Expected to sit quietly next to her mother with down-cast eyes, Louise vows to escape the stultifying royal court. Blessed with beauty, artistic talent, and a common touch, she creates a life outside the walled-in existence of the palace grounds by attending the National Art Training School—where she shockingly learns to sculpt nude models while falling passionately in love with famed sculptor Joseph Edgar Boehm.
But even as Louise cultivates a life outside the palace, she is constantly reminded that even royal rebels must heed the call of duty—and for a princess that means marriage. Refusing to leave England, she agrees to a match with the Duke of Argyll, and although her heart belongs to another, she is determined to act out her public role perfectly, even if her private life teeters on the brink of scandal. But when a near fatal accident forces Louise back under her mother’s iron rule, she realizes she must choose: give in to the grief of lost love or find the strength to fight for her unconventional life.
Why You Should Read This…
Princess Louise is one of my favourite historical figures and Georgie Blalock is one of my favourite authors, so this was a no-brainer to include. I would pair this book with the second season of Belgravia– Louise’s artistic pursuits could have been quite a feasible pilot, especially with Clara’s bohemian exploits. Both seasons of Belgravia also give the feeling of different individuals struggling with their societal duties and expectations, and that describes Princess Louise perfectly.
Find my full review of The Indiscreet Princess here!
Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austen
Since its immediate success in 1813, Pride and Prejudice has remained one of the most popular novels in the English language. Jane Austen called this brilliant work “her own darling child” and its vivacious heroine, Elizabeth Bennet, “as delightful a creature as ever appeared in print.” The romantic clash between the opinionated Elizabeth and her proud beau, Mr. Darcy, is a splendid performance of civilized sparring. And Jane Austen’s radiant wit sparkles as her characters dance a delicate quadrille of flirtation and intrigue, making this book the most superb comedy of manners of Regency England.
Why You Should Read This…
Obviously one can and should read Pride and Prejudice often, but on the off-chance that you haven’t (or it has been some time), I would highly recommend it as a partner to Belgravia. While it’s not focused on London like the show is, it is set roughly around the time of the beginning of the first season and still offers insight into much of the period. And if I am being honest, I tend to avoid things that are set specifically around wars- most Napoleonic war-era books are heavy on the war-side of things. Pride and Prejudice is… not a war novel ha, but features many battles of wit.
The American Adventuress, CW Gortner
Daughter of New York financier Leonard Jerome, Jennie was born into wealth—and scandal. Upon her parents’ separation, her mother took Jennie and her sisters to Paris, where Mrs. Jerome was determined to marry her daughters into the most elite families. The glamorous city became their tumultuous finishing school until it fell to revolt.
Fleeing to Queen Victoria’s England, Jennie soon caught the eye of aristocrat Randolph Spencer-Churchill, son of the Duke of Marlborough, one of Britain’s loftiest peers. It was love at first sight, their unconventional marriage driven by mutual ambition and the birth of two sons. Undeterred by premature widowhood or society’s rigid expectations, Jennie brashly carried on a lifelong intimate friendship with Edward, Prince of Wales—a notorious bon vivant—and had two later marriages to younger men. When her son Winston launched his brilliant political career, Jennie guided him to success, his most vocal and valuable supporter.
By turns scandalous, tragic, and exciting, Jennie Jerome lived an unconventional life full of defiance—one that enshrined her as an American adventuress.
Why You Should Read This…
Belgravia is pretty much one scandal after another, and Jennie Jerome absolutely embodies that. One might think that Winston Churchill’s mother would be as solid and straightforward as he was, but alas- Jerome led a scandalous and dramatic life. CW Gortner is another excellent historical fiction author, and he captures her life and spirit well without getting into ridiculous proportions. If there happens to be a third season of Belgravia, I could see her featuring easily!
Queen Alexandra, France Dimond
During her life she met many famous, notable and intriguing people, while her own journey – from the young, modest Danish Princess who married the Prince of Wales in 1863, to the popular Queen Consort of King Edward VII, and the beloved Queen Mother – saw her personal development and courageous struggle against disability, especially deafness. She was a generous, thoughtful and caring woman, who maintained her sense of humour and interest in all kinds of things and under sometimes challenging circumstances. She could be a lively correspondent and her letters will help readers to understand her far better than has hitherto been possible. This book is long and detailed and readers may like to dip in and out of it, finding stories in all parts, rather than reading it straight through, but it might claim a place among the variety of entertainments which are comforting us in these difficult times.
Queen Alexandra was a private person who destroyed or left instructions to destroy, much of her archive, but nevertheless enough remains in the form of original documents, such as engagement diaries and letters and informal information, to chart her life more completely than ever before and to attempt to rectify the negative or dismissive attitude towards her which has gained credence in some previous works. This method, rather than drawing mainly from over-salted and peppered memoirs written much later, aims to show her character, enables readers to get to know her and to appreciate what an enormous amount a senior member of the royal family has to accomplish, while still remaining the loving daughter, sister, wife and mother, and keen supporter of the arts, welfare and education, that Alexandra was.
Why You Should Read This…
While this might seem like a tad of an odd choice for a book list for Belgravia, Alexandra was a central figure in society for the second half of the century in Great Britain. She married the Prince of Wales in 1863 and from her arrival in England, she was immensely popular. The new Princess of Wales was considered a fashion icon of her time, and she remained a popular guest. Her husband was known for his extravagant and fast-paced group of friends, bt Alexandra managed to escape many of the scandals that plagued the group. This is a wonderful biography and offers a lot of insight into the British aristocracy at the time.
Have you watched both seasons of Belgravia?
Cheers,
The Historian
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