Snobs: A Novel

Slow moving, not nearly as interesting as the other two books I have read by this author. I felt the “heroine “ was a pathetic creature who did not deserve the rescue she ultimately received.

Excellent

I read Snobs in preparation for a trek to Great Britain. My wife and I were returning to Scotland for our third "walk"--previous "walks" have taken us to the River Spey (Whisky Walk from Buckie to Aviemore), and the following year to the Coastal Fife trail from Edinburgh to Dundee--our most recent walk, The Rob Roy Trail, was from Drymen (not 'dry men,' but 'drim-en') to Pitlochry. Our trip began with a flight into Heathrow, just before the Olympics began, where we connected to Edinburgh. One night in the Edinburgh Hilton was enough to expose Snobs everywhere. "We've upgraded your room to a suite, Mr. Fitzpatrick," which translated to the reality of an extra chair at the foot of the bed. The English class system is still readily in place. Pubs. Taxis. Road workers. Shop keepers. Stop into "Teuchter's" for a pint if you need a primer in the depth and breadth of English contemporary society, and then take the train to Sterling and visit the shops before going up to the castle--this Snobs stuff has been going on for centuries, and there's nothing in place today to stop it from continuing for centuries more. The "Upstairs Downstairs-ness" is readily evident, especially in the cities, and then venturing into the countryside our walks have taken us past estates that even the Queen might consider with envy. Of course, those of the estates rarely cross the paths of walkers like us, but at this year's Highland Games in Lochearnhead we tasted the Snobbish Rites. The Clans (regal in their kilts and plaided patterns--handsome and beautiful) sponsoring the Games were well positioned for spectating, with canopies and lounge chairs arranged alongside open tail gated Land-Rovers serving up ciders, mixed drinks, champagne, bitters, and platters of salmon, fresh breads, cheeses, fruits and meats. The barrier between their world and ours was established (centuries ago?); while they literally lounged in their padded thrones we spread our rain gear upon the grass and kept our eyes averted. Later, after the foot races where there was actual mingling (the unmarried women of all classes--spinsters--raced with elbows flying), "You're from California? Splendid, join us for live music at 4:00 in the pub tent." "Snobs" helps all of us recognize our own damn Snobby selves as we gaze at the Snobs surrounding us.

This was a book I picked up for my book club. I didn't particularly want to read this book. Many moons ago, I was a big fan of Julian Fellowes' DOWNTOWN ABBEY, but the last thing I wanted was a reprise of that in a book. Been there, done that. However, what a delightful surprise this book was.The book follows a beautiful girl in a select grouping of people trying desperately to break into the upper class society. Some of them are trying thru real estate, or invitations to particular social gatherings or just simply matrimony. As the plot line evolves, the reader must ask one's self, what is it that actually makes a snob? Is it the estates one owns? Is it one's friends? Is it social standing? Is it where one gets money? Is it one's behavior? Who actually makes a person a snob? All of these things are explored by a narrator that seems to straddle the world of old money and those on the make.The characters in this book were absolutely delightful because of the fine crafting of Mr. Fellowes. The dialogue was sharp, and there was so much dry humor. I couldn't put this book down.I would recommend this book to all my friends!

The criticisms of this book? They're mostly valid, and I agree with most of them, but that doesn't change my high review of the experience of reading "Snobs," which I was truly sorry to see end.What's *not* a particularly valid criticism is "I love Downton Abbey and this is nothing like Downton Abbey, so I hate this." Julian Fellowes is the *creator* of Downton Abbey, and he has also written some books. I don't know why there's such confusion there. Besides the fact that this is set in England, and focuses a great deal on the ins-and-outs of the aristocracy and on class disparities, no, this isn't Downton Abbey. (That's like saying I love "Pet Sematary" by Stephen King, but Stephen King wrote "The Stand," but because "The Stand" isn't "Pet Sematary," I hate "The Stand.") It doesn't seem fair to pigeonhole a talent like Mr. Fellowes into one very small space of the entertainment spectrum. Especially when there are so many other things out there that *are* like Downton Abbey, although varying wildly on the scale of "as good as."I am an admitted Anglophile, and that probably has much to do with my enjoyment of this book, which I would think anyone interested in English society would also enjoy. But another huge portion of my enjoyment of the book has to do with my appreciation of the writing -- in places, the wit is so sharp it'll give your eyes a paper cut right then and there. I finally stopped highlighting all the places in the book where I appreciated this (although I do remember one of my favorite analogies ... likening an actor's wig to something "taken off a dead body found floating in the Thames").A very enjoyable read, bitingly sarcastic at times, so it doesn't welcome a thin-skinned reader. If a good serving of wry-on-rye sounds good to you, and you gobble up anything English, go for it.

I loved Downton Abbey on TV (I wish there was a novel available, rather than the 'scripts') and I loved reading Belgravia but I found Snobs to have a very short story set amongst very long passages of peoples thoughts and assumptions concerning the 'upper classes'. As this book was written before Downton and Belgravia I can only believe that Julien hadn't quite got into his stride yet.

A fascinating portrayal of "how the other half lives," but in a fairly modern settng.Characters are believable and Edith's transformation from girl about town to settled wife/mother was well plotted.I look forward to the film/ tv series one day soon hopefully.I am surprised that it hadn' t been adapted after the very successful Downton Abbey series and film and Gosford Park, which is one of my all time favourites.Perhaps someone will put that right!Very highly recommended.

An enjoyable and well-observed novel from one who knows the London social scene and in particular the nuances of life with the Aristocracy. You know that the book is written by someone who knows his subject. An entertaining and easy read, especially for those of us who know London. I do hope that there will be more of these from Julian Fellowes.

I wasn't sure if I was going to enjoy this book at the start but I soon got stuck in and ended up thoroughly enjoying the way JF sent up some of the characters, described the manners and expectations of others and sympathised as appropriate. As others say, the 3rd person writing was a bit lost at times but it didn't detract from the enjoyment as far as I was concerned. For those, like myself, who do not belong to this elite gathering I feel this gives an insight into how the aristocracy have been brought up and value things that matter: although they may choose to differ with my opinion. In essence I thoroughly enjoyed the book, found it hightly amusing and like the aristocracy or not, they're here and here to stay so enjoy the book for what it is, a highly amusing and insightful piece of writing

Was a bit unsettled with all that's going on but once I started I had to ration the novel reading. Now getting used to the novelist's style so it's comfortable to read.It is a good story; there are very funny episodes and some really anxious moments but all in all very enjoyable. A real test is that when the book was finished there was that 'emptiness' I associate with a good read.