The Passing Bells

"A historical saga centered around a household on an English estate in the months leading up to WWI and the difficult years of the war itself, when no member of the household above or below stairs goes unaffected. 1978.<br/><br/>See the full review at <a href="http://anotherlookbook.com/the-passing-bells-phillip-rock/">Another look book</a><br/><br/>Well, I pretty much devoured that...and it's not a short book, either! I wasn't expecting the book to take place mostly during war time, but I think it was actually a better, more meaningful read for how it depicted the horrific losses of the Great War. It also humanized the loss and the social change that it brought. I enjoyed (if that's the right word) witnessing the changes that the characters underwent as a result of what they went through. Also, I loved that I never knew what would happen next, let alone which character we would be following next. A thoroughly engaging and worthwhile read.<br/><br/>And yes, it is a good read for fans of "Downton Abbey" and "Upstairs/Downstairs," although The Passing Bells follows much more war activity and goes much deeper. For the realism of characters and the downstairs staff playing a role in the story: yes, very much recommended.<br/><br/><br/>"