I sure do.
Not Geometry-which still nearly makes me break into a sweat.
or Chemistry-I have never had a need to solve one of those equations with letters and numbers since I became an adult, have you?
I would like to go back and redo my history classes. I was all about the "A" ....or "B".... when I was in school but not so much about the actual learning.
Now, there are so many things that I am ignorant about.
Or...about which I am ignorant.
One of which is World War One. Did we ever get past the Civil War in any history class I ever took? I honestly don't think so!
Which brings us to my topic for today.
Like many of you, we are Downton Abbey fans around here.
If you haven't discovered the show, find Season One and be prepared to be transported back to England before WW1, m-lady.
I love the beautiful clothing, the proper way of doing things, the DRAMA.
We are just about midway through Season Two, and our characters are immersed in World War One. I am enjoying it so much more since I serendipitously read this book my cousin recommended to me.
Set in the exact same time period, this historical fiction novel filled in many, many gaps in the story line of the TV show. It is VERY long, but for the most part is a page turner from beginning to end. Ken Follett is a great storyteller, whose main characters portray this heartbreaking time from several different viewpoints.
Sidebar: I admit I skipped some of the parts describing some of the battles and some of the descriptions of the Russian army. (Wink.)
Now I have the background knowledge to more fully appreciate what Lord and Lady Grantham and their daughters and servants are experiencing, and how this war permanently changed their way of life. This was difficult for some to understand and accept, like the Dowager Countess of Grantham. ( How would you like to sign your name with that title? Can you imagine?)
| She has some great zingers! |
Any book suggestions for me, friends?
This book sounds like one I should pick up! My mom, sisters and I have been huge fans of the show. I too wish I could go back and pay more attention in several of my classes!!! Thanks for sharing this one!!!
ReplyDeleteOh- I am so hooked on Downton Abbey- I bought all Three Seasons of it on DVD. Amazingly addictive, isn't it?
ReplyDeleteI haven't read this book but Ken Follett can go into deadly detail, can't he? I sometimes glaze over when reading some of his story line!;>)
Ummmm-Dowager Countess of Grantham....do you suppose she would shorten to it DAWG? xo Diana
I have never seen Downton Abbey but now I really want to! Is it on Netflix??
ReplyDeleteI love to read and am going to have to check out the book recommendation. I think I may skip through some of the battle scenes too...wink, wink!! :)
I've never seen the show and am going to buy the DVD's, eventually. I'm pretty sure I'd love it as the actors are, mostly, favorites and the clothing and scenery is fabulous. Ken Follett is a fine read; love his spy novels.
ReplyDeleteHuge Downton fan and just watched season 3 finale on Sunday night
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to check out this book you recommended
I must confess, I probably skip the war scenes as well
Thanks for the recommendation
Brett
i memorized my history lessons to ace the tests - then promptly forgot almost all of it, too. :)
ReplyDeletethanks for stopping by!
I will have to see if my library has that book - I've been looking for a new read :) I have thought lots of times I wish I could go back and really soak up the lessons of my past teachers and professors. The 2 I really wish I could do again are my NT and OT Bible classes from college. At the time I was taking lots of other classes and just needed to check these off my gen ed list. I wish I could have just concentrated on the one class, because my professors were so knowledgeable and passionate about the Bible.
ReplyDeleteI think season 2 of DA was my favorite. The war really added a lot to the story!
This is just a little test to see if I am a no-reply blogger!
ReplyDeleteI am so out of the loop concerning books and shows both!
ReplyDeleteI am like you and wish I had a do over on history AND geography. I don't know enough about either and that math stuff was surely a waste of time. Metrics!!! They said we'd be on the metric system someday! ha.