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Downtrodden Abbey: The Interminable Saga of an Insufferable Family
Welcome to Downtrodden Abbey, where a battle for the deed to the property is waged between legitimate aristocrats and literal pretenders to the throne. The Crawfish family—Marry, Supple, Enid, Lady Flora, and Lord Roderick—are content wiling their days away with naughty charades and twenty-two course dinners until the sinking of the Gigantic takes down the next in line to inherit Downtrodden. Soon, cousin Isabich and her son, Atchew, the rightful heir to the Abbey, arrive to claim what's theirs. Downstairs, the servants are running amok, as crippled weakling Brace is aggressively courted by teen hottie Nana, and lady's maid "Potatoes" O'Grotten and her flamboyant sidekick, Tomaine, cause trouble at every turn. The ensuing, insufferably overwrought melodrama takes the reader upstairs and downstairs, into parlours and drawing rooms, boudoirs and bathrooms, and across every class—from the classiest to the classless—in the social pecking order of Edwardian England. Uproariously funny, with a wicked sense of humor that Downton Abbey diehards will enjoy, Gillians Fetlocks skewers your favorite characters with panache in this winning parody.
192 pages, Hardcover
First published December 3, 2013
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274 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
November 11, 2020
Normally I don't like parodies that are making fun of things I genuinely like, but while I did enjoy Downton Abbey, I also recognized it as ridiculous enough to easily invite parodies. So I liked this book well enough.
I think it was a little too short, though. 'Season three' is about half the length of seasons one and two, and a lot of plot points were mentioned once as a joke, and then abruptly dropped. For example, Lady Grandsun (aka Lady Grantham) gets pregnant, like she does in the show, but she never has the accident that causes the miscarriage (probably too dark to make fun of), yet the pregnancy/baby is never mentioned again. I obviously can't criticize plot development too much because, again, this is a parody, but too many threads were left hanging. Comedy is no excuse for lazy writing.
Still, this was good for a laugh in these stressful times, and I enjoyed the illustrations, as well as the little bits of bonus content, like the list of anachronisms at the end. Very entertaining.
I think it was a little too short, though. 'Season three' is about half the length of seasons one and two, and a lot of plot points were mentioned once as a joke, and then abruptly dropped. For example, Lady Grandsun (aka Lady Grantham) gets pregnant, like she does in the show, but she never has the accident that causes the miscarriage (probably too dark to make fun of), yet the pregnancy/baby is never mentioned again. I obviously can't criticize plot development too much because, again, this is a parody, but too many threads were left hanging. Comedy is no excuse for lazy writing.
Still, this was good for a laugh in these stressful times, and I enjoyed the illustrations, as well as the little bits of bonus content, like the list of anachronisms at the end. Very entertaining.
September 17, 2021
Omg what have I just read?!
This novel is a parody of Downton Abbey filled with sarcasm which is not my cup of tea. I have not watched Downton Abbey so I have read this with an open mind. However, the sarcasm and ridiculousness eventually got to me and I've speedread it just to finish it. Thankfully it was well written hence the one star for the author's effort.
A notable quote which I'm partial with:
Unfortunately, you were born into an era of entitled, lazy men who tale advantage of gender privilege and dominate ladies in ways that border on abuse. They earn twice as much money as women for doing less work, their thirst for alcohol is boundless, and their prehistoric sexual proclivities do not seem to evolve from when they were at puberty.
This novel is a parody of Downton Abbey filled with sarcasm which is not my cup of tea. I have not watched Downton Abbey so I have read this with an open mind. However, the sarcasm and ridiculousness eventually got to me and I've speedread it just to finish it. Thankfully it was well written hence the one star for the author's effort.
A notable quote which I'm partial with:
Unfortunately, you were born into an era of entitled, lazy men who tale advantage of gender privilege and dominate ladies in ways that border on abuse. They earn twice as much money as women for doing less work, their thirst for alcohol is boundless, and their prehistoric sexual proclivities do not seem to evolve from when they were at puberty.
January 6, 2015
I have completed my 'A Book You Can Finish In A Day', which was a parody on the popular television series 'Downton Abbey.' Frankly, it is quite an enjoyable, easy read that pokes a bit of fun on some well-loved characters. There were many times where the plot seemed so absurd, it was hilarious and it's a good book to read in quick time whilst cracking a smile on one's face.
2 books down, 48 more to go.
2 books down, 48 more to go.
September 3, 2015
As a lover of Downton Abbey, this caught my eye. I had to read it. Silly, stupid yet amusing, it was a super quick read.
October 12, 2017
Should have looked at the ratings! Bought this on a whim as a bargain book. Had seen this around but parodies are always tough and initially skipped over it until I found it more readily available from Book Outlet. Of course, I also needed a small amount to get myself over to free shipping but unfortunately this wasn't worth it.
Depending on your sense of humor and level of purity, you may find this to be a hilarious parody of the popular TV show and its storylines, characters, etc. or you may not care for it at all. I'm of the latter camp. Unlike other people I didn't really find this readable and had to rely on my knowledge of the show for what was going on in the book. Of course this type of book relies on that knowledge but it just seemed like I had to rely too much on the original to remember and "get" the humor.
Honestly I thought parodies done on late night talk shows or for charity that cashed in on the show's popularity did it much better. Maybe it's because it originated as a visual medium and that's why I found the shows more effective than this. This was definitely a case where the Goodreads overall rating reflects the book quality quite accurately.
Would avoid unless you get it at the library. Don't really recommend it as a purchase unless you *really* love the show or really love this type of parody.
Depending on your sense of humor and level of purity, you may find this to be a hilarious parody of the popular TV show and its storylines, characters, etc. or you may not care for it at all. I'm of the latter camp. Unlike other people I didn't really find this readable and had to rely on my knowledge of the show for what was going on in the book. Of course this type of book relies on that knowledge but it just seemed like I had to rely too much on the original to remember and "get" the humor.
Honestly I thought parodies done on late night talk shows or for charity that cashed in on the show's popularity did it much better. Maybe it's because it originated as a visual medium and that's why I found the shows more effective than this. This was definitely a case where the Goodreads overall rating reflects the book quality quite accurately.
Would avoid unless you get it at the library. Don't really recommend it as a purchase unless you *really* love the show or really love this type of parody.
February 26, 2019
Ok, honestly, this was hilarious. I laughed out loud at half of the book. But also, I think I'm in a minority here, as there seems to be a lot of hate twords this book. This book is clearly for a niche audience. I think to properly enjoy this gem, you need to possess a few mandatory traits:
1) You must very much enjoy and be familiar with the show Downton Abbey
2) You must love puns... And I mean love them, not just like them or tolerate them. LOVE Them.
3) you must have a very warped sense of humor and enjoy bottom of the barrel, immature, silly, slap-stick jokes.
4) You must understand and appreciate satire, and go into this book KNOWING it is a parody. This book has some hilarious satirical moments, and jokes that could easily go over some people's head's if you are unfamiliar with the show, how satire works, or the time period in general.
5) you must not be easily offended, nor expect this book to be a serious retelling or extension of the show we all love.
This book was a fun, fast, and funny read.
1) You must very much enjoy and be familiar with the show Downton Abbey
2) You must love puns... And I mean love them, not just like them or tolerate them. LOVE Them.
3) you must have a very warped sense of humor and enjoy bottom of the barrel, immature, silly, slap-stick jokes.
4) You must understand and appreciate satire, and go into this book KNOWING it is a parody. This book has some hilarious satirical moments, and jokes that could easily go over some people's head's if you are unfamiliar with the show, how satire works, or the time period in general.
5) you must not be easily offended, nor expect this book to be a serious retelling or extension of the show we all love.
This book was a fun, fast, and funny read.
July 10, 2018
If I could give it zero stars I would.
I am a fan of Downton Abbey and LOVE satire. Thought it would be fun to read a book that takes a swipe at the show - boy was I wrong. It was terrible. It was worse than terrible. I can only think the reason it got published is because the publishers thought they could make money off it before people realized what garbage the book was.
The toilet humour jokes were insufferable and wondered if the author might have just been a 14-year -old boy tittering away at the first pun that came to his mind. Wait, that is an insult to 14-year-old boys.
I got this book for 10 cents at a charity book sale, so at least the money went to something important, because unless that is the case, do not buy this book.
I am a fan of Downton Abbey and LOVE satire. Thought it would be fun to read a book that takes a swipe at the show - boy was I wrong. It was terrible. It was worse than terrible. I can only think the reason it got published is because the publishers thought they could make money off it before people realized what garbage the book was.
The toilet humour jokes were insufferable and wondered if the author might have just been a 14-year -old boy tittering away at the first pun that came to his mind. Wait, that is an insult to 14-year-old boys.
I got this book for 10 cents at a charity book sale, so at least the money went to something important, because unless that is the case, do not buy this book.
December 20, 2022
I knew exactly what I was getting into with this book, so I am not even a little bit mad that it was a 2-star read! This is an incredibly sarcastic parody of Downtown Abbey, and while it was completely absurd in almost every way, it made me realize how absurd actual Downtown Abbey is as well. The author took every character and just gave them their most annoying quality. Although, I will say that I thoroughly enjoyed the descriptions under the pictures throughout. That was the best part! Was it well-written? No. Have any literary value at all? Also, no. But it gave my brain a little break, and at times made me sniff-laugh.
August 24, 2022
A fantastical, hilarious send-up of a much-loved series that's brimming with outrageousness and clobbers you over the head with wordplay and "groaner" puns aplenty.
You either like this kind of thing or you don't. If you liked the series but get a laugh out of parody, you'll like this. If not, get Mrs. Patmore to send you some tea and have Anna rub your feet, poor dear.
You either like this kind of thing or you don't. If you liked the series but get a laugh out of parody, you'll like this. If not, get Mrs. Patmore to send you some tea and have Anna rub your feet, poor dear.
October 8, 2017
If you are a fan of Downton Abbey you will probably enjoy this spoof. The names of characters have been changed to make you laugh out-loud. The plot lines have been twisted and condensed. It is a silly read of short duration.
January 12, 2017
Had a few truly laugh out loud moments, but quite a few crass ones as well. A quite silly read to pass an afternoon.
February 12, 2017
Even If You Didn't Like Downton Abbey
This is sad at best. They tried to squeeze 6 or 7 seasons into one book and did a shoddy job.
This is sad at best. They tried to squeeze 6 or 7 seasons into one book and did a shoddy job.
August 5, 2017
It was based on Downton Abbey, and the humor was more slap stick and a play on words. It was not my sense of humor.
September 30, 2017
An amusing twist on the first 3 seasons of Downton Abbey.
June 12, 2018
A couple of chuckles here and there...
April 8, 2020
A funny spin on Downtown abbey.
September 7, 2020
2.5 stars on this one. Some parts were funny, others too silly to actually be funny... longer review to come.
September 4, 2025
Enjoyed this book but part 3 seemed rushed.
March 21, 2017
This type of book did a great job pulling me in with witty names and word play on the cover, and humor on the random page I flipped to in the library. I enjoyed the show through cousin Matthew's departure, and the book seemed to cover to that point. I would not recommend buying this book, but would certainly recommend that any fan of the series check it out from their library.
September 29, 2021
Even though I’ve never seen a single episode of “Downtown Abbey” or even its predecessor “Upstairs, Downstairs”, I understood enough of the premise to be intrigued by this novel’s title and its promise of parodic hilarity. The novel delivers. It skewers, punctures and impales the moribund Edwardian nobility and the suffering underclass that labors below stairs.
People are spying, eavesdropping and tattling on each other with the avidity of cackling geese. It’s a wonder that anything gets done…and it seems that nothing does (at least that’s what Lord Grandsun opines when he complains of wearing the same hole-ridden sock for three days running).
This is a chuckle-a-minute festival of puns, double-entendres and a keen insight into the starchiness of a bygone era that made an extreme fuss about the proper usage of tableware while serving up dreadfully cooked meals. If you’re an Anglophile or simply a lover of Monty Python jokes, this novel is bound to tickle in all the right places. It’s even worth reading the parts readers usually ignore (you know which parts and you know who you are).
Visit Downtrodden Abbey. Just avoid the food.
People are spying, eavesdropping and tattling on each other with the avidity of cackling geese. It’s a wonder that anything gets done…and it seems that nothing does (at least that’s what Lord Grandsun opines when he complains of wearing the same hole-ridden sock for three days running).
This is a chuckle-a-minute festival of puns, double-entendres and a keen insight into the starchiness of a bygone era that made an extreme fuss about the proper usage of tableware while serving up dreadfully cooked meals. If you’re an Anglophile or simply a lover of Monty Python jokes, this novel is bound to tickle in all the right places. It’s even worth reading the parts readers usually ignore (you know which parts and you know who you are).
Visit Downtrodden Abbey. Just avoid the food.
December 28, 2013
This is a very funny book written by a talented writer. Who would not enjoy a book by Gillian Fetlocks?
If you are a fan of Downton Abbey, this is the book for you. The Complete Title - Downtrodden Abbey - The Interminable Saga of an Insufferable Family.
Every aspect is spoofed.
Each of the characters are taken just a step too far and each of those steps make the reader laugh out loud. Even the names which are used are very funny. The upstairs family and the downstairs workers earn appropriate names. Who would not enjoy reading about Lord Crawfish and his family?
If you have a sense of humor, this is a book for you. If you love Downton Abbey, you will love this book because it does say all the things viewers have thought at one time or another.
I recommend this book to any reader who wants to laugh.
If you are a fan of Downton Abbey, this is the book for you. The Complete Title - Downtrodden Abbey - The Interminable Saga of an Insufferable Family.
Every aspect is spoofed.
Each of the characters are taken just a step too far and each of those steps make the reader laugh out loud. Even the names which are used are very funny. The upstairs family and the downstairs workers earn appropriate names. Who would not enjoy reading about Lord Crawfish and his family?
If you have a sense of humor, this is a book for you. If you love Downton Abbey, you will love this book because it does say all the things viewers have thought at one time or another.
I recommend this book to any reader who wants to laugh.
January 24, 2016
Yep, I am a Downton Abbey fan. And yep, the cover photo grabbed me and tickled my funny bone. I'm also a fan of satire. People who know nothing about the popular British period dramedy could read this book--but they wouldn't understand the inside jokes about the names in the book. The book references some of the things that occurred in seasons 1-3 of the series, although doesn't copy them. Yes, Lady Marry (how the book spells it) does take a Turk to her bed, but he does something other than die in it. All in all, a jolly good read.
March 12, 2018
"Downtrodden Abbey has lost its heir. Now, a distant cousin, Atchew, has come to stake his claim, but the residents, the Crawfish family, do not approve. While the upstairs is filled with scandal and wealth, the downstairs servants bicker and each show their quirky characteristics. The melodrama from top to bottom of the house will leave readers curious how everything will pan out." Full review at Fresh Fiction: http://freshfiction.com/review.php?id...
January 12, 2014
I'll give it 2 1/2. This is a very simple parody of the first three seasons of Downton Abbey. All the major story lines are hit upon, and the characters embodied those traits we love to hate about the television characters.
This was a very quick read for me, a couple of hours. If you are looking for something lighthearted and laughable, this is it.
This was a very quick read for me, a couple of hours. If you are looking for something lighthearted and laughable, this is it.
January 20, 2014
A fantastical farce! Both for fans of Downton Abbey who want a cheeky laugh at its take on English society and for those who think Downton Abbey is a bit over the top. I was particularly impressed by its use of historic cartoons with re-written captions. In my opinion it is more clever than what it is mocking!
April 24, 2015
Parodies can be very hit or miss. Sometimes, they can be too ridiculous, too outrageous. In this case, there is a strong element of the ridiculousness about the humour, but it is evened out with a lot of cleverness. If you have not watched the first 3 seasons of the show, then don't read this book - too many spoilers!
September 6, 2015
This was a kind of fun parody. Even for such a slim volume, it went on a little too long, especially as many of the jokes repeated themselves and occasionally turned a bit crude. The "foreword" with the "history" along with the hilariously captioned illustrations was probably my favorite part.
December 3, 2013
A funny take on the serious show.
January 22, 2014
Witty and very funny in that particular British way.
January 30, 2014
There are funny bits...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews