Dancing into Battle

Belgravia #1

by Julian Fellowes

On the eve of the Battle of Waterloo, two families meet at the Duchess of Richmond's Ball. From this moment on, their stories will be linked by a secret.
"Julian Fellowes's Belgravia" is a story in 11 episodes published week by week in the tradition of Charles Dickens.
"Belgravia "is the story of a secret. A secret that unravels behind the porticoed doors of London's grandest postcode. The story behind the secret will be revealed in weekly bite-sized instalments complete with twists and turns and cliff-hanger endings.
Set in the 1840s when the upper echelons of society began to rub shoulders with the emerging industrial nouveau riche, Belgravia is peopled by a rich cast of characters. But the story begins on the eve of the Battle of Waterloo in 1815. At the Duchess of Richmond's now legendary ball, one family's life will change forever...

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical, Audiobook, Romance, Novella, British Literature

32 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2016

About the author

Julian Alexander Kitchener-Fellowes (Baron Fellowes of West Stafford), DL. English actor, novelist, screenwriter, and director.

Fellowes is the youngest son of Peregrine Fellowes (a diplomat and Arabist who campaigned to have Haile Selassie restored to his throne during World War II). Julian inherited the title of Lord of the Manor of Tattershall from his father, making him the fourth Fellowes to hold it. He was educated at Ampleforth College, Magdalene College, Cambridge, and at the Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art.

He played the part of Lord Kilwillie in the television series 'Monarch of the Glen.' Other notable acting roles included the part of Claud Seabrook in the acclaimed 1996 BBC drama serial 'Our Friends in the North.' He has twice notably portrayed George IV as the Prince Regent in the 1982 television version of 'The Scarlet Pimpernel' and the 1996 adaptation of Bernard Cornwell's novel 'Sharpe's Regiment.'

He wrote the screenplay for 'Gosford Park,' directed by Robert Altman, for which he won an Oscar for Best Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen in 2002.

His novel 'Snobs' was published in 2004. It focused on the social nuances of the upper class. Fellowes has described himself as coming from the "rock bottom end of the top", and drew on his knowledge of Society to paint a detailed portrait of the behaviour and snobbery of the upper class. 'Snobs' was a Sunday Times Best Seller and has now been published in many countries.

In the 1970s he also wrote romantic novels, using the names Rebecca Greville and Alexander Morant.

He launched a new series on BBC One in 2004, 'Julian Fellowes Investigates: A Most Mysterious Murder,' which he wrote and also introduced on screen.

He also penned the script to the current West End musical 'Mary Poppins,' produced by Cameron Mackintosh and Disney, which opened on Broadway in December 2006.

In late 2005 Fellowes made his directorial debut with the film 'Separate Lies.'

He is the presenter of 'Never Mind the Full Stops,' a panel-based gameshow transmitted on BBC Four from mid-2006.

On 28 April 1990, he married Emma Joy Kitchener (a Lady-in-Waiting to Princess Michael of Kent, and great-great-niece of the 1st Earl Kitchener) and assumed the name Kitchener-Fellowes by deed enrolled with the College of Arms in 1998.
{Wikipedia}

Reviews

[♡ Sonja Rosa Lisa ♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Der erste Teil von Belgravia. Ich habe das Hörbuch gehört, das eine Hördauer von einer guten Stunde hat. Ideal, um reinzuschnuppern und zu schauen, ob das Buch den eigenen Geschmack trifft.
Wir sind im Jahr 1815. Es ist der Vorabend der Schlacht von Waterloo. Es gibt einen Ball, doch am nächsten Tag müssen die teilnehmenden Offiziere in die Schlacht. Sophia, Tochter eines Geschäftsmannes, verliebt sich in einen Adligen, den Neffen einer Duchess. Auch dieser muss in den Kampf...
❤️ Ich mag Geschichten, die im 19. Jahrhundert angesiedelt sind. Dieser erste Teil war durch die nahende Schlacht trotz des Balls irgendwie bedrückend, macht aber auch neugierig auf den Fortgang der Geschichte!

[Maria Clara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cuando vi que este libro se podía adquirir por partes, no lo dudé ni un segundo: sencillamente lo encontré perfecto! Este primer capítulo sólo tiene 32 páginas, así que poco puedo decir sobre él, salvo que seguiré con el segundo.

[Sonia De la rosa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Es el primer episodio de una novela por entregas del creador de Dowton Abbey. Este primer capítulo de la novela tiene 37 páginas y al ser solamente la introducción a la historia es un poco difícil valorarlo.
La noche anterior a la batalla de Waterloo la duquesa de Richmond celebra una fiesta de gala, ahí se reúnen muchos de los hombres que al día siguiente lucharan para defender Bruselas de las tropas de Napoleon. Entre los invitados se encuentra Sophia Trenchard hija de un comerciante que se ha hecho rico, tanto ella como su padre ambiciona a ser aceptados por los nobles, en cambio la madre mucho más realista sabe que nunca conseguirán ser aceptados del todo por la alta sociedad.
Gracias a la mediación de lord Bellasis consiguen una invitación para el baile. Sophia esta ilusionada con su relación con Bellasis, hijo de un duque,esta segura que acabaran casándose. Su madre tiene miedo que solo la quiere para entretenerse mientras están en bruselas ya que cree que los padres del chico nunca aceptaran ese enlace.
Después de la batalla de Waterloo todo cambiara para Sophia...
Julian Fellowes mezclan personajes históricos reales con otros de ficción, esta parte de la trama tienen como marco hechos históricos.
Este primer capítulo me ha parecido una muy buena introducción a la historia que te deja con ganas de leer el siguiente, te deja con la intriga de como continuara la historia.
Aprovechad que este primer episodio lo podéis leer de forma gratuita.

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have finished episodes 1, 2 and 3 of Julian Fellowes’ BELGRAVIA series.
Episode 1 — Dancing into battle
Episode 2 — A chance encounter
Episode 3 — Family Ties
It is a novel (excuse the pun) idea to construct the book as a serialization with new episodes appearing weekly. There are 11 episodes or chapters in all.
I have enjoyed the series so far - it is a quiet, detailed story revolving around a secret. The story is set in 1840s England against a backdrop of British high society and manners. The characters, the settings, the decor, the clothing, the everyday mannerisms, the conversations, the meals, the architecture, class structure - all come alive. It is what Julian Fellowes does best - setting the tone/the atmosphere of the period. The story is almost secondary to the sense of being involved in the setting.
I liked reading about the Duchess of Richmond’s ball held on the eve of the Battle of Waterloo in 1815 - in Episode 1. It is here that the secret has its beginnings.
I would definitely recommend this serialization.

[Emilija · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this! This is the exact time period I love, and Fellowes has an ability to really get into that time and make it feel real. It was incredible, and it really makes me want to read the rest of the series and discover more.

[Savina King · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can understand totally why downton abbey is so well watched after reading this Sheer quality writing

[Elaine Shrremetis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the "Downton Abbey " by Julian Fellowes..I hope to enjoy reading more from this Series.

[Jeannie Zelos · Rating 4 out of 5]

Belgravia, Julian Fellowes,
Now a major TV series, from the creator of DOWNTON ABBEY

Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews

Genre: General Fiction (Adult)

Well, I must be one of the few people who've not seen Downton. I haven't had a TV for years – but my daughter and daughter in law love the series, and I recall reading another of Julian's books many years ago. Throw in that I like historical reads and I wanted to try this.
To be honest I was underwhelmed. Its a reasonable story, intrigue, passion ( what passes for passion in the 19th century of course), some excellent characters and a real feeling of being there with them.
The historical setting was brilliant, I could visualise it and feel myself there with the characters watching scenes play out. What I didn't like was the actual story, its very true to time in that circumstances and appearances are all, the innate snobbery of those at the top for any one a rung below, the desire to join their ilk by those who've made money but have no historical Name.
I just felt no excitement, no real mystery, everything was explained very fully as the story went on, so that by the end the only people who didn't know the whole story were a very small group of those whom it concerned. I guess I like to try to work things out myself rather than be told them, told how the characters are feeling, reacting and whats going to happen next.
For lots of readers clearly that isn't a problem, I can see the book has many stanch followers. That just proves what I'm always saying – reading tastes vary so much and a low-mid star doesn't mean a poor story, just one which that particular reader didn't enjoy.

Stars: Three, good historical setting but a story that didn't really resonate with me. .

Arc via Netgalley and publishers

[James Empson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok so we are introduced to a few characters on the eve of the battle of Waterloo. Too early really to write a review... so far, I am reminded of Bernard Cornwell and Richard Sharpe more than of Downton Abbey.

[Barbara · Rating 2 out of 5]

After reading what seemed to be intermininable pages of botched introductions between characters, I gave up.

[Isabella Le Roux · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was skeptical after reading all the reviews. Must say it was surprising and a good start to the story. Will have to get the full novel before I can really make up my mind.

[Lois · Rating 3 out of 5]

Solid start

[Susan Kelley · Rating 1 out of 5]

It was awful. I actually quit reading.

[Thom Swennes · Rating 4 out of 5]

In March of 1815, Napoleon Bonaparte left his island imprisonment on the Island of Elba and returned to France. The troops that are sent to arrest and detain him promptly vow their old Emperor their renewed allegiance. This was the beginning of a period in history that would henceforth be known as the 100 days. Newly crowned King Louis XVIII promptly flees and Napoleon makes a grand entrance into Paris. In the next hundred days, Bonaparte raises an army and the pride that once marked Le Grande Armee as great, returned.
On March 14, 1815, the Congress of Vienna declared Bonaparte an outlaw and plans were made for a coalition army consisting of Britain, under the Duke of Wellington, the Netherlands, under the Prince of Orange, and Prussia, under Field Marshal Gebhard Leberecht von Blucher. Plans were made, troops mustered and moved into position for one, hopefully, decisive battle. This would take place on June 18, 1815, at a hitherto unknown village named Waterloo.
James Trenchard, dubbed by the Duke of Wellington, the Magician, for his aptitude to find, transport, and supply provisions for an army on the move. In truth, James Trenchard is a shopkeeper on a very grand scale. Because of his unique talent, he rubs shoulders and exchange conversations with the cream of British army society, giving him (and his daughter, Sophia) the feeling of acceptance. Necessity spawns strange bedfellows but society remains aloof.
Sophie is in love with a young and dashing soldier, Lord Edmund, Viscount Bellasis and nephew to the Duke and Duchess of Richmond. The outcome of the impending battle is known but the destiny of these two lovers isn’t.

I’ve enjoyed this book very much. Starting at the eve of Waterloo and continuing through the first half of the Nineteenth Century, it paints a clear and accurate picture of history. Vibrant characters bring the story to life. This is the perfect balance between fact and fiction and is sure to appeal to many readers.

[Michele Jacobsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a bit Dickensian to go back to a serialized story but I absolutely love it. A new installment each week (or you can buy the entire story - print or audio - when the series comes to an end in a few more weeks). And if you'd like to listen to the first episode for free you can do so at Julian Fellows' website: https://www.julianfellowesbelgravia.com/

If you're not familiar with Fellows, he's the man responsible for Downton Abby, among other fabulous works of historical fiction that often features the both the British aristocratic classes contrasted by the lower classes that served them. It's riveting.

In this first episode of Belgravia (the audio version narrated by the perfectly-suited voice of Juliet Stevenson) we are introduced to the Trenchard family, temporarily living in Brussels in 1815. Their wealth is "new money" as James Trenchard is one of the emerging class of businessmen who despite humble beginnings shrewdly make their fortunes. But wealth doesn't mean social acceptance among the aristocratic class and James Trenchard desires acceptance more than anything. His wife, Anne, has a more pragmatic view of the situation, but her common-sense attitude doesn't seem to rub off on either her husband nor their daughter Sophia who has fallen in love with the son of one of England's most established families, Edmund Bellasis.

It is the eve of the Battle of Waterloo. A fabulous ball is being held and Napoleon's unexpected attack led many of England's officers to leave the ball still in dress uniform. Many died on the field. But something else has happened at the ball between Edmund and Sophia. Something that will change everyone's lives.

Thus sets the stage for the story of Belgravia....in the next installment we arrive at the infamous Ball on the eve of the battle.

[Jim Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beyond Downton Abbey

What a refreshing lark into a world of British aristocracy of long ago. Julian Fellows teases us with the frailties of human existence much like William Shakespeare. Excellent read! Well done!

[A.M. · Rating 3 out of 5]

The night before the Battle of Waterloo, the Duchess of Richmond held a ball. Wellington didn’t even arrive until after midnight and supper was served at 1 am. Un-ironically, this author describes it as the stuff of legend and then proceeds to describe it again. I’ve read it in Sharpe, and I looked up the wikipedia page when it was first mentioned. How the English beat Napoleon when they were all out till the dawn hours is beyond me.
I am always suspicious of self inserts. It isn’t Belgravia, it’s called Julian Fellowes’s Belgravia.
Uh, huh.

She was at that period of her life which almost everyone must pass through, when childhood is done with and a faux maturity, untrammelled by experience, gives one a sense that anything is possible until the arrival of real adulthood proves conclusively that it is not. (Kindle Locations 17-19)

But with 11 parts of about 30 pages at $2.99 each for ebooks (that’s the price for aussies) makes a book price of $32.89.
Ouch.
This story follows the Trenchard family. The father was Wellington’s supplier; a merchant by English class rules and the kind of person who would never be invited to a Duchess’s ball. Nor would his daughter Sophia be on the arm of that Duchess’ nephew. But there is a war on, and it’s close.
There is just not enough here to make me even think about buying the next one. It’s a serial - I know that. But I don’t feel any desire to see what happens to these characters.
3 stars

[Jo-anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Timing is everything. This is not a book to educate the intellectual reader but one that I was ready for; to sink into a comfy chair and allow myself to be whisked away into British society in the 1800s. I didn't want to be challenged by a book but rather to be drawn into forming strong connections with characters. This book succeeded as there is a mix for everyone; kindness, family, societal snobs, working class, hateful schemers and the backdrop of supporting characters. I trusted the novel was historically accurate and had no desire to find flaws if there were any. I followed the trail to the expected happy ending and 'comeppances'.

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great start to a series, read chapter one and I am interested to see how the story unfolds, however I will wait for the paperback out in November as it is cheaper than buying the subscription or the hardback which is out in June. I like the idea of bringing out an episode weekly but I like to read a book from start to finish and not have to wait until the next instalment unless of course it is the next book in the series. I think from what I have read so far though that this will be a good story.

[Monet · Rating 4 out of 5]

This first episode in the Belgravia series immediately drew me in. I had expected the story to take place during one of the world wars, as that's usually the time period Julian Fellowes writes about. However, it's set during the early 19th century during the conflict with Napoleon Bonaparte. There is plenty of drama reminiscent to Gosford Park and Downton Abbey included, but equal parts action and tension as well. The ending wasn't clear, of course as this is only episode one, so I can't wait to find out what happens in the next few episodes.

[Jay · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked Downton Abbey as much as the next person, but you'd think if Fellows was going to do a serialized novel, he'd at least know enough to end the chapter on some kind of a cliffhanger or something to make readers want more. This chapter was so boring that I have no interest in reading the rest of it, certainly not at $1.99 a pop, for 30 minutes of reading. It's an interesting idea to serialize the novel, but I think that then requires more dramatic techniques than would be necessary for a regular book.

[Sue · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is okay, but I won't get the remainder. It's written very much like a television drama--very short on the deeper introspection a novel allows. While it's a fun idea to resurrect the serialization idea, Mr. Fellowes should also resurrect the character development of Mr. Dickens.

Entertaining, but at $2 a pop after the free first entry, not worth the overall cost at all.

[Elaine Lewis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dancing into battle

I gave the book a three star rating because I'm not sure how interesting the story will become. Right now it's just so-so. If further ratings get better, I might buy a couple more episodes. The first book seems sought of boring. It was hard remembering who the characters were.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

So far, I love the characters, the setting and where the story is headed. It is feels like the perfect setup for future heartbreak on my part which, oddly enough, I'm looking forward to.

Juliet Stevenson is a great choice as narrator. She has a very soothing voice and offers a good variation to the characters.

On to the next episode!

[Yazir Paredes · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting story intoducing the character for the series. I had never heard about this ball not being much interested in Napolean wars and period. But, it made and interesting read. Julian Fellowes just like in Downton Abbey and Godsford Park has a way of making interesting characters from all social classes and in all sort of situations.

[Ruth A Wade · Rating 5 out of 5]

Looking forward to the next installment.

True to the look into all that is British which has gone before, this series portends to be wonderful. I am looking forward to the next installment.

[cdf4206gmail.com · Rating 4 out of 5]

This looks to be an exciting series to read. I really enjoyed the first installment. There are a lot of names of the aristocracy to try and keep track of, but the premise of the story is very interesting and I am looking forward to reading the next in the series.

[Janyne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very engaging beginning to Balgravia, an episodic novel by the writer of Downton Abbey. So far, this book reminds me of Regency romances like those by Georgette Heyer. I plan to read episode 2 soon.

[Mari · Rating 3 out of 5]

Downton Abbey's Julian Fellowes is back with an 11 part serialized novel to be released weekly. This is the first installment: it's interesting enough to get me to buy the second one, but wasn't as great as I had built it up in my head to be.

[Trudy Ray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kept my interest.

Descriptions of the characters were like seeing them before me. Would have liked to read more about the customs and living conditions of that time period. It is very interesting.