Downton Abbey: You'll be hooked!

Have you heard about Downton Abbey?  

I always knew I enjoyed reading authors such as Jane Austen and Emily Bronte because of their traditional language and the charm of the English lifestyle of years gone by. A few weeks ago, I heard talk of a PBS series, Downton Abbey and became intrigued. While it is not a book, the show is well written. I've spent this past weekend watching the DVD's of seasons one and two so that I can enjoy the current season three.  Downton Abbey is actually the name of the house, which is an Edwardian mansion and park set in the North Yorkshire landscape. The story is set around the family of the Earl of Grantham and his family which includes his American wife and three daughters. His mother, the Dowager Countess of Grantham is the matriarch of the family and the resident know-it-all.

The setting is the early 1900's and begins with the sinking of the ship, the Titanic. This is an important element of the story because the Earl of Grantham is fearful that Downton Abbey will one day fall into the hands of a cousin he has never met due to a hierarchy. This cousin is said to have been a passenger on the Titanic and has drowned. The time period lends itself to high adventure, family drama, mystery, and romance.

The characters are intriguing and give insight to the sign of the times. The daughters, Mary, Edith, and Cybil, represent the different situations and problems that women found themselves in during the turn of the twentieth century. Women did not have the same rights as men, especially when it came to voting and position in society. The character of Mary is very risque as she has a moment in time with a Turkish male guest, who later winds up dying in a very inappropriate place. Edith is the daughter who is the "plain Jane" in the looks department. She longs to find the love of a man, and helps out in ways that only men usually would. Cybil is an original rebel for women's rights. The situations are thought provoking and make one want to learn more about the time period.

Period costumes, settings, issues, and family drama are just a few of the elements that make for such a captivating story. If you are a fan of English writers, or just love a rich, historical, family drama, check out Downton Abbey on your local PBS station.It is shown as a part of the Masterpiece Theater offerings (many times during the winter months Jane Austen's books are adapted for the screen on Masterpiece Theater).  I'd love to hear what others think about this continuing saga.

http://www.pbs.org

 http://www.itv.com/downtonabbey/

For Downton Abbey viewers, who is your favorite character or what is your favorite storyline?


For Jane Austen fans, What is your favorite Jane Austen novel and why?

 

Classroom pick: The Breadwinner  by Deborah Ellis

I recently began to read The Breadwinner by Deborah Ellis to my fifth grade class. Each year I share this book, and the other books in the trilogy, with my class. When I consider the subject matter, I realize that the book deals with many difficult concepts. The unfair treatment of women and girls, as well as the severe treatment of the Taliban toward the people is written in a very realistic manner. I hope the following book review is helpful  I'd love to hear what others think of this book.

Review:

 

Author: Ellis, Deborah

The Breadwinner.

Illus. by Michael Solomon, c.2000, 170p

Description/Genre:

Chapter Book/Realistic/Young Adult Fiction

Summary: Twelve-year-old Parvana enjoyed going to school, living in a nice, loving home, and being a kid. That is until the Taliban--an extreme militia group that rules Afghanistan--took over the city of Kabul. Girls were forbidden to go to school and women from going to work. Women and girls are not even allowed out of the homes unless they are accompanied by a man. These days, Parvana only leaves her family's one room apartment to help her injured father get to the market, where she earns a small amount of money reading for those who cannot. When the Taliban bursts into their apartment one evening, Parvana's father is arrested. The family is unsure of how they will live without a man to earn money and go to the market with to get food. Then, they come up with an idea –now their survival depends on whether Parvana can convince the outside world that she is a boy.

Review:

I have been reading this book to my class for several years. The Breadwinner is a worthwhile, thought-provoking story that will inspire empathy for children like Parvana, who have grown up in the middle of a war. I am always amazed at the children’s reaction when I first introduce the book. They don’t seem too interested, and then after the first two chapters, the students don’t want me to stop reading. This book offers a great opportunity to write family stories, memories, and it also lends itself to a wonderful discussion about how lucky we are in to live in America.

Audience

- Intermediate grades