Cavendon Hall - Barbara Taylor Bradford

I received a very enthusiastic mail from the publisher -of course- promoting Cavendon Hall and its sequels to me even though it is far from my usual read. They said it would be like Downton Abbey and I've really appreciated that show so I wanted to give it a try. 

 

Set in the second decade of the Twentieth century it focuses on the Inghams, a noble family with a bunch of daughters, and the Swans, their more than loyal servants. This all seems very similar of DA and so far so good. 

 

The thing is, I can see this book wants to be DA but fails to do so. Yes the elements are there, but I never felt it. The Earl and his children do encounter problems but they are solved with such ease, that they feel hardly like problems. I would like to discuss one example in more detail, see the following spoiler: 

When Daphne was raped, I thought: 'Aha, this book is about the consequences of this event and the terrible things they have to do to make sure no-one learns about it. But no, not only do people immediately guess what happened and come up with the Grand Continental Tour thing, as by magic an eligible and very caring husband arrives who doesn't only understand Daphne and doesn't blame her for the rape (in those days I think this is quite some thing) also, he doesn't have a single problem with taking in the child as if it were his own. No problem at all.

(show spoiler)

It is much the same for other problems encountered. Also, an Oedipus complex if I've ever saw one. 

 

Truth is, I've the rest in the series as well, so I'll read it some time, but for now I need a break.

 

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!