REMAINS OF THE DAY by Kazuo Ishiguro comes to mind......any others?

I don't know but I was watching some last night on DVR - love that show!

I love Downton Abbey too!  And with only one episode left....I was hoping for a few recommendations  of novels that have the "mood" of Downton Abbey or that take place during that period. (England, WWI)

Try

The House at Riverton
Author: Kate Morton

Thanks Patricia, it's now on my wish list.

I also found out about a book called LADY ALMINA AND THE REAL DOWNTON ABBEY.  It is the true story about the real life inspiration and setting for the PBS show, written by the current Lady Carnarvon.  Looks good!

Thanks! It's available on Netflix and in my instant queue.

In non-fiction:

I enjoyed Below Stairs: The Bestselling Memoirs of a 1920s Kitchen Maid by Margaret Powell.  Powell has several other books about her experiences in domestic service, too.

• The Real Life Downton Abbey: How Life was Really Lived in Stately Homes a Century Ago by Jacky Hyams
• Life Below Stairs by Alison Maloney
• The Maid's Tale by Tom Quinn

Here's an Amazon list of all sorts of books about life in an English Country House: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Life-in-the-English-Country-House/lm/R3DVRJ8LG8P0T9/ref=cm_srch_res_rpli_alt_1

In fiction:

• The Observations by Jane Harris
• Netherwood by Jane Sanderson (subtitle: The Hoyland Family has its Secrets. Their Employees Know them All.)
• The Help by Kathryn Stockett (sort of the American equivalent of domestics)
• Another vote for The House at Riverton by Kate Morton

On the small screen:

I highly recommend the Manor House series, where they took a group of modern British folks (a doctor, an architect, a sales manager, etc.), dressed them in period (1905) clothes and had them live in a country manor house similar to Downton.  There was a family living as the "upstairs" group, and a whole team of folks living and working as servants.  They kept everything traditional to the time -- no dishwasher or microwave, etc. They ate traditional foods, wore traditional clothes and spent their days just as they would have in 1905.  It was really fascinating.  It pops up sometimes on PBS or the BBC late at night, or can be found at Netflix or your local public library.

Gosford Park is set in an English country house, and was written by Jullian Fellowes, just like Downton Abbey.  It has been out for a while, should be available through usual video channels/rentals.

There is also a tag group for "servants" you might wish to use/add to.

Here's a bit of trivia I thought I'd mention - Julian fellowes, the writer of Downton Abbey and Gosford Park, is an actor also and appeared as Kilwillie on the former BBC TV show Monarch of the Glen.

Has anyone watched Upstairs/ Downstairs?  Is it anything like Downton?  I see they just got it on Netflix download.

Definitely anything by Nancy Mitford. 

For all the Abbey lovers - a treat, Downton Tabby, enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=clJK3KBqdlE

As I am also....

Just got done with an epic novel trio set in Whitechapel, London England that focuses on a family that struggles to survive, their children, and draws a picture of the London poor that is unforgettable...I loved these three books and they were all so dense with the personality of each character, and a real page turner,...can't put down type of book!  The books  timing is at the turn of the century 1900's and crosses the ocean. I loved these.

Tea Rose

Winter Rose

Wild Rose  

The author is Jennifer Donnelly.  They don't have the downstair maid/butler aspect, but the entertwining of all life facets good and bad, are very intriguing.  If you enjoy the first one, you will want to read the other two.

I am reading  "A Countess Below Stairs", it is YA but the service hierarchy is very reminiscent of Downton.

I haven't seen the show, but the Maisie Dobbs series is set during the same time period and is excellent.

Yes I also read that book, LADY ALMINA AND THE REAL DOWNTON ABBEY, by the current Lady Carnarvon. Not really like the series at all but it sets the era. You learn more about how Lady Almina came to be married to Lord Carnarvon, and how her fabulous wealth saved the estate, etc. The Carnarvon that she married is the one who financed the many expeditions in Egypt that eventually uncovered the tomb of King Tut -- the find of the century. Sold my copy so I am sorry but I do not have it listed on my bookshelf.

Yes, Upstairs Downstairs is VERY good, probably better than the current series Downton. And it was VERY popular at the time, very popular.

Enjoy!