Ashenden: A Novel by Elizabeth Wilhide

    This is the story, initially, of a brother and sister who inherit a country estate in England.   But honestly, this book is so much more than that.  It's a living history .  It tells the story of many characters, of births and deaths, marriages and separations, joy and sadness.   Ultimately,  it's the story of the house and the house really becomes the main character as it's life is told from those people who inhabit it.  I loved that the story wasn't just told from the perspective of the owners of Ashenden but also the architects and the people who loved and lived there, those who worked there.  The depth and breadth is fantastic.   All fans of Downtown Abbey should definitely read this book.  4 out of 5 stars.