Book Review of Downtrodden Abbey: The Interminable Saga of an Insufferable Family

Rating: ★★½/★★★★★

When an award-winning television series, such as Downton Abbey, has critics heaping praises on the show and a growing number of loyal fan base, you can almost guarantee there will be attempts to cash in on the success. It is little wonder that parodies exist and one such example that came to my notice is Downtrodden Abbey: The Interminable Saga of an Insufferable Family. Just by looking at the cover itself, it is a spoof of the much loved British television drama series from the title, the author's name down to the picture of the dog (Pharaoh) taking a piss. Like any other Downton Abbey enthusiasts, the book piqued my interest and I decided to give it a try.

Right from the start, the characters that populate the book is a play on the characters' or the actor's name from the show. It sounds almost similar to the way we pronounce them but at the same time has a totally different meaning. Take for example Mrs Hughes, the housekeeper of Downton Abbey. Here she becomes Mrs Used. Then there is Shirley MacLaine, the American actress who take on the role of the Countess of Grantham's mother. In the book she is Surly McPain who travels to England to witness the wedding of her granddaughter, Lady Marry, and her fiancé, Atchew. The author even incorporates some aspects of the Hollywood actress's life of and touches on her believe in reincarnation. Besides some jobs were also given a new twist. Such examples include the footman which is changed to footmasseur. His job is to massage the foot of his master instead of attending the family and helping the butler.

The book is divided into three sections that covers Series One to Three. It pokes fun at major events that happens throughout the drama series from the sinking of the Titanic (Gigantic), the Great War to the sudden death of Matthew Crawley (Atchew Crawfish), heir to the Downton (Downtrodden) estate. Some of them veers from the ridiculous, to silly and downright hilarious with sexual innuendos also mentioned. A hint if you know Tomaine's (Thomas) secret, you can expect a similar scene in the book though it surprises me on who he does it to. Some scenes like the ending of each part brought the readers back to reality where it addresses the demand for the show to be renewed after every season. Besides that it also include a good selection of black-and-white illustrations with its funny caption. The editorial reviews on the back cover by 'notable' publications and distinguish personalities had me giggling at what they say about the book.

If you can stomach your favourite television series being made fun of, then Downtrodden Abbey: The Interminable Saga of an Insufferable Family is the book for you. Otherwise you should stay well clear of it. Personally, it is entertaining and a good diversion from the types of books that I usually read. However I can't quite bring myself to like this satire as much as I would want to as I find it nonsensical and inane.