" One would often want to read this book, in light of its zeitgeist, and successful other books about the English class system and country house life in the Edwardian (or near enough) times, such as "Remains of the day" or "A Room with a View". However, this book is but a pale shadow of the rest. Moreover, the entire writing is like a big incessant endless chitchat, pockmarked with endless mannerisms, stale witticism, and who-cares-style innuendo. Plus, the characters are totally slapworthy. See the movie if you would, it's nicer (you get the whole Merchant-Ivory package plus some extra rare Redgrave folk). "
— Amir, 1/8/2014