Snobs (novel)

Snobs marks the first novel by Julian Fellowes, initially released in the United Kingdom in 2004. The narrative delves into contemporary British aristocracy through the relationship and subsequent marriage of Charles, Earl Broughton, to Miss Edith Lavery. The tale is told from the perspective of an unnamed male narrator who bears similarities to Fellowes himself.

Plot summary

Edith Lavery, coming from a middle-class background, sees marrying into wealth as her route to advancement. Her family, particularly her mother, has long aspired to see her join the upper echelons of society and warmly supports her engagement to Charles Broughton, the heir apparent to the Marquess of Uckfield.

Despite this, Charles's mother, the Marchioness of Uckfield—nicknamed "Googie"—along with much of his social set, express disapproval. They frequently ridicule Edith and challenge her suitability within aristocratic circles. Her main opponent is Eric Chase, spouse of Charles's sister Lady Caroline Chase, who shares a similar social origin with Edith.

Following their wedding, Edith and Charles spend their honeymoon in Majorca, yet underlying strains surface. Charles perceives Edith as uninteresting, while Edith struggles to understand Charles. Upon returning to Broughton Hall, Edith embarks on an affair with Simon Russell, an actor involved in filming a period drama on the estate. This liaison culminates in her divorce from Charles.

Expecting a child, Edith goes back to the Broughton family and eventually reconciles with Charles, accepting him as he is. Together, they settle into a life described as "happily enough."

Characters

• The Narrator, a friend of Edith Lavery
• Edith Lavery
• Charles, Earl Broughton
• Simon Russell, actor
• The Marquess of Uckfield ('Tigger'), father of Charles
• The Marchioness of Uckfield ('Googie'), mother of Charles
• Lady Caroline Chase, sister to Charles
• Eric Chase, husband of Caroline
• Adela FitzGerald, who becomes the narrator’s wife
• Lord Cumnor and Lady Cumnor
• The Honourable Tommy Wainright
• Lord Peter Broughton, the younger half-brother to the Marquess
• Viscount Bohun and Viscountess Bohun
• Bob Watson and Annette Watson
• Isabel Easton and David Easton, friends of Edith
• Stella and Kenneth Lavery, parents of Edith

Reception

Critical response to the novel was varied. Rachel Cooke of The Guardian praised Fellowes's elegant writing style but questioned the novel’s underlying intent. Meanwhile, The New York Times regarded it as "a good book but not a great one," highlighting several well-crafted sections.