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Chronicles of Barsetshire #4
Framley Parsonage
Fourth in the Barsetshire Chronicles, Framley Parsonage was published in 1860. In it the values of a Victorian gentleman, the young clergyman Mark Robarts, are put to the test.
Like much fiction of 19th century England, Framley Parsonage concerns property, status, family and social conventions. In it Trollope captures the essence of Victorian England.
Like much fiction of 19th century England, Framley Parsonage concerns property, status, family and social conventions. In it Trollope captures the essence of Victorian England.
573 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1860
About the author
Anthony Trollope
1,880 books1,636 followersAnthony Trollope became one of the most successful, prolific and respected English novelists of the Victorian era. Some of Trollope's best-loved works, known as the Chronicles of Barsetshire, revolve around the imaginary county of Barsetshire; he also wrote penetrating novels on political, social, and gender issues and conflicts of his day.
Trollope has always been a popular novelist. Noted fans have included Sir Alec Guinness (who never travelled without a Trollope novel), former British Prime Ministers Harold Macmillan and Sir John Major, economist John Kenneth Galbraith, American novelists Sue Grafton and Dominick Dunne and soap opera writer Harding Lemay. Trollope's literary reputation dipped somewhat during the last years of his life, but he regained the esteem of critics by the mid-twentieth century.
See also http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthony_...
Trollope has always been a popular novelist. Noted fans have included Sir Alec Guinness (who never travelled without a Trollope novel), former British Prime Ministers Harold Macmillan and Sir John Major, economist John Kenneth Galbraith, American novelists Sue Grafton and Dominick Dunne and soap opera writer Harding Lemay. Trollope's literary reputation dipped somewhat during the last years of his life, but he regained the esteem of critics by the mid-twentieth century.
See also http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthony_...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 527 reviews
June 14, 2017
"They are being very patient."
"Oh, the English generally are if they think they are going to get something for nothing."
And I was very patient with this book. I kept losing track of the characters and the story but perservered hoping I would get something. But I got what the English hope they won't. Nothing.
The book had both plot and romance but not enough of plot and the romance was boring and somewhat hackneyed. Nothing like as good as Barchester Towers or the Warden in the same series. It is my least favourite Trollope who is one of my favourite authors.
"Oh, the English generally are if they think they are going to get something for nothing."
And I was very patient with this book. I kept losing track of the characters and the story but perservered hoping I would get something. But I got what the English hope they won't. Nothing.
The book had both plot and romance but not enough of plot and the romance was boring and somewhat hackneyed. Nothing like as good as Barchester Towers or the Warden in the same series. It is my least favourite Trollope who is one of my favourite authors.
March 16, 2021
Ah, the joy of opening the first pages on a Trollope novel and meeting someone new who is dwelling right in Barsetshire along with all our old friends and acquaintances. Our new friend, this installment, is Mr. Mark Robarts, the clergyman at Framley Parsonage, the living attached to Framley Court, home of Lady Lufton and her son, Ludovic. It does not take a great deal of time to realize this novel is going to be a lesson in social climbing, and the perils thereof.
I am sometimes amazed at the desire people have to rub shoulders with celebrities, even minor ones, and the length they will go to have it believed that they are of importance to such people. They will do very foolish things, fooling no one but themselves ofttimes.
And there is nothing viler than the desire to know great people--people of great rank, I should say; nothing worse than the hunting of titles and worshipping of wealth. We all know this, and say it every day of our lives. But presuming that a way into the society of Park Lane was open to us, and a way also into that of Bedford Row, how many of us are there who would prefer Bedford Row because it is so vile to worship wealth and title?
And there's the rub for our Mark Robarts. He knows he is better not to try to run the race with an inferior horse, but he cannot resist, and having the invitation extended to him, he cannot help feeling that these people desire his company and think of him as an equal.
We have a bit of a villain in another character we meet early on, Mr. Sowerby, but one of the things I admire about Trollope is that he never creates any character who is less than human, and so his heroes have clay feet and his villains are complex and three-dimensional.
We see and hear of such men as Mr. Sowerby, and are apt to think that they enjoy all that the world can give, and that they enjoy that all without payment either in care or labour; but I doubt that, with even the most callous of them, their periods of wretchedness must be frequent, and that wretchedness very intense.
We have, within these pages, examples of what is good and evil in people, the destructive nature of pride, the beauty of sacrificial love, the struggle for true morality in the face of temptations, and the right of individual choice. I love the fire and determination of Mark’s sister, Lucy; the devotion of his wife, Fanny (which I must note was a very popular name in this era and one you never encounter today); and the true friendship of Mr. Arabin for his friend Crawley.
I was also delighted to find Dr. Thorne, Miss Dunstable, the obnoxious Mrs. Proudie, and The Grantleys popping back into view. It makes you feel so at home when you encounter people you already know and either love or despise--it is if you take the story up again where you have left it.
I have two novels left in the series, and I hope to get to them both before the end of the year.
I am sometimes amazed at the desire people have to rub shoulders with celebrities, even minor ones, and the length they will go to have it believed that they are of importance to such people. They will do very foolish things, fooling no one but themselves ofttimes.
And there is nothing viler than the desire to know great people--people of great rank, I should say; nothing worse than the hunting of titles and worshipping of wealth. We all know this, and say it every day of our lives. But presuming that a way into the society of Park Lane was open to us, and a way also into that of Bedford Row, how many of us are there who would prefer Bedford Row because it is so vile to worship wealth and title?
And there's the rub for our Mark Robarts. He knows he is better not to try to run the race with an inferior horse, but he cannot resist, and having the invitation extended to him, he cannot help feeling that these people desire his company and think of him as an equal.
We have a bit of a villain in another character we meet early on, Mr. Sowerby, but one of the things I admire about Trollope is that he never creates any character who is less than human, and so his heroes have clay feet and his villains are complex and three-dimensional.
We see and hear of such men as Mr. Sowerby, and are apt to think that they enjoy all that the world can give, and that they enjoy that all without payment either in care or labour; but I doubt that, with even the most callous of them, their periods of wretchedness must be frequent, and that wretchedness very intense.
We have, within these pages, examples of what is good and evil in people, the destructive nature of pride, the beauty of sacrificial love, the struggle for true morality in the face of temptations, and the right of individual choice. I love the fire and determination of Mark’s sister, Lucy; the devotion of his wife, Fanny (which I must note was a very popular name in this era and one you never encounter today); and the true friendship of Mr. Arabin for his friend Crawley.
I was also delighted to find Dr. Thorne, Miss Dunstable, the obnoxious Mrs. Proudie, and The Grantleys popping back into view. It makes you feel so at home when you encounter people you already know and either love or despise--it is if you take the story up again where you have left it.
I have two novels left in the series, and I hope to get to them both before the end of the year.
Read
February 7, 2017Here's the frightening thing about this book. Gentle, wonderful Mrs. Gaskell wished it would go on forever and ever, because it was just so peaceful.
Yet we can read it now and see the savagery just beneath the surface. A pastor is worried about hunting . . . not because hunting is all about murdering a small creature, but because it Just Isn't Done on Sunday.
A woman sells herself coldly to a man she doesn't like or respect--but he's got the right title and bank account.
People struggle silently behind the facade of good manners, over greed, sex, hunger, anger.
It's a fascinating book--and even more fascinating if one reads Jo Walton's Tooth and Claw then comes back to reread this one.
Yet we can read it now and see the savagery just beneath the surface. A pastor is worried about hunting . . . not because hunting is all about murdering a small creature, but because it Just Isn't Done on Sunday.
A woman sells herself coldly to a man she doesn't like or respect--but he's got the right title and bank account.
People struggle silently behind the facade of good manners, over greed, sex, hunger, anger.
It's a fascinating book--and even more fascinating if one reads Jo Walton's Tooth and Claw then comes back to reread this one.
January 30, 2022
I'm grateful I've been reading Trollope's Barsetshire series in order because – although the central protagonists of this fourth book “Framley Parsonage” are new – there are a host of familiar characters in the background who are also integrally involved in some of the novel's side plots. Though I'm sure readers unfamiliar with the previous books would still enjoy this novel the experience is greatly enhanced by a knowledge of these established characters. It's a wonderful pleasure to again meet the domineering Mrs Proudie with her weak-willed bishop husband who were first introduced in “Barchester Towers” and confident, clever Miss Dunstable who we first met in “Doctor Thorne”. In this new novel we even get a new generation as Griselda, the eldest daughter of Dr Grantly and Susan Grantly (who we first met in “The Warden”), is now looking to marry and there are a couple of suitors in contention. In fact, there a number of marriage plots in this new novel which all spin in the wings amidst the book's central story of Mark Robarts, a young vicar who gets drawn into the glamorous lives of the county's aristocracy and unfairly burdened by a debt attached to the cunning Nathaniel Sowerby. Mark's patroness Lady Lufton is deeply saddened by how he's seduced into this faction of the upper class and she serves as a fantastically intimidating foil to the set of characters that revolve around the Duke of Omnium.
Like a soap opera, the book is perhaps a little overburdened with plot lines as there are also the stories of Harold Smith's short-lived time as a cabinet minister and Mr Crawley, an impoverished clergyman who needs assistance as his wife is stricken with typhus. It makes sense that Trollope had so much going on since this novel was written in serial form for a magazine edited by William Thackeray. However, for the most part, the abundance of story lines balance well and come together to present a fantastically entertaining and compelling portrait of a community. It's a tale rich in themes surrounding ambition, money and marriage. As always, Trollope's characters are so dynamic that even more “villainous” figures such as Mr Sowerby are presented in a semi-compassionate way. But that doesn't stop the author poking fun at the foibles of several characters and playing them against each other. Nor is the author an invisible puppet master working in the background as what really makes Trollope's novels rise above typical stories of scandal and romance is the way the narrator frequently intervenes to converse with the reader on the issues at stake, the choices the characters make and the nature of society.
Read my full review of Framley Parsonage by Anthony Trollope at LonesomeReader
Like a soap opera, the book is perhaps a little overburdened with plot lines as there are also the stories of Harold Smith's short-lived time as a cabinet minister and Mr Crawley, an impoverished clergyman who needs assistance as his wife is stricken with typhus. It makes sense that Trollope had so much going on since this novel was written in serial form for a magazine edited by William Thackeray. However, for the most part, the abundance of story lines balance well and come together to present a fantastically entertaining and compelling portrait of a community. It's a tale rich in themes surrounding ambition, money and marriage. As always, Trollope's characters are so dynamic that even more “villainous” figures such as Mr Sowerby are presented in a semi-compassionate way. But that doesn't stop the author poking fun at the foibles of several characters and playing them against each other. Nor is the author an invisible puppet master working in the background as what really makes Trollope's novels rise above typical stories of scandal and romance is the way the narrator frequently intervenes to converse with the reader on the issues at stake, the choices the characters make and the nature of society.
Read my full review of Framley Parsonage by Anthony Trollope at LonesomeReader
Read
August 2, 2020As I said for Barchester Towers, so I say for Framley Parsonage: To call this a delight is an understatement.
August 1, 2008
The 4th Barchester novel, mainly re the vicar Mark Robarts, but also Proudies, Grantlys, Greshams, Dr Thorne and Miss Dunstable. A less pleasant read in some ways because you know Mark is doomed (in the medium term, even though he is probably rescued at the end), can see it all coming and wish he did too. Aspects of the plot are too similar to the immediately preceding Barchester (titled young man possibly marrying beneath him). Too much financial detail at times (though necessary for the plot) and too much general pontificating about politics at times (less necessary - eg all the stuff about Titians and giants (and what's the difference?)).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 19, 2020
This is my 4th book that I have read of this series, and it took about 8 chapters for me to really get into it, but once I did, it was a super read. Trollope uses his early chapters to set forth all the characters in his books, and this time I felt he got a little carried away early. But this is a book about Love and Money. We have the 26-year old local vicar co-signing for someone’s debts and this is an overwhelming issue throughout the book. It teaches us - don’t co-sign for someone unless you are ready to pay the bill yourself. We also have on top of this 3, and slightly 4, love affairs that may or may not bloom into marriage. Ah, such enjoyable topics and such a wonderful look at England in the 1860’s. Trollope draws you into the lives of his characters and while he does get overly profuse with some of his Grecian descriptions you are captivated by how he uses that to help us understand what is going on in his books. Two more books for me to go in this series and then I hope to read the 6-volume Paliser series. My Lord this man can write. And once you get accustomed to his style he is one author you want to read over and over!
July 5, 2011
Trollope starts slow, then goes slower and after a bit you wonder... where... exactly... is any of this...
But then, almost without realizing it, you're deep into the often tedious lives of his characters. To this American (and probably most others), the types and concerns of these characters are petty, even ridiculous. The winding-down nobility of mid-19th century Britain were a damned silly bunch by any modern standard--isolated, divorced from reality, having no function except to "be in charge," even when there was nothing left for them to be in charge of. Yes, they owned the land, but they seldom spoke it its inhabitants, were too congenial to cause them problems and would rather forget that they exist. And they saw their children only as the governess whisked them past.
But Trollope somehow makes them into real, full human beings, deeply concerned and involved, even if what they are involved in is a kind of extended fantasy. His ability to examine the depths of motive is remarkable, as is his determination to avoid forced Dickensian pathos, even as he increases the power of the pathos that comes naturally from the tortured decisions they make.
And, as in the best of novels, there's that one character who so dominates your thoughts that you're willing to wait 75 pages for her five-minute appearance. Lucy Robarts, the "short, dark, plain, insignificant" young woman is a masterpiece. The sister of central character, Mark Robarts, the vicar of Framley, she lives by a moral compass tate puts all the various arrayed clergyman who otherwise clog the novel to shame. She views her own life with an objective, explosive good humor that overcome her deepest, darkest torments. And, of course, she, like the other characters who matter, comes out right in the end.
Trollope's own sense of humor is a joy, bubbling along underneath like a quiet teakettle, occasionally bursting out with a whistle of steam. He speaks to his reader directly in little chatty asides (which apparently greatly annoyed Henry James--well, good, anything that annoyed Henry James is fine by me), commenting on his characters as though he knew them personally. Which he obviously does.
I just wish I understood how the Church of England worked at the time. It seems to have spewed clergyman across the landscape like a water cannon. What are the functions of all these vicars and curates and deans and deacons and even Bishops? Mostly, it seems, to worry about how they are perceived by the rest of the tattered nobility. And it does get a little tiresome that we're supposed to feel deep distress for the poor, bedraggled vicar down the road who (gasp!) can only afford one part-time servant.
But then, almost without realizing it, you're deep into the often tedious lives of his characters. To this American (and probably most others), the types and concerns of these characters are petty, even ridiculous. The winding-down nobility of mid-19th century Britain were a damned silly bunch by any modern standard--isolated, divorced from reality, having no function except to "be in charge," even when there was nothing left for them to be in charge of. Yes, they owned the land, but they seldom spoke it its inhabitants, were too congenial to cause them problems and would rather forget that they exist. And they saw their children only as the governess whisked them past.
But Trollope somehow makes them into real, full human beings, deeply concerned and involved, even if what they are involved in is a kind of extended fantasy. His ability to examine the depths of motive is remarkable, as is his determination to avoid forced Dickensian pathos, even as he increases the power of the pathos that comes naturally from the tortured decisions they make.
And, as in the best of novels, there's that one character who so dominates your thoughts that you're willing to wait 75 pages for her five-minute appearance. Lucy Robarts, the "short, dark, plain, insignificant" young woman is a masterpiece. The sister of central character, Mark Robarts, the vicar of Framley, she lives by a moral compass tate puts all the various arrayed clergyman who otherwise clog the novel to shame. She views her own life with an objective, explosive good humor that overcome her deepest, darkest torments. And, of course, she, like the other characters who matter, comes out right in the end.
Trollope's own sense of humor is a joy, bubbling along underneath like a quiet teakettle, occasionally bursting out with a whistle of steam. He speaks to his reader directly in little chatty asides (which apparently greatly annoyed Henry James--well, good, anything that annoyed Henry James is fine by me), commenting on his characters as though he knew them personally. Which he obviously does.
I just wish I understood how the Church of England worked at the time. It seems to have spewed clergyman across the landscape like a water cannon. What are the functions of all these vicars and curates and deans and deacons and even Bishops? Mostly, it seems, to worry about how they are perceived by the rest of the tattered nobility. And it does get a little tiresome that we're supposed to feel deep distress for the poor, bedraggled vicar down the road who (gasp!) can only afford one part-time servant.
October 13, 2020
Il piacere di leggere
Il IV romanzo del celebre ciclo del Barset continua a non deludere affatto. Anche qui lo stile è inconfondibilmente inglese tipico della miglior letteratura dell'Età vittoriana, sulla scia di quella gloriosa tradizione in cui il piacere di narrare pare il presupposto del piacere di leggere.
L'eleganza dello stile in Trollope si abbina alla capacità di rappresentare la società del tempo in quelle zone della splendida campagna non ancora deturpate dalla rivoluzione industriale.
Anche qui, però, si avverte qualche effetto dei mutamenti prodotti dai nuovi tempi, e gli alberi secolari, vanto e delizia di una società nella cui dimensione dei valori non tutto era asservito al denaro, rischiano di essere abbattuti a vantaggio di colture più redditizie.
Nel romanzo in questione, i buoni sentimenti e le buone maniere permangono, ma gli interesse affaristici e di carriera non vengono certo trascurati, tanto da indurci a riflettere su intrecci in primo piano oggi più che mai.
Date le condizioni specifiche del clero anglicano, vengono messe in luce le connivenze fra 'carrierismo ecclesiastico' e potere politico.
I personaggi sono accuratamente delineati, ognuno ben situato nella propria categoria sociale. A primeggiare per caratteri positivi sono le figure femminili (non tutte, ovviamente).
Questa fiaba per adulti, con tanto di 'Cenerentola' (il personaggio di maggiore spessore umano e modernità), pone la sua morale che conduce il lettore ad una riflessione capace di coinvolgere gli aspetti pubblici e quelli privati della nostra vita.
Il IV romanzo del celebre ciclo del Barset continua a non deludere affatto. Anche qui lo stile è inconfondibilmente inglese tipico della miglior letteratura dell'Età vittoriana, sulla scia di quella gloriosa tradizione in cui il piacere di narrare pare il presupposto del piacere di leggere.
L'eleganza dello stile in Trollope si abbina alla capacità di rappresentare la società del tempo in quelle zone della splendida campagna non ancora deturpate dalla rivoluzione industriale.
Anche qui, però, si avverte qualche effetto dei mutamenti prodotti dai nuovi tempi, e gli alberi secolari, vanto e delizia di una società nella cui dimensione dei valori non tutto era asservito al denaro, rischiano di essere abbattuti a vantaggio di colture più redditizie.
Nel romanzo in questione, i buoni sentimenti e le buone maniere permangono, ma gli interesse affaristici e di carriera non vengono certo trascurati, tanto da indurci a riflettere su intrecci in primo piano oggi più che mai.
Date le condizioni specifiche del clero anglicano, vengono messe in luce le connivenze fra 'carrierismo ecclesiastico' e potere politico.
I personaggi sono accuratamente delineati, ognuno ben situato nella propria categoria sociale. A primeggiare per caratteri positivi sono le figure femminili (non tutte, ovviamente).
Questa fiaba per adulti, con tanto di 'Cenerentola' (il personaggio di maggiore spessore umano e modernità), pone la sua morale che conduce il lettore ad una riflessione capace di coinvolgere gli aspetti pubblici e quelli privati della nostra vita.
October 10, 2023
Loved seeing the old characters coming back into things as well as some of the new characters. Overall, it was enjoyable, but this was the installment that I could most tell was originally written as a serial in terms of pacing and flow
November 25, 2012
It is difficult to review Framley Parsonage without also discussing Doctor Thorne. The romantic half of the novel seemed to me a revision of the romantic plot of Doctor Thorne, though a far superior model.
As with Doctor Thorne, Trollope leaves the confines of Barchester to look at the countryside. Here, too, he deals more with class issues and with the adjustments the aristocracy is slowly making to the many changes in the nineteenth century. He is moderately chatty, though not as much as in Barchester Towers.
While the romance is something of a retread, the motivations and actions of the characters are more comprehensible and nuanced. Lord Lufton and Lucy meet, become friends, and gradually realize how highly they value this friendship, making it much less necessary to insist on his status as a hero. Also, where the Lady Arabella was largely a one-dimensional nasty, making Mary's deference to her increasingly frustrating, Lady Lufton is someone whose good opinion is worth something. She may be overly conscious of her noble blood, but she's also kind, generous, and loving. Thus Lucy's hesitations make sense, even to a twenty-first century reader. All of the other characters benefit from greater depth and nuance in their characters, and there is plenty of interplay beyond and around the twinned main plots to keep things moving , if not at a racing speed (this is a Victorian novel we're talking about), at something approaching a good, brisk walking pace with plenty of stops to enjoy the scenery and plenty of scenery worth enjoying.
The other half of the main plot, the financial and moral difficulties of Mark Robarts, is more difficult to read, not because Mark was unlikeable or unrealized, but because in some ways he is too well realized. His errors and embarrassments often had me wincing on his behalf, and I find it easier, as a reader, to share someone's sorrow than their embarrassment.
All in all, Framley Parsonage was a worthwhile read. So far, I've enjoyed Trollpe's town novels more than his country ones, but all the same, I'm glad I'm reading the series. I'm getting more and more inclined to try the Palliser novels some day.
A note on editions: I read the paperback Penguin Edition. It was well bound and easy to hold and came with a decent supply of endnotes. They are well-organized and easy to locate, but found myself wishing they were more detailed and frequent. For example, I could follow the progress of the bills Robarts signs well enough for the purposes of the plot, but I would still have liked a fuller explanation of the money-lending, interest, and bill selling going on behind the scenes.
For those of you with ereaders, Project Gutenberg has several formats (almost certainly without notes). Librivox has a free audio version read by a number of readers.
--
(1)I started my grand read-and-review of the Barsetshire Chronicles over at The Geek Girl Project. My review of The Warden is up there, as is my review of Barchester Towers . My review of Dr. Thorne was on Bookwyrme's Lair last week. I will be posting a review a week there until the series' en.
Note: This review was originally written and posted on my blog, Bookwyrme's Lair. There are lots more reviews there, plus photos, chatty asides, interesting links, and bits and pieces on crafting.
As with Doctor Thorne, Trollope leaves the confines of Barchester to look at the countryside. Here, too, he deals more with class issues and with the adjustments the aristocracy is slowly making to the many changes in the nineteenth century. He is moderately chatty, though not as much as in Barchester Towers.
While the romance is something of a retread, the motivations and actions of the characters are more comprehensible and nuanced. Lord Lufton and Lucy meet, become friends, and gradually realize how highly they value this friendship, making it much less necessary to insist on his status as a hero. Also, where the Lady Arabella was largely a one-dimensional nasty, making Mary's deference to her increasingly frustrating, Lady Lufton is someone whose good opinion is worth something. She may be overly conscious of her noble blood, but she's also kind, generous, and loving. Thus Lucy's hesitations make sense, even to a twenty-first century reader. All of the other characters benefit from greater depth and nuance in their characters, and there is plenty of interplay beyond and around the twinned main plots to keep things moving , if not at a racing speed (this is a Victorian novel we're talking about), at something approaching a good, brisk walking pace with plenty of stops to enjoy the scenery and plenty of scenery worth enjoying.
The other half of the main plot, the financial and moral difficulties of Mark Robarts, is more difficult to read, not because Mark was unlikeable or unrealized, but because in some ways he is too well realized. His errors and embarrassments often had me wincing on his behalf, and I find it easier, as a reader, to share someone's sorrow than their embarrassment.
All in all, Framley Parsonage was a worthwhile read. So far, I've enjoyed Trollpe's town novels more than his country ones, but all the same, I'm glad I'm reading the series. I'm getting more and more inclined to try the Palliser novels some day.
A note on editions: I read the paperback Penguin Edition. It was well bound and easy to hold and came with a decent supply of endnotes. They are well-organized and easy to locate, but found myself wishing they were more detailed and frequent. For example, I could follow the progress of the bills Robarts signs well enough for the purposes of the plot, but I would still have liked a fuller explanation of the money-lending, interest, and bill selling going on behind the scenes.
For those of you with ereaders, Project Gutenberg has several formats (almost certainly without notes). Librivox has a free audio version read by a number of readers.
--
(1)I started my grand read-and-review of the Barsetshire Chronicles over at The Geek Girl Project. My review of The Warden is up there, as is my review of Barchester Towers . My review of Dr. Thorne was on Bookwyrme's Lair last week. I will be posting a review a week there until the series' en.
Note: This review was originally written and posted on my blog, Bookwyrme's Lair. There are lots more reviews there, plus photos, chatty asides, interesting links, and bits and pieces on crafting.
March 3, 2022
It is official, I am loving the "Chronicles of Barsetshire"after finishing book 4 out of 6; and I cannot imagine not loving the rest, or really anything Trollope! If you have never read him before let me tell you what authors I think he is a cross between, even though all authors are quite unique styles, Jane Austen and Charles Dickens. Where Austin gives all the drama of the families and communities involved to perfection, Trollope does this plus adds his comments on society at large, as Dickens has mastered.
In "Framley Parsonage", Trollope adds more characters, as well as brings back characters from book 1 & 2, more so then in book 3, "Doctor Thorne". So we get a wonderfully fun mix of familiar and new faces. I loved this storyline as much as in "Doctor Thorne" and was quite surprised by a twist which I was not expecting in the least.
This series is mostly about political religious society and their neighbors but in NO MEANS A RELIGIOUS SERMON! He shows the good, bad and ugly of human beings and especially exposes the religious society. Is this an anti-religious novel? Not in the least but shows us that people are not perfect but human beings, needing to deal with their faults!
I find it interesting in this book and the previous, his not giving the villain, an all evil view but gives us a side of him that is not all bad, even though he is predominately inclined to be a rogue. Trollope acknowledges this and admits he feels he must show the whole character to us, readers.
DO YOU HAVE TO READ THE OTHER BOOKS IN THE SERIES TO ENJOY THIS ONE? No, but you get so much more if you do, because even though Trollope tells a little bit about past storylines to keep a reader informed, you miss the nitty gritty which makes the story more enjoyable.
The story- take three mothers looking to make matches and an opportunist looking to unload his burden to a "sucker" of sorts, is the brunt of this delightfully romantic read!
I am reading Trollope on a Delphi collection of his works, where lots of highlights and notes are located for all his books, I have read so far, if interested in getting a taste of his books, without any spoilers.
My only question is, I thought that The Grantly's had 2 daughters, I have a passage in book 2, which seems to imply another one.
In "Framley Parsonage", Trollope adds more characters, as well as brings back characters from book 1 & 2, more so then in book 3, "Doctor Thorne". So we get a wonderfully fun mix of familiar and new faces. I loved this storyline as much as in "Doctor Thorne" and was quite surprised by a twist which I was not expecting in the least.
This series is mostly about political religious society and their neighbors but in NO MEANS A RELIGIOUS SERMON! He shows the good, bad and ugly of human beings and especially exposes the religious society. Is this an anti-religious novel? Not in the least but shows us that people are not perfect but human beings, needing to deal with their faults!
I find it interesting in this book and the previous, his not giving the villain, an all evil view but gives us a side of him that is not all bad, even though he is predominately inclined to be a rogue. Trollope acknowledges this and admits he feels he must show the whole character to us, readers.
DO YOU HAVE TO READ THE OTHER BOOKS IN THE SERIES TO ENJOY THIS ONE? No, but you get so much more if you do, because even though Trollope tells a little bit about past storylines to keep a reader informed, you miss the nitty gritty which makes the story more enjoyable.
The story- take three mothers looking to make matches and an opportunist looking to unload his burden to a "sucker" of sorts, is the brunt of this delightfully romantic read!
I am reading Trollope on a Delphi collection of his works, where lots of highlights and notes are located for all his books, I have read so far, if interested in getting a taste of his books, without any spoilers.
My only question is, I thought that The Grantly's had 2 daughters, I have a passage in book 2, which seems to imply another one.
May 7, 2017
Thoroughly enjoyable! I love the wit, variety and characterisation in the series and this wonderful book is no exception.
May 2, 2021
This, the fourth of the Barsetshire Chronicles, continues to draw English mid-Victorian provincial life. Picking up the fourth book, you know approximately what lies in store. Most of the characters the reader has already met. The books of the series should be read in order.
Trollope described this book with the following words:
“The story was thoroughly English. There was a little fox-hunting and a little tuft-hunting, some Christian virtue and some Christian cant. There was no heroism and no villainy. There was much Church, but more love-making.”
The quote makes me smile. It’s short and right to the point. One gets a feel for Trollope’s style from it. He uses words rarely used today. Tuft-hunting is the practice of playing up to persons of high social standing. When a reader doesn’t know the exact meaning of given word, it is not hard to figure this out from the context. There is humor, irony in the prose. Trollope follows the middle road; ordinary people, albeit from different classes, are his characters, and he doesn’t exaggerate; he doesn’t go to extremes. It is not hard to relate to the characters despite that Trollope writes of the 1850s and we live almost two centuries later.
Trollope knows people and how we behave and think. His characters vary. Characters with different personality types are each and every one of them well drawn. Both their variety and the accuracy with which they are drawn amazes me. He made me truly understand the shame felt by one who loses his property, passed down from generation to generation. He has a knack for drawing women--both those that are outspoken and the statuesque elegant type that can dance but whose mind is a blank, unable to think of a word to say, not ever! A mother’s love for her only son is impeccably drawn too..
Timothy West reads the audiobook. His intonations are absolutely wonderful. Each one fits the person to a T. He switches adroitly from character to character. You know immediately who is speaking. I give the narration five stars without hesitation.
I like this for its humor, its characterizations and its accurate depiction of mid-Victorian provincial life. Trollope knew how to write a story, and I think this is his best series.
*********************
Palliser Series :
1.Can You Forgive Her? 3 stars
2.Phineas Finn 4 stars
Standalones :
*Dr. Wortle's School 3 stars
*Sir Harry Hotspur Of Humblethwaite 2 stars
Chronicles of Barsetshire :
1.The Warden 3 stars
2.Barchester Towers 4 stars
3.Dr. Thorne 4 stars
4.Framley Parsonage 4 stars
5.The Small House at Allington TBR
Trollope described this book with the following words:
“The story was thoroughly English. There was a little fox-hunting and a little tuft-hunting, some Christian virtue and some Christian cant. There was no heroism and no villainy. There was much Church, but more love-making.”
The quote makes me smile. It’s short and right to the point. One gets a feel for Trollope’s style from it. He uses words rarely used today. Tuft-hunting is the practice of playing up to persons of high social standing. When a reader doesn’t know the exact meaning of given word, it is not hard to figure this out from the context. There is humor, irony in the prose. Trollope follows the middle road; ordinary people, albeit from different classes, are his characters, and he doesn’t exaggerate; he doesn’t go to extremes. It is not hard to relate to the characters despite that Trollope writes of the 1850s and we live almost two centuries later.
Trollope knows people and how we behave and think. His characters vary. Characters with different personality types are each and every one of them well drawn. Both their variety and the accuracy with which they are drawn amazes me. He made me truly understand the shame felt by one who loses his property, passed down from generation to generation. He has a knack for drawing women--both those that are outspoken and the statuesque elegant type that can dance but whose mind is a blank, unable to think of a word to say, not ever! A mother’s love for her only son is impeccably drawn too..
Timothy West reads the audiobook. His intonations are absolutely wonderful. Each one fits the person to a T. He switches adroitly from character to character. You know immediately who is speaking. I give the narration five stars without hesitation.
I like this for its humor, its characterizations and its accurate depiction of mid-Victorian provincial life. Trollope knew how to write a story, and I think this is his best series.
*********************
Palliser Series :
1.Can You Forgive Her? 3 stars
2.Phineas Finn 4 stars
Standalones :
*Dr. Wortle's School 3 stars
*Sir Harry Hotspur Of Humblethwaite 2 stars
Chronicles of Barsetshire :
1.The Warden 3 stars
2.Barchester Towers 4 stars
3.Dr. Thorne 4 stars
4.Framley Parsonage 4 stars
5.The Small House at Allington TBR
August 23, 2018
This book is an old friend, as is all of Trollope's Barsetshire series, and his Palliser series are strong acquaintances. This one is among my favorite, full of characters I admire or that interest me. It's a rich look into the clergy and county life in the Victorian era, but so much more. I can't tell you how many times I have read this, as I can't be bothered to cull through my reading lists of the past several decades, but I have parts memorized. And I talk to Mark Robarts when he is making some very very foolish mistakes! I do recommend that you start at the beginning of the Barsetshire novels when you are reading Trollope for the first time. That would be The Warden, though Barchester Towers is much more interesting, the second one. Recommended with several cups of tea and warm cookies/biscuits fresh from the oven.
October 4, 2018
Non c'è che dire, mi sono innamorato di Trollope, e pian piano me li leggerò tutti. Una narrativa di classe e una narrazione di gran classe. Lo dimostra il fatto che, pur non amando le opere ponderose, ho volato via queste 500 pagine. E dire che si tratta di temi che non mi entusiasmano (la società vittoriana, la nobiltà, la politica, gli amori combinati e no). Ma la maestria di Trollope basta e avanza.
Non dirò se un uomo debba o meno avere dei piaceri segreti, ma non vale mai la pena tenere segreti i dispiaceri.
Non dirò se un uomo debba o meno avere dei piaceri segreti, ma non vale mai la pena tenere segreti i dispiaceri.
December 15, 2018
4.5 stars. Oh, how I enjoyed this book! For years, I thought Trollope was stuffy and dry. I don't know where I got this idea from, but it's the furthest from the truth. This is the fourth book in the Chronicles of Barsetshire, and they get better and better as they go.
I truly believe that I may never have tried this author if it weren't for Katie of Books and Things on YouTube. She loves Victorian literature so much, and has read all of Dickens, Austen, Gaskell, Hardy, and others (and has videos of each of those novels and many more on her channel)! If you enjoy the classics (and even if you don't, as she enjoys modern work too), you owe it to yourself to check out her channel. Her excitement is contagious, and I owe quite a debt to her for sparking my love for these beautiful works that take me back to a gentler time and place. Here is a link to her channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/thesilve...
I can't wait to read "The Small House at Allington", which is coming up next, and is Katie's favorite book of this series. Trollope's writing is so smooth and easy to sink into, and I find myself smiling quite a lot. His characterization is wonderful and characters pop up from earlier novels in the series and we get to see how they're getting on. I want to add that Simon Vance's delivery of this book is superb in every way. He has a gift not only for choosing a voice to perfectly match a character, but to perform each line so that the listener feels she's watching a dramatic presentation.
I love this series so much, and I'm looking forward to reading the rest of Trollope's work in the future. Thank you again, Katie, and Merry Christmas to you and Nick! ❤️📚🌲😀
I truly believe that I may never have tried this author if it weren't for Katie of Books and Things on YouTube. She loves Victorian literature so much, and has read all of Dickens, Austen, Gaskell, Hardy, and others (and has videos of each of those novels and many more on her channel)! If you enjoy the classics (and even if you don't, as she enjoys modern work too), you owe it to yourself to check out her channel. Her excitement is contagious, and I owe quite a debt to her for sparking my love for these beautiful works that take me back to a gentler time and place. Here is a link to her channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/thesilve...
I can't wait to read "The Small House at Allington", which is coming up next, and is Katie's favorite book of this series. Trollope's writing is so smooth and easy to sink into, and I find myself smiling quite a lot. His characterization is wonderful and characters pop up from earlier novels in the series and we get to see how they're getting on. I want to add that Simon Vance's delivery of this book is superb in every way. He has a gift not only for choosing a voice to perfectly match a character, but to perform each line so that the listener feels she's watching a dramatic presentation.
I love this series so much, and I'm looking forward to reading the rest of Trollope's work in the future. Thank you again, Katie, and Merry Christmas to you and Nick! ❤️📚🌲😀
February 12, 2019
There hardly seems a fitting way to begin a review of any of Trollope’s novels without saying that one can never go wrong with him. One gets lost in his worlds of ecclesiastical politics, county politics, sexual politics, and the very astute way he has with getting inside characters’ minds so that the scoundrel figure (here, Mr. Sowerby) still comes across as sympathetic, and the romance plot—a slight reworking of the one in the preceding Barchester book, Dr. Thorne, whose characters recur here, as do others in the preceding chronicles—is hardly sappy or melodramatic. There is high comedy here, as well as tragedy; but Trollope makes us see this as the extremes of life, with the middle ground being the aim—albeit never an easy aim or aspiration in modern life.
Dr. Thorne, for me, is truly where the Barchester Chronicles begin to realize their potential as a series of books with interwoven stories and characters. Indeed, it is only in this book, Framley Parsonage, that meta-references occur back to prior books and some knowledge of prior characters (e.g., the Grantlys, Mrs. Proudie, Miss Dunstable, et al.) would assist a reader unfamiliar with the previous books. Still, as Trollope insists in his meta-comments and in his afterward to the series, these are truly standalone books, despite likely making more sense as their plots build and as his prowess and skill as a novelist grows to read them in order.
Especially interesting here, as is usually the case in Trollope, are the interlocking threads of characters’ lives who are of very different social classes. There are Lady Lufton and her Lord son, of Framley Court; there are the Robartses, a vicor selected by Lady Lufton among her son's friends to lead “her” parish, his wife, and, to date, Trollope's most interesting young female character, Lucy Robarts, Mark's sister; and there is a Duke and a budding fop marquis and a nouveau-riche millionairesss and several shady MPs with whom Mark Roberts has dealings that taint his cloth and make him question his faith as well as his standing in his community.
To reduce any Trollope novel to one mere storyline or say that there is only one hero or one heroine would be to naively reduce the joy one finds immersed in the worlds he builds. I often wonder at times why reading Trollope’s novels takes me longer than reading denser, but equally long books, such as those by James. And I think it boils down to the fact that the worlds Trollope constructs for his readers are so rich and so real, it might take you 200 pages before you realize that you’re hooked; but, once you’re hooked, you’re stuck there until the end—and with his psychological acuity, the reader is right there along with the characters as they experience debt, heartbreak, conflict in their communities and families, and sometimes soul-wrenching crises of faith that, in Trollope’s prose, especially in the third and second Barchester books, is truly a forerunner to the intense psychological insights found in Eliot and in James a bit later on.
Onward… The wonderful thing about finishing a Trollope is knowing that there are so many more into which one can dive.
And, if you happen to be new to Trollope, I still stand by my recommendation that The Claverings is the best place to start.
Dr. Thorne, for me, is truly where the Barchester Chronicles begin to realize their potential as a series of books with interwoven stories and characters. Indeed, it is only in this book, Framley Parsonage, that meta-references occur back to prior books and some knowledge of prior characters (e.g., the Grantlys, Mrs. Proudie, Miss Dunstable, et al.) would assist a reader unfamiliar with the previous books. Still, as Trollope insists in his meta-comments and in his afterward to the series, these are truly standalone books, despite likely making more sense as their plots build and as his prowess and skill as a novelist grows to read them in order.
Especially interesting here, as is usually the case in Trollope, are the interlocking threads of characters’ lives who are of very different social classes. There are Lady Lufton and her Lord son, of Framley Court; there are the Robartses, a vicor selected by Lady Lufton among her son's friends to lead “her” parish, his wife, and, to date, Trollope's most interesting young female character, Lucy Robarts, Mark's sister; and there is a Duke and a budding fop marquis and a nouveau-riche millionairesss and several shady MPs with whom Mark Roberts has dealings that taint his cloth and make him question his faith as well as his standing in his community.
To reduce any Trollope novel to one mere storyline or say that there is only one hero or one heroine would be to naively reduce the joy one finds immersed in the worlds he builds. I often wonder at times why reading Trollope’s novels takes me longer than reading denser, but equally long books, such as those by James. And I think it boils down to the fact that the worlds Trollope constructs for his readers are so rich and so real, it might take you 200 pages before you realize that you’re hooked; but, once you’re hooked, you’re stuck there until the end—and with his psychological acuity, the reader is right there along with the characters as they experience debt, heartbreak, conflict in their communities and families, and sometimes soul-wrenching crises of faith that, in Trollope’s prose, especially in the third and second Barchester books, is truly a forerunner to the intense psychological insights found in Eliot and in James a bit later on.
Onward… The wonderful thing about finishing a Trollope is knowing that there are so many more into which one can dive.
And, if you happen to be new to Trollope, I still stand by my recommendation that The Claverings is the best place to start.
May 26, 2010
So, I am seriously at a loss to express just how much I enjoyed this book. I am beginning to have a serious "thing" for Mr. Trollope.
The very beginning was actually very slow and I had some doubts. I didn't feel the story really got going until about page 80 or so. The other drawback was the heavy political vein running through it. The problem with that problem is that I have no experience with British parliamentary process past or present, and don't really get it. I am sure it was highly amusing and/or edifying for the intended audience of the time.
Be that as it may, WOW. How can a book that actually seems fairly predictable still completely thrill the reader (and even get the reader to evince some stress about the outcome) when, like I said, you pretty much know what will happen in the end (just read the chapter headings!). The character's characters are completely fresh. At the outset one thinks some Victorian stereotypes will be had--NOT SO! I think every character surprised me. I so love Trollope's sense of humanity and that every person has many sides.
Great points:
* Absolutely fantastic husband and wife relationship--perfect example of what a loving wife should be when her husband has made a big mistake and asks forgiveness.
* Smashing love stories (all of them, including the married parties--and particularly one (not the main one, either!)--but I won't give it away).
* Great mother/son relationship
* Great friendship between women relationship
* Very gratifying and even touching themes of repentence, redemption, forgiveness, humility, pride, charity...
* Surprising insight into women characters by a White, Male Victorian--sure he's give us the first "dumb blonde" (not my words, from the intro) but the others are real, intelligent, well-rounded and fantastically drawn women. I have also to say this about Trollope's women. He never dwells on their outward charms much--he could truly write a woman's soul. It makes me wonder about the women in his life.
I don't have time to put in any quotes, but I hope I leave you with the impression that this series is incredible and SO worth spending time with. Can't wait to get on to the next one, and I will truly be sorry to say goodbye to Barchester.
The very beginning was actually very slow and I had some doubts. I didn't feel the story really got going until about page 80 or so. The other drawback was the heavy political vein running through it. The problem with that problem is that I have no experience with British parliamentary process past or present, and don't really get it. I am sure it was highly amusing and/or edifying for the intended audience of the time.
Be that as it may, WOW. How can a book that actually seems fairly predictable still completely thrill the reader (and even get the reader to evince some stress about the outcome) when, like I said, you pretty much know what will happen in the end (just read the chapter headings!). The character's characters are completely fresh. At the outset one thinks some Victorian stereotypes will be had--NOT SO! I think every character surprised me. I so love Trollope's sense of humanity and that every person has many sides.
Great points:
* Absolutely fantastic husband and wife relationship--perfect example of what a loving wife should be when her husband has made a big mistake and asks forgiveness.
* Smashing love stories (all of them, including the married parties--and particularly one (not the main one, either!)--but I won't give it away).
* Great mother/son relationship
* Great friendship between women relationship
* Very gratifying and even touching themes of repentence, redemption, forgiveness, humility, pride, charity...
* Surprising insight into women characters by a White, Male Victorian--sure he's give us the first "dumb blonde" (not my words, from the intro) but the others are real, intelligent, well-rounded and fantastically drawn women. I have also to say this about Trollope's women. He never dwells on their outward charms much--he could truly write a woman's soul. It makes me wonder about the women in his life.
I don't have time to put in any quotes, but I hope I leave you with the impression that this series is incredible and SO worth spending time with. Can't wait to get on to the next one, and I will truly be sorry to say goodbye to Barchester.
June 22, 2021
A complex plot and a huge cast of characters including some of our favourites from previous books ensure an enjoyable read.
July 6, 2024
It is always delightful to return to the world of Trollope and Barchester to find out what is in store for the characters I already know and love and to meet and get acquainted with the new folks. Returning to the narrative are the Grantly and Proudie families and the Thornes and Greshams as well. A stand-out character for me that is back is the witty, confident Miss Dunstable who came to life in this volume.
New to the lineup is Mark Robarts, the vicar of Framley. He is younger than normal but his connection with Lord Lufton and his mother Lady Lufton helped to influence his appointment. An ambitious sort, Robarts decides to mix in with some deceitful politicians (to the dismay of Lady Lufton) who he believes will give him every advantage in furthering his career. He immediately finds himself in a sticky situation and one that he will not be able to find his own way out of easily. His venture into climbing the social ladder of society may prove to be his downfall. His wife Fanny is a remarkable character and extremely loyal to her husband.
Lucy Robarts is another enchanting new character. She is Mark Robarts’ sister who comes to live with him after her father’s death. She is principled almost to a fault when it comes to falling in love. She sticks to her guns, however, even if it sacrifices her own happiness.
Trollope’s moral dilemmas and societal dramas bring an authentic touch to his narrative and the character's emotions and motivations bring the reader into a believable and sympathetic mindset. With themes of money, marriage and ambition to follow, there are no shortages of plotlines and characters to sort out and keep track of. It’s very much like a Victorian soap opera; however, a much more highly regarded one!! I always enjoy my time spent reading Trollope and look forward to the next one.
New to the lineup is Mark Robarts, the vicar of Framley. He is younger than normal but his connection with Lord Lufton and his mother Lady Lufton helped to influence his appointment. An ambitious sort, Robarts decides to mix in with some deceitful politicians (to the dismay of Lady Lufton) who he believes will give him every advantage in furthering his career. He immediately finds himself in a sticky situation and one that he will not be able to find his own way out of easily. His venture into climbing the social ladder of society may prove to be his downfall. His wife Fanny is a remarkable character and extremely loyal to her husband.
Lucy Robarts is another enchanting new character. She is Mark Robarts’ sister who comes to live with him after her father’s death. She is principled almost to a fault when it comes to falling in love. She sticks to her guns, however, even if it sacrifices her own happiness.
Trollope’s moral dilemmas and societal dramas bring an authentic touch to his narrative and the character's emotions and motivations bring the reader into a believable and sympathetic mindset. With themes of money, marriage and ambition to follow, there are no shortages of plotlines and characters to sort out and keep track of. It’s very much like a Victorian soap opera; however, a much more highly regarded one!! I always enjoy my time spent reading Trollope and look forward to the next one.
June 24, 2022
Stream of consciousness late night baby feeding review 2022: (the series continues!)
While I continue to find Trollope’s authoritative authorial voice charming and soothing, I liked this one the least of the Barchester series so far. I think it’s due to three factors.
1- the pacing problems evident at the end of Doctor Thorne & Towers we’re even more pronounced here. For ex: The renewed bills that were renewed and then weren’t but then were went on for literally hundreds of pages and filled far too many of them, and had no suspense because we know it’s never gonna happen to the hero.
2- no one here makes me look forward to their plot reappearing. Even my fav Miss Dunstable was somehow more boring in this- tho I appreciated the time taken for her to get her HEA! I also hated the reappearance of a problem from Doctor Thorne which was that the romantic heroine- Lucy in this case, Mary in that- started off as awesome and witty and ironic and interesting, but then as soon as the lurrrrvvvee plot commenced she got all martyr-y and boring. Why did Trollope do this to his best ladies?!
3- the societal commentary was far less interesting here than in the first two. This felt like a a scold-y story about never maxing out your credit cards or forgetting that the house always wins at the casino. Like undoubtedly good life lessons but he also pulled his punches at the end so they didn’t land and again so much repeating himself.
This took me forever to listen to despite Timothy West’s excellent narration- I found myself listening to podcasts instead. I might take a break before book five/six so I can appreciate the end of the chronicles much more- pushing through four in a row may have been too much of a good thing!
While I continue to find Trollope’s authoritative authorial voice charming and soothing, I liked this one the least of the Barchester series so far. I think it’s due to three factors.
1- the pacing problems evident at the end of Doctor Thorne & Towers we’re even more pronounced here. For ex: The renewed bills that were renewed and then weren’t but then were went on for literally hundreds of pages and filled far too many of them, and had no suspense because we know it’s never gonna happen to the hero.
2- no one here makes me look forward to their plot reappearing. Even my fav Miss Dunstable was somehow more boring in this- tho I appreciated the time taken for her to get her HEA! I also hated the reappearance of a problem from Doctor Thorne which was that the romantic heroine- Lucy in this case, Mary in that- started off as awesome and witty and ironic and interesting, but then as soon as the lurrrrvvvee plot commenced she got all martyr-y and boring. Why did Trollope do this to his best ladies?!
3- the societal commentary was far less interesting here than in the first two. This felt like a a scold-y story about never maxing out your credit cards or forgetting that the house always wins at the casino. Like undoubtedly good life lessons but he also pulled his punches at the end so they didn’t land and again so much repeating himself.
This took me forever to listen to despite Timothy West’s excellent narration- I found myself listening to podcasts instead. I might take a break before book five/six so I can appreciate the end of the chronicles much more- pushing through four in a row may have been too much of a good thing!
October 4, 2019
Anyone reading Trollope will know of his meandering ways of telling stories...this one took me a while to...well, settle into. By the end of his books you feel that you’re saying goodbye to your closest friends and a beloved neighborhood. This installment into his series has no less than FOUR love stories. 4.5 stars from a biased fan.
January 8, 2017
Trollope takes on the trials of a young vicar, the disadvantages of co-signing a debt for a narcissistic friend, pride that hurts loved ones, the power of gossip, the vagaries of politics, and of course finding an appropriate mate. All while stirring the pot with characters from previous books.
January 17, 2024
Oh, I love Trollope so much!
October 7, 2021
Nel quarto volume del ciclo del Barset, Trollope ci porta a conoscere un'altra parte della contea da lui creata. Anche stavolta, come nel volume precedente, siamo in un piccolo villaggio di campagna ad alcune miglia da Barchester, per la precisione a Framley. Qui lo scrittore inglese ci accompagna a conoscere la piccola società che anima la vita del villaggio.
Mark Robarts è il giovane vicario di Framley. La sua vita è abbastanza soddisfacente: detiene un importante beneficio ecclesiastico che gli garantisce una cospicua rendita, è innamorato della moglie e ha due figli. Mark vive sotto la protezione di Lady Lufton, ricca vedova e madre del suo migliore amico, Lord Ludovic Lufton.
Sembra che la sua vita sia già avviata su binari stabili e sicuri ma Mark, nonostante abbia tutto, sembra soffrire la mancanza di qualcosa; questo qualcosa è il bel mondo. La sua curiosità per il bel mondo prende il sopravvento e, nonostante gli avvertimenti di Lady Lufton, iniziare a frequentare assiduamente personaggi ambigui coinvolti in losche vicende che finiranno per coinvolgere anche il giovane curato e gli procureranno non pochi guai.
Devo ammettere che è sempre un piacere tornare nell'immaginaria contea del Barset, formata da piccole città ed estese campagne punteggiate qua e là da qualche dimora nobiliare.
Anche questo quarto volume, come gli altri, non è certo breve ma la lunghezza dei libri di Trollope non è certo uno svantaggio, anzi è tutto il contrario.
Trollope con la sua solita maestria, eleganza, ironia e leggerezza, ci racconta una storia che in apparenza sembra ricalcare a grande linee la trama del precedente volume, soprattutto la parte relativa alla vicenda amorosa, anche stavolta non priva di vicissitudini.
Lo scrittore inglese è, come sempre, un vero maestro nel delineare un affresco della vita di provincia della società vittoriana e nel descriverne in maniera precisa, acuta e lucida, le regole, le convenzioni, le ipocrisie e le contraddizioni che la caratterizzano; una società dove nascono rivalità e invidie, dove dietro a belle maniere e raffinatezza troviamo affarismo, intrallazzi, losche vicende, maldicenze e raggiri che coinvolgono sia il mondo politico sia quello religioso. Un quadro storico rigoroso ma allo stesso tempo coinvolgente e affascinante che fa da sfondo alla vicenda raccontata. Anche le belle descrizioni dei luoghi ci mostrano – in maniera ben delineata – lo splendore della natura e della campagna circostante, permettendo al lettore di essere coinvolto ed entrare ancora di più nella trama.
Ne La canonica di Framley l'intreccio narrativo è perfetto, senza lungaggini di sorta che di solito possono appesantire la lettura; la scrittura è elegante e arguta, lo stile è come sempre colloquiale (l'autore spesso ama rivolgersi a propri lettori), ironico e pungente, intelligente e brillante. All'interno troviamo amori contrastati o impossibili, matrimoni combinati, interessi politici o finanziari, giochi di potere, scontri di classe, politici e religiosi, la figura della donna e anche la denuncia sociale ma sempre narrata con la tipica ironia di Trollope.
Uno dei maggior pregi che ho trovato ne La canonica di Framley (come anche nei volumi precedenti) è la caratterizzazione dei personaggi, vero punto di forza dello scrittore inglese. Essi sono delineati splendidamente e con profondità nei loro pregi e difetti; ci sembra di conoscerli personalmente uno ad uno, di intuire le loro reazioni, comprendere i loro comportamenti, conoscere i loro pensieri più reconditi. Trollope ci offre ancora una volta splendide figure femminili, ritratte meglio di quelle maschili, che risultano più deboli e meno intraprendenti. In questo romanzo rivestono un ruolo importante le donne; sono loro le vere protagoniste del romanzo; sono capaci di scegliere e di sostenere i loro uomini; le troviamo sempre impegnate nel prendere decisioni e nel cercare di risolvere problemi creati da mariti o fidanzati che si mettono nei pasticci. Sono ritratte con precisione, con le loro lingue taglienti, le loro arguzie, le loro schermaglie dialettiche; sono delineate mille volte meglio dei personaggi maschili; e ancora una volta si nota la preferenza dell'autore inglese verso donne i cui comportamenti sono contrapposti agli stereotipi femminili dell'epoca vittoriana, che le volevano silenziose e sottomesse.
Tra i personaggi femminili troviamo: Lucy Robarts (la giovane sorella del vicario) è un personaggio che mi ha ricordato molto Elizabeth Bennet. Lucy è ironica, schietta, perspicace, appassionata, forte, orgogliosa e con le idee chiare; da ragazza timida e impacciata diviene determinata e sicura di sé ed è capace di attrarre l'interesse di Lord Lufton grazie al suo arguto umorismo e alla sua intelligenza. Lucy è un personaggio che mi è piaciuto fin da subito anche perché non rinuncia all'ironia e al distacco nonostante il dolore che prova. Fanny, la moglie del vicario, nonostante sia timida dimostra di essere molto coraggiosa ed è sempre pronta a difendere e ad appoggiare il marito che si è messo nei guai; Lady Lufton, (altro bellissimo personaggio) la maggiore possidente del territorio, all'inizio ci appare come una donna orgogliosa, intransigente, oppressiva e a volte un po' dispotica che cerca di combinare il matrimonio del figlio con una ragazza ricca che possa rimpinguare il patrimonio dei Lufton; ma man mano che la conosciamo si rivela una donna lungimirante disposta a perdonare, a rimanere fedele ai suoi ideali e alle sue convinzioni ma pronta a cedere sui suoi obiettivi pur di realizzare la felicità del figlio e mantenere la pace in famiglia; la signora Crawley, invece, sopporta con grande pazienza e tenacia i sacrifici economici e l'ostinazione del marito; e poi la giovane Griselda, la figlia dell'arcidiacono Grantly, una bella senz'anima, che all'apparenza sembra una vera e propria statua di ghiaccio tanto è grande la freddezza e l'indifferenza che mostra in ogni situazione e per ogni cosa, ma in fondo sa quello che vuole e come ottenerlo.
Una delle caratteristiche che mi piace di più di questo ciclo è che di romanzo in romanzo ritroviamo personaggi già noti, come ad esempio l'indipendente e schietta Miss Dustable, le litigiose Mrs Grantly e Mrs Proudie, mogli rispettivamente dell'arcidiacono e del vescovo, che anche stavolta ci regalano degli scontri verbali memorabili; e poi il timido dottor Thorne, sua nipote Mary e tanti altri.
Tra i personaggi maschili degni di nota, troviamo: Mark Robarts, il cui eccesso di ambizione e desiderio di primeggiare lo porterà a cadere nei debiti – pur di compiacere un importante politico – e poi pentirsene amaramente; il signor Sowerby, un personaggio davvero irritante, subdolo e approfittatore che non esita a coinvolgere gli amici nelle sue difficoltà economiche; e infine il reverendo Crawley (uno dei personaggi delineati meglio) che si vergogna di essere povero ma nonostante ciò trasuda orgoglio, integrità morale e irreprensibilità da ogni poro.
La canonica di Framley è un romanzo che si legge tutto d'un fiato ed è sicuramente quello più maturo, più profondo e più riuscito tra quelli letti finora di questo ciclo.
Più leggo i libri di Trollope più posso affermare che non si può non amare lui e la sua magnifica prosa; leggere un suo libro è farsi coinvolgere, immedesimarsi, e calarsi nelle atmosfere delle immaginarie contee inglesi a 360 gradi. Ora capisco perché i suoi romanzi venivano letti nelle lunghe attese nei bunker inglesi durante la seconda guerra mondiale...
Non c'è colera né febbre gialla né vaiolo più contagioso del debito. Se si vive abitualmente tra uomini indebitati, si finisce certamente per esserne contagiati.
Mark Robarts è il giovane vicario di Framley. La sua vita è abbastanza soddisfacente: detiene un importante beneficio ecclesiastico che gli garantisce una cospicua rendita, è innamorato della moglie e ha due figli. Mark vive sotto la protezione di Lady Lufton, ricca vedova e madre del suo migliore amico, Lord Ludovic Lufton.
Sembra che la sua vita sia già avviata su binari stabili e sicuri ma Mark, nonostante abbia tutto, sembra soffrire la mancanza di qualcosa; questo qualcosa è il bel mondo. La sua curiosità per il bel mondo prende il sopravvento e, nonostante gli avvertimenti di Lady Lufton, iniziare a frequentare assiduamente personaggi ambigui coinvolti in losche vicende che finiranno per coinvolgere anche il giovane curato e gli procureranno non pochi guai.
Devo ammettere che è sempre un piacere tornare nell'immaginaria contea del Barset, formata da piccole città ed estese campagne punteggiate qua e là da qualche dimora nobiliare.
Anche questo quarto volume, come gli altri, non è certo breve ma la lunghezza dei libri di Trollope non è certo uno svantaggio, anzi è tutto il contrario.
Trollope con la sua solita maestria, eleganza, ironia e leggerezza, ci racconta una storia che in apparenza sembra ricalcare a grande linee la trama del precedente volume, soprattutto la parte relativa alla vicenda amorosa, anche stavolta non priva di vicissitudini.
Lo scrittore inglese è, come sempre, un vero maestro nel delineare un affresco della vita di provincia della società vittoriana e nel descriverne in maniera precisa, acuta e lucida, le regole, le convenzioni, le ipocrisie e le contraddizioni che la caratterizzano; una società dove nascono rivalità e invidie, dove dietro a belle maniere e raffinatezza troviamo affarismo, intrallazzi, losche vicende, maldicenze e raggiri che coinvolgono sia il mondo politico sia quello religioso. Un quadro storico rigoroso ma allo stesso tempo coinvolgente e affascinante che fa da sfondo alla vicenda raccontata. Anche le belle descrizioni dei luoghi ci mostrano – in maniera ben delineata – lo splendore della natura e della campagna circostante, permettendo al lettore di essere coinvolto ed entrare ancora di più nella trama.
Ne La canonica di Framley l'intreccio narrativo è perfetto, senza lungaggini di sorta che di solito possono appesantire la lettura; la scrittura è elegante e arguta, lo stile è come sempre colloquiale (l'autore spesso ama rivolgersi a propri lettori), ironico e pungente, intelligente e brillante. All'interno troviamo amori contrastati o impossibili, matrimoni combinati, interessi politici o finanziari, giochi di potere, scontri di classe, politici e religiosi, la figura della donna e anche la denuncia sociale ma sempre narrata con la tipica ironia di Trollope.
Uno dei maggior pregi che ho trovato ne La canonica di Framley (come anche nei volumi precedenti) è la caratterizzazione dei personaggi, vero punto di forza dello scrittore inglese. Essi sono delineati splendidamente e con profondità nei loro pregi e difetti; ci sembra di conoscerli personalmente uno ad uno, di intuire le loro reazioni, comprendere i loro comportamenti, conoscere i loro pensieri più reconditi. Trollope ci offre ancora una volta splendide figure femminili, ritratte meglio di quelle maschili, che risultano più deboli e meno intraprendenti. In questo romanzo rivestono un ruolo importante le donne; sono loro le vere protagoniste del romanzo; sono capaci di scegliere e di sostenere i loro uomini; le troviamo sempre impegnate nel prendere decisioni e nel cercare di risolvere problemi creati da mariti o fidanzati che si mettono nei pasticci. Sono ritratte con precisione, con le loro lingue taglienti, le loro arguzie, le loro schermaglie dialettiche; sono delineate mille volte meglio dei personaggi maschili; e ancora una volta si nota la preferenza dell'autore inglese verso donne i cui comportamenti sono contrapposti agli stereotipi femminili dell'epoca vittoriana, che le volevano silenziose e sottomesse.
Tra i personaggi femminili troviamo: Lucy Robarts (la giovane sorella del vicario) è un personaggio che mi ha ricordato molto Elizabeth Bennet. Lucy è ironica, schietta, perspicace, appassionata, forte, orgogliosa e con le idee chiare; da ragazza timida e impacciata diviene determinata e sicura di sé ed è capace di attrarre l'interesse di Lord Lufton grazie al suo arguto umorismo e alla sua intelligenza. Lucy è un personaggio che mi è piaciuto fin da subito anche perché non rinuncia all'ironia e al distacco nonostante il dolore che prova. Fanny, la moglie del vicario, nonostante sia timida dimostra di essere molto coraggiosa ed è sempre pronta a difendere e ad appoggiare il marito che si è messo nei guai; Lady Lufton, (altro bellissimo personaggio) la maggiore possidente del territorio, all'inizio ci appare come una donna orgogliosa, intransigente, oppressiva e a volte un po' dispotica che cerca di combinare il matrimonio del figlio con una ragazza ricca che possa rimpinguare il patrimonio dei Lufton; ma man mano che la conosciamo si rivela una donna lungimirante disposta a perdonare, a rimanere fedele ai suoi ideali e alle sue convinzioni ma pronta a cedere sui suoi obiettivi pur di realizzare la felicità del figlio e mantenere la pace in famiglia; la signora Crawley, invece, sopporta con grande pazienza e tenacia i sacrifici economici e l'ostinazione del marito; e poi la giovane Griselda, la figlia dell'arcidiacono Grantly, una bella senz'anima, che all'apparenza sembra una vera e propria statua di ghiaccio tanto è grande la freddezza e l'indifferenza che mostra in ogni situazione e per ogni cosa, ma in fondo sa quello che vuole e come ottenerlo.
Una delle caratteristiche che mi piace di più di questo ciclo è che di romanzo in romanzo ritroviamo personaggi già noti, come ad esempio l'indipendente e schietta Miss Dustable, le litigiose Mrs Grantly e Mrs Proudie, mogli rispettivamente dell'arcidiacono e del vescovo, che anche stavolta ci regalano degli scontri verbali memorabili; e poi il timido dottor Thorne, sua nipote Mary e tanti altri.
Tra i personaggi maschili degni di nota, troviamo: Mark Robarts, il cui eccesso di ambizione e desiderio di primeggiare lo porterà a cadere nei debiti – pur di compiacere un importante politico – e poi pentirsene amaramente; il signor Sowerby, un personaggio davvero irritante, subdolo e approfittatore che non esita a coinvolgere gli amici nelle sue difficoltà economiche; e infine il reverendo Crawley (uno dei personaggi delineati meglio) che si vergogna di essere povero ma nonostante ciò trasuda orgoglio, integrità morale e irreprensibilità da ogni poro.
La canonica di Framley è un romanzo che si legge tutto d'un fiato ed è sicuramente quello più maturo, più profondo e più riuscito tra quelli letti finora di questo ciclo.
Più leggo i libri di Trollope più posso affermare che non si può non amare lui e la sua magnifica prosa; leggere un suo libro è farsi coinvolgere, immedesimarsi, e calarsi nelle atmosfere delle immaginarie contee inglesi a 360 gradi. Ora capisco perché i suoi romanzi venivano letti nelle lunghe attese nei bunker inglesi durante la seconda guerra mondiale...
Non c'è colera né febbre gialla né vaiolo più contagioso del debito. Se si vive abitualmente tra uomini indebitati, si finisce certamente per esserne contagiati.
November 13, 2018
Framley Parsonage is a non-descriptive title for a fascinating place and one of Trollope’s best novels. It’s the fourth in his Barsetshire Chronicles and my favorite so far. It is the most intricate, not only from the standpoint of several plot lines but also the complexity of characters, ideas and values. You don’t get these types of situations and lessons presented in modern novels. More’s the pity. It is truly a wonderful thing when you can finish reading a novel and feel improved. I listened to this book, but it would be worth one’s time to read it, highlighting many of the excellent sayings which occur in the ordinary course of conversation among the characters. This has been true throughout the series, but I found it to be especially noticeable here, and yet, the overall story is in no way preachy, is full of wry humor and somehow the author managed to wrap things up to a very satisfying conclusion. Well done Mr. Trollope!
November 12, 2018: Finished! Excellent! It may be my favorite of the series but I still have 2 more to go, so I shall have to reserve that award a little longer. It is funny too, because I remember the first time I read this series (almost 20 years ago) I did not appreciate the last four nearly so much at the first two. Perhaps hearing them read aloud is making the difference. Not sure. Review will be forthcoming...
Already I am more interested in this story than I was in the previous two (in the series), as it focuses on something other than romance issues. And Miss Dunstable is back! Heiress of the level-head, seeing through suitors only after her money, and ability to express herself to both sexes w/o fear, whenever she appears in a scene, there is sure to be lively and interesting dialogue!
November 12, 2018: Finished! Excellent! It may be my favorite of the series but I still have 2 more to go, so I shall have to reserve that award a little longer. It is funny too, because I remember the first time I read this series (almost 20 years ago) I did not appreciate the last four nearly so much at the first two. Perhaps hearing them read aloud is making the difference. Not sure. Review will be forthcoming...
Already I am more interested in this story than I was in the previous two (in the series), as it focuses on something other than romance issues. And Miss Dunstable is back! Heiress of the level-head, seeing through suitors only after her money, and ability to express herself to both sexes w/o fear, whenever she appears in a scene, there is sure to be lively and interesting dialogue!
December 27, 2021
Trollope mixes depravity, finance, romance, politics, and the British class structure in an entertaining novel within a series.
February 26, 2017
This is my fourth Trollope novel - and also the fourth novel in the Barsetshire Chronicles. In some ways, this is the most satisfying to date - and a huge pleasure to read - although in another sense he is beginning to repeat himself. Trollope is a realist, not a romantic, and this is both his greatest strength and also a bit of a weakness when it comes to devising romantic plots. The marriage plot between Lucy Roberts and Lord Lufton bears far too much resemblance to the pairing of Frank Gresham and Mary in Doctor Thorne (the 3rd novel). I suspect that Trollope is poking gentle fun at these romances where a titled, handsome man falls in love with a pretty, spirited woman of lesser fortune and family. He ties up his marriage plots romantically, predictably, but somehow improbably. He is so perceptive, witty and dry in his commentary on other human affairs, that I can't quite believe in these happy-ever-afters - and indeed, the final chapter of this novel has a rather extraordinary passage in which Trollope comments on marriage being quite a separate thing from the drama of falling in love. But never mind. What I admire about Trollope is his understated wit and his incredible ability to speak the truth of human nature. Although the mid-19th century world of fictional Barsetshire may differ from 2017 England in many respects, I feel that his understanding of human behaviour is as relevant as ever.
Money, not love, is the most interesting subject in this book. Mark Robarts - the young parson who been raised above his station by Lady Lufton, and then is tempted to think he can rise further still - is pretty colourless and uninspiring as a hero, but then this novel is all about ambition. I suspect it is more common than not for people to always want more, to not be contented with what they have. Mark's nemesis is Mr Sowerby of Chaldicotes, a man who is born to wealth, property and influence (for many years he holds a 'safe' seat in Parliament). Despite all of these worldly blessings, Sowerby lives consistently and extravagantly beyond his means; and he is almost entirely without conscience about entangling innocent others in his financial difficulties. Trollope made his own money and I get the sense he was always savvy about the financial ways of the world. If I remember anything at all, I think that I will remember this one moment where he comments on the fact that Sowerby - absolutely sunk up to his eyeballs in debt - still has a shilling to take a cab on a journey so short that he could have easily walked. Interestingly enough, Miss Dunstable - the heiress - is no fool, when it comes to men or money. Mrs Proudie aside, Trollope is actually harder on the men than the women in this novel - and the women, in general, seem far more sensible and understanding of what it is truly important in life and relationships.
Money, not love, is the most interesting subject in this book. Mark Robarts - the young parson who been raised above his station by Lady Lufton, and then is tempted to think he can rise further still - is pretty colourless and uninspiring as a hero, but then this novel is all about ambition. I suspect it is more common than not for people to always want more, to not be contented with what they have. Mark's nemesis is Mr Sowerby of Chaldicotes, a man who is born to wealth, property and influence (for many years he holds a 'safe' seat in Parliament). Despite all of these worldly blessings, Sowerby lives consistently and extravagantly beyond his means; and he is almost entirely without conscience about entangling innocent others in his financial difficulties. Trollope made his own money and I get the sense he was always savvy about the financial ways of the world. If I remember anything at all, I think that I will remember this one moment where he comments on the fact that Sowerby - absolutely sunk up to his eyeballs in debt - still has a shilling to take a cab on a journey so short that he could have easily walked. Interestingly enough, Miss Dunstable - the heiress - is no fool, when it comes to men or money. Mrs Proudie aside, Trollope is actually harder on the men than the women in this novel - and the women, in general, seem far more sensible and understanding of what it is truly important in life and relationships.
October 8, 2017
The book jacket tells us "These novels [are] the first serial fiction in English literature." That's just one more reason to read these in order, which I'm doing, and enjoying. I liked best, in "Framley Parsonage", Lucy Roberts standing up to all, and proving to all she has, and IS the "Backbone of Barsetshire": why, she literally kidnaps four children from a mother with typhus then, risking her own health, nurses the mother back from deaths door. (Not to worry, this is not a major plot point and doesn't spoil the last fourth of the book). Trollope champions his women characters here, but the men aren't treated as well. For example, Trollope's description of Duke of Omnium is sensationally evil: he is "...a bachelor, a gambler...immoral in every way...a corrupter of youth...mothers feared for their sons, and sisters for their brothers...etc.". In other words, and Trollope rather makes this clear, the man everyone in Barsetshire dreams of befriending, but dare not admit it. Unfortunately, the rest of the characters are wrapped up in plots I either didn't believe or didn't enjoy. I did not believe the clergyman was stupid enough to sign his name to someone else's bills/invoices, deriving absolutely nothing for himself but allowing Trollope filler. I did believe a political party has split itself in half resulting in no party unity (very prescient to America of 2017!) but the many scenes which take us into London's Parliament felt like they belonged in a different book. Trollope likes all of his characters, as his writing has been called genial, and this series is perfect for younger readers who are hungry for their first "adult" novels. But for me, more of the Duke, and less of the political shenanigans, would have improved this book immensely. Still, the final few chapters are lovely, heartwarming, and perfect. And, absolutely, I'm going to read the next two in the series. Then I'll move on to other works by this very productive author. Trollope has been compared to Dickens, but I believe Trollope is funnier (in a very subtle Austen-like way) and presents to us, at least in this series, a world much easier to face, as opposed to some of Dicken's tough-luck shabbiness (which do, of course, lend themselves to great heroism as here in "Framley Parsonage").
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