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3.65 AVERAGE
3.65 AVERAGE
A mildly entertaining, somewhat tedious read. A challenging book to read out loud as some of his sentence structure is very creative (aka needed an editor).
An introspective look into provincial affairs using the backdrop of the Trollopian universe. A dramatic and often humorous microcosm of the countryside on the cusp of the industrial revolution. Rachel Ray is a homely girl, living with her widowed mother and sister in the fictitious village of Bragg's End. In the neighboring town, Luke Rowan—a London gentleman who holds stake in the local brewing facility—arrives and causes quite a stir in both industry and matters of the heart. Although Rachel is content with her life, her sister’s evangelical fear of society causes her to question some of her own familial doctrines. Once Luke Rowan comes into the picture, these zealous guidelines are ruffled greatly, causing a ripple effect of progressive thought on all tiers of stratification.
Anthony Trollope is as prolific as Charles Dickens and less dense than most of his Victorian brethren. I feel this is an excellent stand-alone novel for its societal implications and opportunities for group discussion. I am eager to dive into his Barchester series and immerse myself in those clerical dramas.
Anthony Trollope is as prolific as Charles Dickens and less dense than most of his Victorian brethren. I feel this is an excellent stand-alone novel for its societal implications and opportunities for group discussion. I am eager to dive into his Barchester series and immerse myself in those clerical dramas.
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Now that I’ve read Trollope’s two series, I get to make my way through his standalone novels. Something like 30 more to go! Rachel Ray reminded me a little of Frances Burney’s Evalina in that it shows just how vulnerable a young woman’s reputation could be if she does not have good parental guidance or guardianship. All I can say is thank goodness for Mrs. Butler-Cornbury, who is a sort of fairy godmother in this novel, though she is a terrible anti-Semite as was, I suspect, Trollope.
Unlike a lot of Trollope’s other novels, Rachel Ray takes place entirely in the countryside (Devonshire) and concerns itself almost exclusively with the lower middle classes. The Butler-Corburys are as high as we go, and he is only a country squire – i.e. a big fish in a very small pond. Rachel is a lady but she is poor and her mother, while loving, is weak-willed. Rachel’s closest friends are the Tapitt sisters, the daughters of the local brewer. When young Luke Rowan comes to the brewery to take his inherited share and co-manage it, he falls in love with Rachel but afoul of Mr. Tapitt, who resents his meddling and lack of humility. Mrs. Tapitt had hoped to match one of her daughters to Luke and resents Rachel’s “luck”. Meanwhile, Rachel’s unforgiving and overly-pious older sister, the widow Prime disapproves of Rachel’s behavior with Luke.
Ultimately it was a sweet romance with deft plotting. It isn’t that the ending is a surprise, but how one gets there is quite enjoyable. Also, as usual, there are some politics as well , typical Trollope. And while I didn’t entirely like her, I am glad Mrs. Prime avoided a particularly bad end that might have been her fate.
Unlike a lot of Trollope’s other novels, Rachel Ray takes place entirely in the countryside (Devonshire) and concerns itself almost exclusively with the lower middle classes. The Butler-Corburys are as high as we go, and he is only a country squire – i.e. a big fish in a very small pond. Rachel is a lady but she is poor and her mother, while loving, is weak-willed. Rachel’s closest friends are the Tapitt sisters, the daughters of the local brewer. When young Luke Rowan comes to the brewery to take his inherited share and co-manage it, he falls in love with Rachel but afoul of Mr. Tapitt, who resents his meddling and lack of humility. Mrs. Tapitt had hoped to match one of her daughters to Luke and resents Rachel’s “luck”. Meanwhile, Rachel’s unforgiving and overly-pious older sister, the widow Prime disapproves of Rachel’s behavior with Luke.
Ultimately it was a sweet romance with deft plotting. It isn’t that the ending is a surprise, but how one gets there is quite enjoyable. Also, as usual, there are some politics as well , typical Trollope. And while I didn’t entirely like her, I am glad Mrs. Prime avoided a particularly bad end that might have been her fate.
Luke Rowan comes to Baslehurst to enforce his right to inherit a half-share in the brewery. He is resisted in this by the existing partner, Mr Tappitt. Through Mr Tappitt's daughters Luke meets Rachel Ray and courts her successfully. However, as his dispute with Mr Tappitt is heating up he leaves town to pursue legal remedies and Rachel's weak mother is induced by her clergyman to force Rachel to break the engagement off.
I found this novel well-constructed and the brewery storyline was entertaining. I also enjoyed the Prime/Prong "romance" and Mrs Ray's vacillations. On the other hand, not a lot really happened otherwise. Luke was not sufficiently herolike for my tastes. Poor Rachel's letter to him was so clearly written to make it clear that she dissociated herself from every word, but he was unable to perceive this and left her waiting for a cruel length of time. Rachel seemed unable ever to be honest with him about her feelings, which got a bit tiresome. Also, I don't think Mrs Rowan was treated as severely as she deserved.
I found this novel well-constructed and the brewery storyline was entertaining. I also enjoyed the Prime/Prong "romance" and Mrs Ray's vacillations. On the other hand, not a lot really happened otherwise. Luke was not sufficiently herolike for my tastes. Poor Rachel's letter to him was so clearly written to make it clear that she dissociated herself from every word, but he was unable to perceive this and left her waiting for a cruel length of time. Rachel seemed unable ever to be honest with him about her feelings, which got a bit tiresome. Also, I don't think Mrs Rowan was treated as severely as she deserved.