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singalana's review against another edition
challenging
funny
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
I have mixed feelings about this book, and I’m sure much of it stems from the fact that this is an old book and many of the expressions and references are not familiar to me (there are notes at the end of the book, but having to check on something takes me out of the reading experience.) This book felt long and slow, but still I somehow enjoyed it.
The events of the book take place around 1850’s. Barchester Towers tells the story of a power struggle within the Church of England and the two factions within it. The events are set in motion when a new bishop is appointed to Barchester, and he brings with him his disagreeable chaplain Mr. Slope and his power-hungry wife.
I somewhat liked the characters, they are very much flawed people. The only trouble is that whenever a new character is introduced Trollope spends half of a chapter in describinbg them, so it begins to feel somewhat tedious. The women in this book are written in an old-fashioned way and there is a serious case of instant love.
The writing was in part humorous and as I said, I liked the characters. But the descriptions felt too long and the book dragged in parts. But overall, I enjoyed this somewhat and might be persuaded to read it again some day.
Content Warnings
Minor: Death of parent, Ableism, Death, Injury/Injury detail, and Domestic abuse
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