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kinbote4zembla's review against another edition
dark
funny
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
michael5000's review against another edition
4.0
Hurray for Sir Felix, who must be the best dissipated rotter in all of nineteenth century fiction!
The only thing standing between this book and four stars is a bloated denouement. If Trollope had a weakness -- if! -- it might be that he isn't always able to stick the dismount.
The only thing standing between this book and four stars is a bloated denouement. If Trollope had a weakness -- if! -- it might be that he isn't always able to stick the dismount.
aaronreadabook's review against another edition
5.0
A giant 100-chapter novel of cynicism. There are many characters but very few you can wholeheartedly support, and the entire novel revolves around the Trump-like Augustus Melmotte, a rich swindler who everyone is drawn to for his money and power but everyone despises.
This book is full of hypocrites, corruption, cheating, scandal, and lying. Very unlike the quiet country church politics and sweet romances that Trollope usually writes, but a masterfully done satire. Trollope is always great at human nature, be it good or ill.
I was not bored at any point, and if anything I think he could have taken a bit more time to wrap up the ending, even after 800 pages.
This book is full of hypocrites, corruption, cheating, scandal, and lying. Very unlike the quiet country church politics and sweet romances that Trollope usually writes, but a masterfully done satire. Trollope is always great at human nature, be it good or ill.
I was not bored at any point, and if anything I think he could have taken a bit more time to wrap up the ending, even after 800 pages.
steller0707's review
5.0
There were no doubt gentlemen of different degrees, but the English gentleman of gentlemen was he who had land, and family title-deeds, and an old family place, and family portraits, and family embarrassments, and a family absence of any useful employment.
The more things change, the more they stay the same. Americans especially, after the 2016 election, may be tempted to mutter this saying over and over as they follow the machinations of Augustus Melmotte, the Great Financier in this satire of London life in Victorian times.
When Melmotte comes to London, he makes himself known as a wealthy man. His business deals and investment opportunities are the talk of the town, and serve as a magnet for London aristocracy. Invitations to his parties are hotly sought after. For Melmotte has a daughter of marrying age, and money and marriage-making take up a good deal of energy in Victorian London. Settling on the right match is good for the whole family in upper-class society!
There is a large cast of interesting characters and situations. (There's lots of settling to do!) The writing is so detailed that each character's state of mind in each scene is examined facet by facet, turning over every possible point of view. Yet to its credit, even though it took weeks to get through this long book, I still remembered over time the threads of the complex, and in some ways, fast-moving plot. It felt like a book to savor. And I did!
The more things change, the more they stay the same. Americans especially, after the 2016 election, may be tempted to mutter this saying over and over as they follow the machinations of Augustus Melmotte, the Great Financier in this satire of London life in Victorian times.
When Melmotte comes to London, he makes himself known as a wealthy man. His business deals and investment opportunities are the talk of the town, and serve as a magnet for London aristocracy. Invitations to his parties are hotly sought after. For Melmotte has a daughter of marrying age, and money and marriage-making take up a good deal of energy in Victorian London. Settling on the right match is good for the whole family in upper-class society!
There is a large cast of interesting characters and situations. (There's lots of settling to do!) The writing is so detailed that each character's state of mind in each scene is examined facet by facet, turning over every possible point of view. Yet to its credit, even though it took weeks to get through this long book, I still remembered over time the threads of the complex, and in some ways, fast-moving plot. It felt like a book to savor. And I did!
cosetteld's review against another edition
challenging
reflective
medium-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? Yes
4.25
niniane's review
5.0
Interesting how the scams and affectations of long-ago British society is so similar to modern day! The story is riveting.
highlander2006's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
bookmarkhoarder's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
mey's review against another edition
4.0
It is very interesting to see Anthony Trollope compare Americans vs English, successful vs failed lovers, successful vs failed engagements and ambitious but frustrated young women and idle young lords who are gambling cads.
Lady Carbury is a character I hate for being such an enabler for Felix, just because he's her son, while neglecting her daughter; but Trollope makes me truly understand why she has become the way she is now.
The various combinations of class and money are laid bare, exposing how desperate many people are to keep their privileges.
Mrs Hurtle is what we would call a modern woman - and her story arc perhaps rather telling. But Trollope doesn't judge her. He seems to have more sympathy with her, and Mrs Hurtle's speeches are some of the best ones in the book. The final happy couple is to be honest one of the most boring ones in the book.
There are many easy-to-despise characters here, but relayed in such a way that I can't detect exaggerations.
Lady Carbury is a character I hate for being such an enabler for Felix, just because he's her son, while neglecting her daughter; but Trollope makes me truly understand why she has become the way she is now.
The various combinations of class and money are laid bare, exposing how desperate many people are to keep their privileges.
Mrs Hurtle is what we would call a modern woman - and her story arc perhaps rather telling. But Trollope doesn't judge her. He seems to have more sympathy with her, and Mrs Hurtle's speeches are some of the best ones in the book. The final happy couple is to be honest one of the most boring ones in the book.
There are many easy-to-despise characters here, but relayed in such a way that I can't detect exaggerations.