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katykelly's review against another edition
5.0
I have always been put off from reading Anthony Trollope. I can’t give a particular reason why. Maybe it’s because his books were never part of lessons/discussions in school, the titles aren’t as well known as other classics, or possibly it’s the name (no, I’m not normally that shallow!). But no more. I am now a convert.
Having watched the excellent TV adaptation this year, I knew I was going to enjoy the story of a country doctor and his illegitimate niece, and her love for the local heir who “must marry money”. I had no idea how much I’d enjoy Trollope’s very funny writing and characterisations.
Such a great mix of characters – from Doctor Thorne who discovers that his niece is a potential heir herself, but refuses to let this knowledge influence her decisions. Mary Thorne is a surprisingly strong and steady young lady, quite a surprise. Her beloved, Frank Gresham, grows nicely from boy to man and is beautifully moral and upright throughout. The Scatcherds, father and son, epitomising the effects of alcohol on the lives of more than themselves. And of course, Lady Arabella, prize hypocrite, caring lioness mother, desperate to raise her family’s fortunes. A brilliant mix.
You would have thought that there wouldn’t be enough story there to keep interest for 600 pages, but I found it immensely readable and wouldn’t have been able to edit anything out.
I loved Trollope’s authorial voice popping up regularly with some snide remarks, it was hilarious. Felt fresh and modern it its narrative, not at all a ‘stuffy classic’. While it’s not one I think lots of teenagers are going to relate to (marrying for money, the horror of illegitimacy), it’s far more accessible that others of its era.
So happy to discover a ‘new’ author, and I will definitely be looking for more Trollope titles.
Having watched the excellent TV adaptation this year, I knew I was going to enjoy the story of a country doctor and his illegitimate niece, and her love for the local heir who “must marry money”. I had no idea how much I’d enjoy Trollope’s very funny writing and characterisations.
Such a great mix of characters – from Doctor Thorne who discovers that his niece is a potential heir herself, but refuses to let this knowledge influence her decisions. Mary Thorne is a surprisingly strong and steady young lady, quite a surprise. Her beloved, Frank Gresham, grows nicely from boy to man and is beautifully moral and upright throughout. The Scatcherds, father and son, epitomising the effects of alcohol on the lives of more than themselves. And of course, Lady Arabella, prize hypocrite, caring lioness mother, desperate to raise her family’s fortunes. A brilliant mix.
You would have thought that there wouldn’t be enough story there to keep interest for 600 pages, but I found it immensely readable and wouldn’t have been able to edit anything out.
I loved Trollope’s authorial voice popping up regularly with some snide remarks, it was hilarious. Felt fresh and modern it its narrative, not at all a ‘stuffy classic’. While it’s not one I think lots of teenagers are going to relate to (marrying for money, the horror of illegitimacy), it’s far more accessible that others of its era.
So happy to discover a ‘new’ author, and I will definitely be looking for more Trollope titles.
veronica_a's review against another edition
lighthearted
relaxing
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
morgob's review against another edition
3.0
Wow. This book took me forever to read. It's not that it wasn't good--it was, overall, a very pleasant read, for the most part--the problem was my timing. I had to check it out from the library at least three times, and still I had troubles finishing it before its due date. I had already watched the TV movie version of this novel, which was also troublesome, as it made me impatient to get to the good parts. However, I found Trollope's novel to be entertaining all-around. His writing style was what struck me the most, verging on humorous. It was as though he were writing a 19th century soap opera. I loved it. Though at times I couldn't believe people's pettiness and stubbornness and pride, I found the story to be enjoyable and as full of drama as The Young and The Restless.
To sum up, I am glad I was finally able to finish this novel... almost 2 years after first picking it up. I was happy to read it, but I am equally happy, if not more so, to finally be rid of it.
To sum up, I am glad I was finally able to finish this novel... almost 2 years after first picking it up. I was happy to read it, but I am equally happy, if not more so, to finally be rid of it.
laz_'s review against another edition
4.0
okay trollope … you win. this was delightful, a triumph, etc. i get what you mean now!!
taylormendoza19's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
wolfsonarchitect's review against another edition
informative
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
I loved this story because the lead characters were honest and good in the face of less moral characters. It’s a good commentary on 19th century class, inherited wealth vs nouveau rich. Some Trollope can get tedious on fine legal points - this doesn’t.
amlibera's review against another edition
5.0
Probably closer to 4.5 stars but I just enjoyed the hell out of this and even though the last couple of chapters felt like a very long windup, I can't say I minded particularly. I like spending time with Trollope's people, I like that he doesn't spend his time trying to set up elaborate plot twists (in fact, quite the opposite, the moment that you think a plot twist is about to happen, he announces the result and makes the whole question of twists null and void). Which lets us concentrate on how they do what they do and why they do what they do in a manner that I find both soothing and fascinating in equal turns.
cemoses's review against another edition
3.0
I did not like this book as much as other his other book.s I found it slow and contrived.
fyre_flies's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism and Classism
Minor: Death and Death of parent