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blueshadow's review against another edition
3.0
I FINISHED
And that's close to the best thing I can say about the book.
Seriously though. I almost gave up the hours and hours I spent on the book when, at approximately 40%, the author began an entire chapter of editorial on his opinion of what the characters were thinking and feeling, and what the audience's opinion of the characters ought to be. No wonder Trollope wrote so much. When he didn't know what his characters should do, he just wrote about what he thought about what he had already written, turning the novel into an editorial column. Great. It was pure stubbornness that kept me reading at that point.
Then around 50%, there started to be a bit more action. Actually, given what had (not) happened up until that point, I could say occasional action began to happen. So I continued, more hopeful. Foolish me.
The usual accolades given to Trollope are very true. He had brilliant insights into his time, some witty remarks, and clever writing. It just takes more time than I have to mine those few gems out of the mountain of his work.
And that's close to the best thing I can say about the book.
Seriously though. I almost gave up the hours and hours I spent on the book when, at approximately 40%, the author began an entire chapter of editorial on his opinion of what the characters were thinking and feeling, and what the audience's opinion of the characters ought to be. No wonder Trollope wrote so much. When he didn't know what his characters should do, he just wrote about what he thought about what he had already written, turning the novel into an editorial column. Great. It was pure stubbornness that kept me reading at that point.
Then around 50%, there started to be a bit more action. Actually, given what had (not) happened up until that point, I could say occasional action began to happen. So I continued, more hopeful. Foolish me.
The usual accolades given to Trollope are very true. He had brilliant insights into his time, some witty remarks, and clever writing. It just takes more time than I have to mine those few gems out of the mountain of his work.
elliemcc11's review against another edition
whilst I like the concept of this novel it is a little too slow moving to keep my interest at the moment. I'm 6% in and on chapter 6 on the Kindle so I suspect this is a weighty paperback. I shall endeavour to return to the book at a later date.
nily's review against another edition
reflective
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? Yes
3.5
saralynnburnett's review against another edition
5.0
What happens when you marry an older man for his money, he dies, and then his family wants the diamonds back? What lengths will you go to and what lies will you tell? Read to find out!
mary412's review against another edition
3.0
I bought this from Audible to get the biggest bang [25 hours] for my credit. I can't believe I made it through. Trollope's social commentary is funny, but the plot is tedious. After awhile I didn't care about Lucy or Lizzie or Lucinda.
ph1lb's review against another edition
5.0
Another excellent novel by Anthony Trollope. The story kept my interest throughout.
On an aside note; I felt that the police went to enormous lengths. Was there so little other crime at the time? Nowadays, the British police would not even visit you if you had been burgled.
On an aside note; I felt that the police went to enormous lengths. Was there so little other crime at the time? Nowadays, the British police would not even visit you if you had been burgled.
lemurattack's review against another edition
2.0
Second Trollope novel I've read, didn't enjoy it as much as I'd hoped. Seemed repetitive, drawn out, and predictable. Both of the main female characters irritated me.
ruth's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
mary_juleyre's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
informative
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Antisemitism