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3.98 AVERAGE
3.98 AVERAGE
I found that this book is as relevant today as it was when Trollope wrote it. The major difference is that, today, highly placed swindlers don't often seem to have any kind of downfall, or being held accountable. Trollope describes a time at which society was in transition, and illustrates the conflicting necessities of maintaining a certain lifestyle and having the wherewithal to sustain that lifestyle. With the transition towards "new money" people have more social cache, there also seems to be a certain shift in morality and social mores.
This is a good book but just not my cup of tea. Parts of it I really enjoyed and at times I was swept away with the story however other times I could feel myself getting impatient and wanting to just get through it. Maybe not a book to read when you are tired
Out of all the Victorian novels I have read within the past year or so, I have not discovered one that was clearly and concisely written as that of Anthony Trollope's The Way We Live Now. I can definitely see how this book happened to be one of the author's greatest, despite not having read any of his other works prior. This book is known to be satire, as it satirizes the literary world at the time. The satire was well done and brought a smile to my face.
I'm not one for love triangles, but again, Trollope was a master at it, IMO. In some ways and other ways, I could relate to Hetta Carbury and her issues with Paul Montague and Roger Carbury. In other ways, I could relate more to Mr. Montague than Ms. Carbury.
There were several instances of anti-Semitism and fatphobia that was hard to ignore, and there were at least two times that these elements took me out of the story itself. However, when I run across issues that are problematic, I have to remember that 1800s England is not the same as 2000s America. I ask the question, why was this a thing, and when I do I remember that the 1800s was a different culture. Am I saying that this is okay? Of course not, but there is almost always a rhyme and a reason. It is because of those moments that take me out of the story that I am unable to give a 5/5.
Overall, it was a very page-turning story and I appreciated my time in Trollope's version and perspective of England. I would definitely read from this author again.
I'm not one for love triangles, but again, Trollope was a master at it, IMO. In some ways and other ways, I could relate to Hetta Carbury and her issues with Paul Montague and Roger Carbury. In other ways, I could relate more to Mr. Montague than Ms. Carbury.
There were several instances of anti-Semitism and fatphobia that was hard to ignore, and there were at least two times that these elements took me out of the story itself. However, when I run across issues that are problematic, I have to remember that 1800s England is not the same as 2000s America. I ask the question, why was this a thing, and when I do I remember that the 1800s was a different culture. Am I saying that this is okay? Of course not, but there is almost always a rhyme and a reason. It is because of those moments that take me out of the story that I am unable to give a 5/5.
Overall, it was a very page-turning story and I appreciated my time in Trollope's version and perspective of England. I would definitely read from this author again.
Sorry Trollope, you could have cut this book by at least 1/4. However, I still liked it.
As Anthony Trollope was one of the most prolific of the Victorian novelists, I am always surprised at how difficult it is to find his books. He seems to be constantly forgotten in the shadow of his contemporary, Charles Dickens. I think it's very unfortunate, as I am one of the probably very few who greatly prefers Trollope.
The Way We Live Now is a very long novel, relating the interconnected stories of several dozen families and individuals in 1870s England. However the pacing is quick and the story is so facinating that it is easy to forget how many players there really are. No character is truly flawed enough to be the villain, nor perfect enough to be the hero, making them that much more believeable as humans. Trollope's wit is sharp too, as he slips in commentary about the dangers of speculation in stock, the English view of the American, the American view of the English, gambling, marriage, family, and much more. It is a rich, sweeping novel that draws the reader in and refuses to let go until the fate of every character has been revealed.
At 800+ pages, the novel is not going to be a quick read, nor a light one. However, the scope and beauty of the story, and the language with which it is told, make it well worth the effort.
The Way We Live Now is a very long novel, relating the interconnected stories of several dozen families and individuals in 1870s England. However the pacing is quick and the story is so facinating that it is easy to forget how many players there really are. No character is truly flawed enough to be the villain, nor perfect enough to be the hero, making them that much more believeable as humans. Trollope's wit is sharp too, as he slips in commentary about the dangers of speculation in stock, the English view of the American, the American view of the English, gambling, marriage, family, and much more. It is a rich, sweeping novel that draws the reader in and refuses to let go until the fate of every character has been revealed.
At 800+ pages, the novel is not going to be a quick read, nor a light one. However, the scope and beauty of the story, and the language with which it is told, make it well worth the effort.
I read this several years ago, so my mind is a little unclear on all the details. Nevertheless, I remember it as being one of my favourite Trollope novels.
challenging
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Absolutely loved this, my very 1st ever Anthony Trollope, and really the 1st truly satirical work that I have read in some time. Reminded somewhat of Dickens. But wasn't the name 'Ramsbottom' more recently adopted for a player in the "Despicable Me" series? š¤
My biggest chuckle, by far :
"He was a fat, greasy man, good-looking in a certain degree, about fifty, with hair dyed black, and beard and moustache dyed a dark purple colour. The charm of his face consisted in a pair of very bright black eyes, which were, however, set too near together in his face for the general delight of Christians."
(Description of Mr Brehgert , a noble character)
š¤ What DOES it mean? "...for the general delight of Christans."
Some readers today may be tempted to label Trollope as an antisemite; my sense : he's casting light on the perverse nature of injustice within those who are. He makes them appear without depth of character, twisted and small.
And what a splendid range of personalities one does discover here. From the literary Lady Carbury š to Dolly Longestaffe's little appreciated lawyer and 'life coach' ole Squercum.
My favorites: Marie Melmotte, Roger Carbury, and Mr Brehgert. I was not that impressed with Hetta Carbury or Paul Montague but confess even for his most wretched of swindlers (Augustus Melmotte) and 'sharp clawed' among the women (Winifred Hurtle) , Trollope leads one to feel a degree of compassion. He has a gift for that.
My favorite quote:
"In such a matter, when a man does not see his own way clearly, it behoves him to be able to show that he has followed the advice of some man whom the world esteems and recognizes. You have to bind your character; and that other man's character if it be good, will carry you through... --- you must do exactly what he tells you."
(Roger Carbury advises Paul Montague)
My favorite understanding of a new word:
āredintegrate /re-din'ti-grÄt/
transitive verb
To restore to wholeness
To re-establish
"It has become an institution, like primogeniture, and is almost as serviceable for maintaining the proper order of things. Rank squanders money: trade makes it; --- and then trade purchases rank by re-gilding its splendour. The arrangement, as it affects the aristocracy generally, is well understood... the āredintegrationā of the family property."
Though the novel's set in Victorian England, "The Way We Live Now" remains a valuable read for our day. I do so hope I'm given enough time to read this one once again. Deserves every one of its 5 ās.
My biggest chuckle, by far :
"He was a fat, greasy man, good-looking in a certain degree, about fifty, with hair dyed black, and beard and moustache dyed a dark purple colour. The charm of his face consisted in a pair of very bright black eyes, which were, however, set too near together in his face for the general delight of Christians."
(Description of Mr Brehgert , a noble character)
š¤ What DOES it mean? "...for the general delight of Christans."
Some readers today may be tempted to label Trollope as an antisemite; my sense : he's casting light on the perverse nature of injustice within those who are. He makes them appear without depth of character, twisted and small.
And what a splendid range of personalities one does discover here. From the literary Lady Carbury š to Dolly Longestaffe's little appreciated lawyer and 'life coach' ole Squercum.
My favorites: Marie Melmotte, Roger Carbury, and Mr Brehgert. I was not that impressed with Hetta Carbury or Paul Montague but confess even for his most wretched of swindlers (Augustus Melmotte) and 'sharp clawed' among the women (Winifred Hurtle) , Trollope leads one to feel a degree of compassion. He has a gift for that.
My favorite quote:
"In such a matter, when a man does not see his own way clearly, it behoves him to be able to show that he has followed the advice of some man whom the world esteems and recognizes. You have to bind your character; and that other man's character if it be good, will carry you through... --- you must do exactly what he tells you."
(Roger Carbury advises Paul Montague)
My favorite understanding of a new word:
āredintegrate /re-din'ti-grÄt/
transitive verb
To restore to wholeness
To re-establish
"It has become an institution, like primogeniture, and is almost as serviceable for maintaining the proper order of things. Rank squanders money: trade makes it; --- and then trade purchases rank by re-gilding its splendour. The arrangement, as it affects the aristocracy generally, is well understood... the āredintegrationā of the family property."
Though the novel's set in Victorian England, "The Way We Live Now" remains a valuable read for our day. I do so hope I'm given enough time to read this one once again. Deserves every one of its 5 ās.
Difficult to wade through the prose and the host of characters....didn't finish