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treehuggeranonymous's review against another edition
2.0
The blurb for this book promises something a lot more sordid than was delivered. After reading that Phineas would climb the social ladder by way of his lovers, I was expecting a male version of Rebecca Sharp of Vanity Fair and maybe a little social critique comparing how one was more acceptable than the other. Not only was the word 'lover' used in a completely different sense than we use today, but Phineas' so-called lovers were rarely called on for assistance.
Despite this, Phineas is a likeable character and you become invested in his success or failure, which is what compelled me to finish this book, though I was rather disappointed by the ending. I'm not sure whether I want to read Phineas Redux or if I'm just in for more disappointment
Despite this, Phineas is a likeable character and you become invested in his success or failure, which is what compelled me to finish this book, though I was rather disappointed by the ending. I'm not sure whether I want to read Phineas Redux or if I'm just in for more disappointment
kingfan30's review against another edition
2.0
This is my second book by the author and I have to say I don't think hes really for me. I'm not into political books and maybe that didn't help, but I found the majority of this book pretty boring and long winded. The only part of the story that did hold my interested was when the stories of Lady Laura and Violet where being told, although I did not really want Phineas to end up with either. I will not be hurrying out to buy the rest of the series.
crankylibrarian's review against another edition
4.0
My first Trollope; rough going at first but it grew on me. Phineas is a likable innocent, both politically and romantically; he blunders into Parliament through luck, but leaves after he is forced to examine his convictions. Likewise, though he somewhat callously flirts with local sweetheart Mary before leaving Ireland, it is only when he is tempted by an advantageous marriage to a woman who could advance him politically that he realizes whom he really loves.
For me the true hero of the book is plucky heiress Violet Effingham, whom Phineas ineffectually woos. Independent of fortune, Violet is quite aware of her privileged position and reluctant to give up her freedom, even to a man she has loved since childhood.Her cheeky ripostes to Phineas, to her friend Laura and her starchy aunt had me in stitches. If only Trollope had written a novel completely dedicated to the effervescent Miss Effingham!
This is tough going for those ignorant of 19th century politics, (as I was). I couldn't find a good annotated edition, so struggled with references to tenant right, rotten and pocket boroughs, divisions and the Reform Bill. I'm on the lookout for the Oxford World Classics edition which has appendices explaining the political context, (many of the characters are based on real life British politicians).
An enjoyable political soap opera.
For me the true hero of the book is plucky heiress Violet Effingham, whom Phineas ineffectually woos. Independent of fortune, Violet is quite aware of her privileged position and reluctant to give up her freedom, even to a man she has loved since childhood.Her cheeky ripostes to Phineas, to her friend Laura and her starchy aunt had me in stitches. If only Trollope had written a novel completely dedicated to the effervescent Miss Effingham!
This is tough going for those ignorant of 19th century politics, (as I was). I couldn't find a good annotated edition, so struggled with references to tenant right, rotten and pocket boroughs, divisions and the Reform Bill. I'm on the lookout for the Oxford World Classics edition which has appendices explaining the political context, (many of the characters are based on real life British politicians).
An enjoyable political soap opera.
ipb1's review against another edition
5.0
Your predictably reliably brilliant Trollope, albeit one of his low 5* instead of one of his high 5*. An everyday tale of a vacillating young idiot out of his depth in politics and love and endeavouring to screw up irredeemably in both. I just despair that the political nonsense depicted in a 150 year-old novel remains so absolutely up-to-date.
amandaquotidianbooks's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
reflective
medium-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
3.5
This was far more enjoyable than I had thought and had many a multi-faceted, interesting female character. However, I didn’t particularly warm to Phineas himself and found the ending to be a little anticlimactic. I’m looking forward to picking back up with him later in the series!
Content Warnings
Minor: Antisemitism and Racial slurs
siguirimama's review
challenging
reflective
tense
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? Yes
4.0
slrsmith's review against another edition
3.0
I liked it! I felt immersed in the world of a Victorian parliamentarian. What stopped me from loving it was that I felt it needed more of a climax, and some character development was lacking, particularly the Irish friends and family on the home front. Overall, an entertaining read.