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krystyne88's review against another edition
4.0
4.5
I really enjoyed this book. I wasn't sure because I don't typically read books centered around religion or church but I gave it a try because I love me a good classic. I was pleasently surprised at the comedic writing, the imagry of characters and the towns itself. It almost has the feel of Jane Austen in the sense of interesting characters, marriage proposals gone wrong and finally at the end they get together! I only give 4.5 instead of a 5 because the author dragged on too much in parts. He also breaks narrative to talk about his writing or political beliefs. I would recommend this book to any classic lover.
I really enjoyed this book. I wasn't sure because I don't typically read books centered around religion or church but I gave it a try because I love me a good classic. I was pleasently surprised at the comedic writing, the imagry of characters and the towns itself. It almost has the feel of Jane Austen in the sense of interesting characters, marriage proposals gone wrong and finally at the end they get together! I only give 4.5 instead of a 5 because the author dragged on too much in parts. He also breaks narrative to talk about his writing or political beliefs. I would recommend this book to any classic lover.
aimeesbookishlife's review against another edition
4.0
My first book by Anthony Trollope and I really enjoyed it! I love his humour and the breaking of the fourth wall where he talks directly to his reader about the craft of writing. I definitely want to read more in this series; I'll start by going back to [b:The Warden|267123|The Warden (Chronicles of Barsetshire, #1)|Anthony Trollope|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1388555550l/267123._SY75_.jpg|3102430] which it seems I ought to have read first (it seems like the books in this series do stand alone as novels, as others have said, but there are lots of references to things that happened previously so I do think it would make sense to read them in order).
rosannelortz's review against another edition
4.0
The back cover claimed that Barchester Towers is the most famous and well-loved of Anthony Trollope’s novels. For the first fifty pages I was a little unclear as to why this was so, but after surviving the tedium of the initial lengthy descriptive passages, I found myself lost in the book and not wanting to be found. The well-drawn characters, humorous comments, and mischievous plot produced a witty and sparkling novel which culminated in a very satisfying ending.
Barchester Towers is about a war between the various clergy members of the diocese of Barchester. When the old bishop of Barchester dies, his son Archdeacon Grantly, has every hope of succeeding him in his office. Unfortunately, the reins of government have just switched hands in England, and since Anglican Church appointments are political in nature, Dr. Grantly is out of favor and the stranger Dr. Proudie is pronounced the new bishop.
Dr. Proudie, the new bishop of Barchester and something of a “low” churchman, awakens antagonism as soon as he arrives, or rather his two “managers” awaken antagonism for him. His overbearing wife, Mrs. Proudie, has nothing but criticism for the liturgical and musical traditions of Barchester, and his scheming chaplain Mr. Slope tries to assert his power over the locals.
As the tension grows, another clergyman named Dr. Stanhope, who has lived abroad in Italy for the last decade or so, returns to his office in Barchester bringing with him three beautiful but heartless children. The son, Bertie Stanhope, is hopelessly in debt, and the oldest daughter Charlotte is trying to find him a rich wife to help him out of his difficulties. The youngest daughter, breathtaking in appearance but crippled in feet, styles herself Signora Neroni. She has left her brutal Italian husband behind and intends to set up court among the susceptible clergymen of Barchester, to toy with them in the art of love, and then cast them aside when she is done with them.
There are many more machinations afoot than just the Signora’s, however. To combat the influence of the new bishop, his wife, and the oily Mr. Slope, Archdeacon Grantly procures an appointment for Mr. Arabin, a learned fellow from Oxford and longtime enemy of Mr. Slope’s views. Mr. Arabin, it is to be hoped, will be clever enough to tear the sheep’s clothing off Mr. Slope and ameliorate his harmful presence in the diocese.
As the story progresses, the Signora begins to catch as many men as she can in her web, but as she is already married, there can be no honorable relationship with any of them. Another beautiful–and more attainable–flower blossoms as Mrs. Eleanor Bold, the rich, widowed sister-in-law of Dr. Grantley, becomes the object of matrimonial attention of three men: Bertie Stanhope, Mr. Slope, and Mr. Arabin. With wry humor, Trollope describes the scene at a dinner party as Eleanor Bold is surrounded by her admirers:
“‘Pray, pray don’t move,’ said Miss Thorne, almost forcing Eleanor back into her chair. ‘Mr. Stanhope is not going to leave us. He will stand behind you like a true knight as he is. And now I think of it, Mr. Arabin, let me introduce you to Mr. Slope. Mr. Slope, Mr. Arabin.’ And the two gentlemen bowed stiffly to each other across the lady whom they both intended to marry, while the other gentleman who also intended to marry her stood behind, watching them.”
I shall not give away which of the three gentlemen Eleanor does choose in the end, although the author is not so free from spoilers. Throughout the book, Trollope addresses his readers with chatty confidentiality, assuring us that though the characters may be wading through a fog of misunderstandings which obscure the future, we need not be so blind. The author is on our side and intends us to amuse us with the story, not torment us with suspense.
The plot of the book is cleverly structured to focus on three ecclesiastical appointments. First, there is the appointment of the Bishop of Barchester which turns the whole town upside down. Second, there is the appointment of the Warden of the Hospital which lies in debate for nearly half the book. And third, there is the appointment of a new Dean of the cathedral of Barchester which sets the whole world to rights once again. Although there is little connection to The Scarlet Letter, the threefold structure reminded me of Hawthorne’s book where the beginning, middle, and end are all set on a scaffold.
Trollope does not hesitate to criticize the villainous and self-serving clergymen portrayed throughout the story, but neither does he hesitate to offer praise where praise is due. Those who hold convictions out of true religion are never mocked, and indeed, the concluding paragraph is a tribute to Eleanor’s father, the kindliest clergyman in the novel. In the same fashion, those who live lives of immorality or impropriety do not receive a completely comfortable end, while those who conduct themselves well are rewarded with happiness. The portrayal of the Stanhopes reminded me, in some small measure, of Henry and Mary Crawford from Jane Austen’s Mansfield Park.
Barchester Towers was a good introduction to an author I have never before attempted, and I hope to read more of Anthony Trollope’s books in the future.
Barchester Towers is about a war between the various clergy members of the diocese of Barchester. When the old bishop of Barchester dies, his son Archdeacon Grantly, has every hope of succeeding him in his office. Unfortunately, the reins of government have just switched hands in England, and since Anglican Church appointments are political in nature, Dr. Grantly is out of favor and the stranger Dr. Proudie is pronounced the new bishop.
Dr. Proudie, the new bishop of Barchester and something of a “low” churchman, awakens antagonism as soon as he arrives, or rather his two “managers” awaken antagonism for him. His overbearing wife, Mrs. Proudie, has nothing but criticism for the liturgical and musical traditions of Barchester, and his scheming chaplain Mr. Slope tries to assert his power over the locals.
As the tension grows, another clergyman named Dr. Stanhope, who has lived abroad in Italy for the last decade or so, returns to his office in Barchester bringing with him three beautiful but heartless children. The son, Bertie Stanhope, is hopelessly in debt, and the oldest daughter Charlotte is trying to find him a rich wife to help him out of his difficulties. The youngest daughter, breathtaking in appearance but crippled in feet, styles herself Signora Neroni. She has left her brutal Italian husband behind and intends to set up court among the susceptible clergymen of Barchester, to toy with them in the art of love, and then cast them aside when she is done with them.
There are many more machinations afoot than just the Signora’s, however. To combat the influence of the new bishop, his wife, and the oily Mr. Slope, Archdeacon Grantly procures an appointment for Mr. Arabin, a learned fellow from Oxford and longtime enemy of Mr. Slope’s views. Mr. Arabin, it is to be hoped, will be clever enough to tear the sheep’s clothing off Mr. Slope and ameliorate his harmful presence in the diocese.
As the story progresses, the Signora begins to catch as many men as she can in her web, but as she is already married, there can be no honorable relationship with any of them. Another beautiful–and more attainable–flower blossoms as Mrs. Eleanor Bold, the rich, widowed sister-in-law of Dr. Grantley, becomes the object of matrimonial attention of three men: Bertie Stanhope, Mr. Slope, and Mr. Arabin. With wry humor, Trollope describes the scene at a dinner party as Eleanor Bold is surrounded by her admirers:
“‘Pray, pray don’t move,’ said Miss Thorne, almost forcing Eleanor back into her chair. ‘Mr. Stanhope is not going to leave us. He will stand behind you like a true knight as he is. And now I think of it, Mr. Arabin, let me introduce you to Mr. Slope. Mr. Slope, Mr. Arabin.’ And the two gentlemen bowed stiffly to each other across the lady whom they both intended to marry, while the other gentleman who also intended to marry her stood behind, watching them.”
I shall not give away which of the three gentlemen Eleanor does choose in the end, although the author is not so free from spoilers. Throughout the book, Trollope addresses his readers with chatty confidentiality, assuring us that though the characters may be wading through a fog of misunderstandings which obscure the future, we need not be so blind. The author is on our side and intends us to amuse us with the story, not torment us with suspense.
The plot of the book is cleverly structured to focus on three ecclesiastical appointments. First, there is the appointment of the Bishop of Barchester which turns the whole town upside down. Second, there is the appointment of the Warden of the Hospital which lies in debate for nearly half the book. And third, there is the appointment of a new Dean of the cathedral of Barchester which sets the whole world to rights once again. Although there is little connection to The Scarlet Letter, the threefold structure reminded me of Hawthorne’s book where the beginning, middle, and end are all set on a scaffold.
Trollope does not hesitate to criticize the villainous and self-serving clergymen portrayed throughout the story, but neither does he hesitate to offer praise where praise is due. Those who hold convictions out of true religion are never mocked, and indeed, the concluding paragraph is a tribute to Eleanor’s father, the kindliest clergyman in the novel. In the same fashion, those who live lives of immorality or impropriety do not receive a completely comfortable end, while those who conduct themselves well are rewarded with happiness. The portrayal of the Stanhopes reminded me, in some small measure, of Henry and Mary Crawford from Jane Austen’s Mansfield Park.
Barchester Towers was a good introduction to an author I have never before attempted, and I hope to read more of Anthony Trollope’s books in the future.
emilyisreading2024's review against another edition
5.0
This is one of my favorite books. It has everything - drama, humor, memorable characters, and excellent writing.
jeet_the_maiden's review against another edition
5.0
**Upgraded my rating from 4 to 5 stars because on reassessing my review, there was absolutely nothing that didn't work for me in this book**
brampton's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
magratajostiernos's review against another edition
4.0
Me ha gustado mucho más de lo que esperaba, me ha atrapado casi desde el principio y las últimas 200 páginas las he devorado.
La historia sigue a una serie de personajes que viven en Barchester y van a sufrir un gran cambio en sus vidas tras la muerte del obispo y la llegada de su sucesor.
La narración es entretenida y ágil, cargada de una ironía cercana a la sátira que a mi personalmente me ha conquistado, aunque reconozco que el narrador y su interés por hablar directamente al lector no siempre eran de mi agrado...
Lo que me acabó encandilando fueron sus personajes, eso sí. Al principio no parecían demasiado espectaculares pero poco a poco van calándote, especialmente los "malvados" como el despreciable (y contemporáneo) Señor Slope o la Signora Madeline Stanhope y toda su genial y maquiavélica familia.
Trollope me ha recordado aquí a una mezcla de Elizabeth Gaskell con George Eliot, aunque es más irónico que la primera y mucho más ligero que la segunda.
En fin, una gran lectura, sin duda leeré El doctor Thorne más pronto que tarde :)
La historia sigue a una serie de personajes que viven en Barchester y van a sufrir un gran cambio en sus vidas tras la muerte del obispo y la llegada de su sucesor.
La narración es entretenida y ágil, cargada de una ironía cercana a la sátira que a mi personalmente me ha conquistado, aunque reconozco que el narrador y su interés por hablar directamente al lector no siempre eran de mi agrado...
Lo que me acabó encandilando fueron sus personajes, eso sí. Al principio no parecían demasiado espectaculares pero poco a poco van calándote, especialmente los "malvados" como el despreciable (y contemporáneo) Señor Slope o la Signora Madeline Stanhope y toda su genial y maquiavélica familia.
Trollope me ha recordado aquí a una mezcla de Elizabeth Gaskell con George Eliot, aunque es más irónico que la primera y mucho más ligero que la segunda.
En fin, una gran lectura, sin duda leeré El doctor Thorne más pronto que tarde :)
jenmcmaynes's review against another edition
3.0
I can see why people claim that Trollope found his voice in Barchester Towers; the style and characterization are muuuuuch better than The Warden, the first in this series. The characters, especially, are great; by the end I was truly rooting for Mr. Slope's downfall, Mrs. Bold's marriage, and gentle Mr. Harding's happiness. However, it did take me nearly a month to get through this book, which is virtually unheard of for me. I would put it down and have no desire to read again for days, which suggests that despite the fact that I enjoyed the characters, I wasn't truly enjoying the plot. Given that this book centers on a cathedral city's politics and appointments, it isn't surprising that I did find it a little dry.
I think I will continue to read this series, though I won't hurry to pick up the next one. I really did appreciate Trollope's sense of humor (I smiled a lot over Mrs. Proudie and the Stanhopes) and ability to create such interesting and sympathetic characters. I'm not crazy about his actual plots, though, so will have to pace myself through the remaining books.
I think I will continue to read this series, though I won't hurry to pick up the next one. I really did appreciate Trollope's sense of humor (I smiled a lot over Mrs. Proudie and the Stanhopes) and ability to create such interesting and sympathetic characters. I'm not crazy about his actual plots, though, so will have to pace myself through the remaining books.
michael5000's review against another edition
4.0
Packed with funny, endearing, and memorable characters, Barchester Towers is both a parody of the titanic battles that people wage over what seem to be small stakes and trivial points of honor. And yet, we all do it, and with the slightest adjustment of tone this comedy could play as straight realism.
This is a good Trollope test. If you like Barchester Towers, there's great news, the guy was incredibly prolific. If you don't like Barchester Towers, though, you're not going to like any of it.
This is a good Trollope test. If you like Barchester Towers, there's great news, the guy was incredibly prolific. If you don't like Barchester Towers, though, you're not going to like any of it.