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This Trollope novel focuses largely on romance and courtship more closely than the other Barchester novels, and includes fascinating psychological portraits of a rather overwhelmed set of young lovers. Readers will find less reliance on ecclesiastical terminology here and less fewer detailed descriptions of financial instruments. Ultimately, this book is probably more accessible than some of the earlier Barsetshire chronicles. While I found almost all of the characters here compelling, the somewhat tragic fate of the "swell," Adolphus Crosbie, proved especially interesting, as the story of his courtship also involves social climbing and regret, elements that heighten Trollope's depiction of his character.
The end of the book was perhaps less compelling than some of the other Trollope novels that I've read, and I found myself reaching for the next book almost before I had finished reading. This may be a problem, but I'm not exactly sure. Still, I think fans of the nineteenth-century novel will find a lot to enjoy here!
The end of the book was perhaps less compelling than some of the other Trollope novels that I've read, and I found myself reaching for the next book almost before I had finished reading. This may be a problem, but I'm not exactly sure. Still, I think fans of the nineteenth-century novel will find a lot to enjoy here!
I have been a big fan of Trollope in the past but this had so much padding, that I completely lost interest. I have to admit that I skimmed quite a lot at the end.
I real shame. I don't think I'll give up on him entirely though.
I real shame. I don't think I'll give up on him entirely though.
Trollope never disappoints. The Small House at Allington is right up there with all his other works.
The reader either loves or hates the numerous interesting characters – take your pick, there are many from which to choose. I won’t spoil the story, which is quite long with many twists and turns, by introducing any of the characters.
Trollope explores the thoughts and ambitions of the country gentry together with an interesting insight into the professional careers of middle-class Victorians. Always interesting to learn the wages earned, the hours worked, what was considered leisure, their ambitions and whether or not they could afford to get married and have children.
The scheming and intrigue within and between families is ever-present. Generally, the good get their rewards and the not so good their 'just' rewards. The various plots and sub-plots throughout the novel keep the reader guessing. The prose, as always with Trollope, is excellent.
The novel is the fifth is a set of six but stands perfectly well on its own. It quietly introduces Plantagenet Pallister which eventually leads to the later Pallister series of novels.
Highly recommended.
The reader either loves or hates the numerous interesting characters – take your pick, there are many from which to choose. I won’t spoil the story, which is quite long with many twists and turns, by introducing any of the characters.
Trollope explores the thoughts and ambitions of the country gentry together with an interesting insight into the professional careers of middle-class Victorians. Always interesting to learn the wages earned, the hours worked, what was considered leisure, their ambitions and whether or not they could afford to get married and have children.
The scheming and intrigue within and between families is ever-present. Generally, the good get their rewards and the not so good their 'just' rewards. The various plots and sub-plots throughout the novel keep the reader guessing. The prose, as always with Trollope, is excellent.
The novel is the fifth is a set of six but stands perfectly well on its own. It quietly introduces Plantagenet Pallister which eventually leads to the later Pallister series of novels.
Highly recommended.
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
The story of the occupants of the Small House of Allington, that of Mrs Dale and her daughters Isabella (Bell) and Lilian (Lily). Their relationship with Squire Dale and his heir and nephew Captain Bernard Dale. But what are the consequences when the Captain introduces Mr Crosbie to the inhabitants. Not just the Dales but also friend John Eames.
An enjoyable re-read
An enjoyable re-read
hopeful
reflective
relaxing
sad
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
challenging
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This was pleasant but no more. Not one of the stronger Trollope contenders. The plot was evident from the start and played out without twists and even Trollope’s typical wit was muted and scanty. Probably the most interesting aspect was that unusually for Trollope, the men were the more fully realized characters. A throwaway story about Plantagenet Palliser was obvious padding.
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
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