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A review by manwithanagenda
The Eustace Diamonds by Anthony Trollope
funny
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Trollope informs readers early on that Lizzie Greystock is not meant to be the second coming of Becky Sharp. She certainly isn't, but her shameless self-interest and whirlwind (for Trollope) origin story concerning her marriage to the soon-to-die Lord Florian Eustace was entertaining. There is a large cast added to the Palliser novels here, including Lizzie's cousin Frank Greystock, M.P. who has seemingly inherited an ability to outspend his pockets, the dutiful and much-petted governess Lucy Morris, the dowager Lady Linlithgow and her observance to the letter of right without ever being good, and the wealthy hangers-on Lord Bruce and Mrs. Carbuncle, and the most tedious and angry pair of lovers I've seen in an age Sir Griffin and Lucinda Roanoke. Trollope can really set a stage. One of the notable things about this work, however, is the plot. Or, rather, what the plot could have been.
There was a nice break from politics in this novel, though Trollope has a bit of fun with the conservative M.P. Frank Greystock and his "nemesis" Lord Fawn. The real plot involves the widowed Lady Lizzie Eustace refusing to give up a valuable diamond necklace that is claimed to be a part of the Eustace estate and, therefore, not to be taken by a widow. Lizzie's insistence on the necklace being her own causes grief between her and Lord Fawn as a suitor, and the diamond's bright glitter attracts the attention of the unscrupulous. When the diamonds are stolen the novel turns away from a social comedy and (dry) legal thriller into a bit of a mystery novel complete with famous detective and cunning members of Scotland Yard competing to be the one to crack the case.
At least, it would have turned into a mystery novel if Trollope didn't somehow think it was ungentlemanly to hide facts from his readers. There is never really a mystery to the reader as to where the diamonds are, only a bit of fluff concerning the mechanics of the theft(s). This isn't a spoiler, the back cover of most editions say as much about the fate of the diamonds. Certain elements of this novel could have become something if Trollope had allowed himself to "trick" his readers, but such is not the behavior of a gentleman. Read 'The Moonstone' instead if you're looking for a fun, primordial mystery-novel from this era. It must be said, also, that there is strong anti-Semitic sentiment in the book. These were the attitudes of the time, but make a book with a turgid plot that much less enjoyable.
The Pallisers
Next: 'Phineas Redux'
Previous: 'Phineas Finn'
There was a nice break from politics in this novel, though Trollope has a bit of fun with the conservative M.P. Frank Greystock and his "nemesis" Lord Fawn. The real plot involves the widowed Lady Lizzie Eustace refusing to give up a valuable diamond necklace that is claimed to be a part of the Eustace estate and, therefore, not to be taken by a widow. Lizzie's insistence on the necklace being her own causes grief between her and Lord Fawn as a suitor, and the diamond's bright glitter attracts the attention of the unscrupulous. When the diamonds are stolen the novel turns away from a social comedy and (dry) legal thriller into a bit of a mystery novel complete with famous detective and cunning members of Scotland Yard competing to be the one to crack the case.
At least, it would have turned into a mystery novel if Trollope didn't somehow think it was ungentlemanly to hide facts from his readers. There is never really a mystery to the reader as to where the diamonds are, only a bit of fluff concerning the mechanics of the theft(s). This isn't a spoiler, the back cover of most editions say as much about the fate of the diamonds. Certain elements of this novel could have become something if Trollope had allowed himself to "trick" his readers, but such is not the behavior of a gentleman. Read 'The Moonstone' instead if you're looking for a fun, primordial mystery-novel from this era. It must be said, also, that there is strong anti-Semitic sentiment in the book. These were the attitudes of the time, but make a book with a turgid plot that much less enjoyable.
The Pallisers
Next: 'Phineas Redux'
Previous: 'Phineas Finn'