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A review by nanvdand
Framley Parsonage by Anthony Trollope
4.0
A few decades ago, when I was in my 20s I decided to try reading a classic novel for pleasure (as opposed for a school assignment). My first go at this was A Woman in White by Wilkie Collins. I loved it and from that point forward I have tried to read a few classic (mostly British) novels every year. One of the things I especially loved about A Women in White was its portrayal of strong and intelligent women despite it being written in 1859 by a man. It made me realize that feminism was alive and well even back then and that (some) men recognized that women had more value than simply as housekeepers and baby makers. Framley Parsonage falls into that same category. While the plot is not nearly as riveting as Mr. Collins' book, it does, nonetheless have several smart, powerful, and independent women in it. In fact, I might say that this book is about how women are really the ones that get things done - and not just housework.
My favorite character, by far, is Miss Dunstable. She is not beautiful or young but she's funny, smart and wealthy and its very fun to listen in on her snarky conversations with people.
The book is about the folly of young men, the independence of women, the danger of debt, and the politics of Britain. And for you romantics, there's a few romances thrown in the mix. The first chapter or two are a bit hard to digest and I worried I wouldn't be able to get into the book. But you can more or less skim these chapters and not miss anything too important. They are mostly about introducing the various players and locales so you can always go back to them if needed.
A note about the narrator: Simon Vance. I have listened to several of his narratives (mostly Dickens) and he never fails to disappoint. He makes the wordy 19th century English so much more understandable and enjoyable. If you're hesitant to start reading any of these British classics, start by listening and pick one narrated by the talented Mr. Vance.
My favorite character, by far, is Miss Dunstable. She is not beautiful or young but she's funny, smart and wealthy and its very fun to listen in on her snarky conversations with people.
The book is about the folly of young men, the independence of women, the danger of debt, and the politics of Britain. And for you romantics, there's a few romances thrown in the mix. The first chapter or two are a bit hard to digest and I worried I wouldn't be able to get into the book. But you can more or less skim these chapters and not miss anything too important. They are mostly about introducing the various players and locales so you can always go back to them if needed.
A note about the narrator: Simon Vance. I have listened to several of his narratives (mostly Dickens) and he never fails to disappoint. He makes the wordy 19th century English so much more understandable and enjoyable. If you're hesitant to start reading any of these British classics, start by listening and pick one narrated by the talented Mr. Vance.