saralynnburnett's review against another edition
5.0
Anthony Trollope will always be a favorite of mine and Barchester Towers is right up there with some of my other favorite books of his (my favorite so far is The Eustace Diamonds). He has such a friendly, conversational style and will often spend entire chapters 'talking' to the reader about Victorian era idiosyncrasies. Barchester Towers also seems a timely read at the moment since it follows the political intrigues of two parties of people of the diocese and the cloister. The conflict is intense, and the beauty of this book is that it is not about the issues, but who comes out on top, and that seems to be the reigning notion in politics today (or maybe always?)
Mr. Slope's self-promotion is so beautifully crafted in this novel that you can't help but sit back and wonder at it. The conflicts between he and Mrs. Proudie are laughably absurd and these two villains easily take center stage. The shenanigans of the bizarre Stanhope family keep you hooked... how funny is Dr. Stanhope, who went to Italy to recover from a 'scratchy throat' FOR 12 YEARS! but spent most of it catching butterflies on the shores of Lake Como? Or his daughter, the so called 'Signora Madelina Vesey Neroni i' who is a notorious flirt, insanely beautiful, a cripple, and is carried around at parties by Italian men she brought back with her to England? Trollope is an author I'll always come back to - his memorable characters, twisted plot lines, hilarity, and cozy conversational style always make for an engrossing read.
Mr. Slope's self-promotion is so beautifully crafted in this novel that you can't help but sit back and wonder at it. The conflicts between he and Mrs. Proudie are laughably absurd and these two villains easily take center stage. The shenanigans of the bizarre Stanhope family keep you hooked... how funny is Dr. Stanhope, who went to Italy to recover from a 'scratchy throat' FOR 12 YEARS! but spent most of it catching butterflies on the shores of Lake Como? Or his daughter, the so called 'Signora Madelina Vesey Neroni i' who is a notorious flirt, insanely beautiful, a cripple, and is carried around at parties by Italian men she brought back with her to England? Trollope is an author I'll always come back to - his memorable characters, twisted plot lines, hilarity, and cozy conversational style always make for an engrossing read.
thebeardedpoet's review against another edition
4.0
There are two main plots (somewhat interwoven) in this novel: a power struggle within the palace of the Bishop of Barchester and the quest of three suitors to marry the well-off and tender-hearted widow, Mrs. Bold.
Trollope is a master of character development through dialogue and an omniscient ability to move inside the heads and reveal the motives for each and every one. In Signora Madeline Vesey Neroni, he gives us perhaps one of the most memorable characters in literature. The Signora is a beautiful seductress who due to the loss of the use of her legs manipulates all the men in her sphere from a reclining position on her couch.
I read this book off-and-on for nearly a year, mainly because I struggle with maintaining attention on long, long novels. At points, I needed a break from the characters striving and strategizing. But in the end, I felt quite satisfied with where everyone lands. The most satisfying wrap-up is the engagement of Mrs. Bold which unfolds in such an organic and non-contrived way.
Trollope is a master of character development through dialogue and an omniscient ability to move inside the heads and reveal the motives for each and every one. In Signora Madeline Vesey Neroni, he gives us perhaps one of the most memorable characters in literature. The Signora is a beautiful seductress who due to the loss of the use of her legs manipulates all the men in her sphere from a reclining position on her couch.
I read this book off-and-on for nearly a year, mainly because I struggle with maintaining attention on long, long novels. At points, I needed a break from the characters striving and strategizing. But in the end, I felt quite satisfied with where everyone lands. The most satisfying wrap-up is the engagement of Mrs. Bold which unfolds in such an organic and non-contrived way.
rosekk's review against another edition
4.0
I appreciate the sympathy with which Mr/ Trollope treats all his characters. Combined with the way he addresses readers about the narrative and characters within, I found the book very enjoyable. The only fault is that the gender politics of the age shine through, which I found a little trying in places.
hilcraw123's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
juliaw's review against another edition
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
4.0
mark_lm's review against another edition
3.0
Ultimately a Victorian story of who will marry whom, but the opening 20% or so of the novel, in which the characters are named and outlined and the stage is set, is hilarious. Certainly, if you were interested, you could learn a lot about the ranked clerical positions of the Anglican church here, and many great words are used, e.g. congé, toxophilites, ha-ha, and, my favorite, hebdomadal.
fairywren's review against another edition
emotional
informative
lighthearted
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0