UK Book Club discussion

Anthony Trollope was a 19th century writer and his novels, mostly romance, are similar to those of Jane Austen. However, though Jane Austen wrote only some six or seven books, Trollope has written almost a hundred.
Of his novels, I have just completed re-listening to “Can You Forgive Her?” and I am now re-listening “Phineas Finn”.
Trollope is famous for his series of six “Barsetshire” novels and for his series of six “Palliser” novels. I have the print, eBook and audio versions of all twelve books as well as those of some of his other books.

Anthony Trollope’s “Palliser” novels

Plantagenet Palliser is the central character of these novels and is considered the most complex character Trollope ever created. He is first introduced to the reader in the 5th “Barsetshire” series book, “The Small House at Allington” where he is involved in a flirtation with a prominent lady.
In the Palliser series, he has marital problems, succeeds his uncle as Duke of Omnium, becomes the Prime Minister of the country and finally he has problems with the love affairs of his children.
The series has various sub-plots, the chief among them being the life and loves of Phineas Finn, that lovable Irish Member of Parliament.

"Framley Parsonage" by Anthony Trollope

I consider the love story contained in this book of Lucy Robarts and Lord Lufton together with the intervention therein of the future mother- in-law, Lady Lufton, as one of the finest pieces of romance in English literature, surpassing even those of Jane Austen.

I am not sure I would agree that the novels of Trollope are similar to those of Jane Austen.

I've never read Trollope before and as picking up one of his books seems like a multi-week commitment, anyone have any recommendations as to the best one?

Anna, I would recommend that you start with either Barchester Towers or Framley Parsonage.

Terrence wrote: "Anna, I would recommend that you start with either Barchester Towers or Framley Parsonage."

Ah, great, thank you! Barchester Towers it is, something about the name 'Framley' gives me an unpleasant feeling like I'm holding a very wet umbrella.

Anna, lol!

I've had Barchester Towers and The Warden on my to read list for years... Does anyone else remember the BBC adaptation with the wonderful and much missed Alan Rickman as Obediah Slope (sp?).

I might finally get around to finally reading him later in the year, but for now, I'm very busy with Bleak House!

Liz wrote: "Anna, lol!

I've had Barchester Towers and The Warden on my to read list for years... Does anyone else remember the BBC adaptation with the wonderful and much missed Alan Rickman as Obediah Slope (..."

Yes, I remember Alan as Obediah Slope, he was brill. Enjoy Bleak House, Liz. Last year I read Martin Chuzzlewit - that's my Dicken's quota filled for a long time :)

Anna wrote: "I've never read Trollope before and as picking up one of his books seems like a multi-week commitment, anyone have any recommendations as to the best one?"

Anna, hi. I would recommend Rachael Ray or The Claverings - two of my favourites.

Ah, thank you so much for all these recommendations!! Now I'm tempted to watch that BBC adaptation (who doesn't have a weak spot for Alan Rickman?!) but I know that if I watch it, I will never read the book because BBC always do such a great job on period dramas.