I’m a huge fan of Anthony Trollope’s work although he seems to be pretty much forgotten by the Academy and most of the reading public. Trollope explores the politics of love in Can You Forgive Her? Alice Vavasor is a lovely young woman who is torn between two proposals: the “safe” pick would be the plodding, but wealthy John Gray. The “dangerous” pick would be her cousin George Vavasor whose reputation is a bit shady. Alice’s dilemma gives Trollope the microscope to explore a woman’s role in a society where her freedom is constrained. To contrast Alice’s decision, Trollope gives us Lady Glencora Palliser, Alice’s regal cousin who married the rich and powerful Plantagent Palliser. Plantagent Palliser’s only interest is Parliament. Lady Glencora spends her days pining for the man she gave up to marry Palliser, the dashing but unsavory Burgo Fitzgerald. Trollope captures the compromises and sacrifices marriage entails, the disappointments and the joys. Other than Thomas Hardy, I can’t think of another male novelist who so completely creates believable, vibrant women characters as Anthony Trollope does.
Sad to admit, I have not read Trollope even though a close friend rereads him constantly and regales me with his humor. This one sounds terrific.
If you read Trollope, you may be tempted to “bend” your “one author, one book” rule.
Haven’t read him either, though I did watch the PBS series of The Pallisers.
I know George is a huge fan of his.
And George – I got FROM THE TERRACE on your say so. That’s one HUGE book!
Trollope translates well to PBS-type dramas. The production of THE WAY WE LIVE NOW is very good, too.
Hey, I’m unsavory but I don’t attract Brit babes. Oh wait–I don’t have that dashing part down yet…
Trollope isn’t really to my taste, but I do find him interesting. He would write from 5AM to 8AM every day. I–a nite owl–am impressed by that. His discipline and determination make him a good role model for writer wannabes.
Anthony Trollope was a writing machine. The amazing thing is that the quality of his books is very high despite the incredible production.
I’m gonna try one. It’s on my summer “improve myself” list.
CAN YOU FORGIVE HER? or Barchester Towers are good books to ease into Trollope’s world.