Although Trollope’s The Eustace Diamonds is the third novel in the Palliser series, it can safely be read without knowledge of the two previous books. The Eustace Diamonds blends mystery with humor and explores the social culture of London. Following the death of her husband, Sir Florian, beautiful but conniving Lizzie Eustace comes into possession of an expensive diamond necklace. Lizzie insists that the necklace was a gift from her husband (it wasn’t), but the Eustace lawyers insist she give it up. Lizzie’s ambitious cousin Frank, a lawyer, takes her side. However, Lizzie’s new lover, Lord Fawn, declares that he will only marry her if the necklace is surrendered to the Eustace lawyers. Lizzie becomes the object of gossip and scandal. Then, the necklace is stolen! Trollope’s creation of Lizzie Eustace trumps Becky Sharp of Vanity Fair in skulduggery and manipulation. The Eustace Diamonds will challenge and delight you.
I reads the first two in the Palliser series after watching a lot of it on PBS back when they were doing the whole lot. Liked them well enough, though they can be a bit dry at times. I still have fond memories of my first reading of Barchester Towers back when I was in college.
I’m working my way through the Palliser series, Rick. Loved the first two books!
Anthony Trollope is my favorite 19th century novelist–I find him far better than Dickens or even Thackeray. His sweeping novel, THE WAY WE LIVE NOW, is in my top five favorites of all time. If I were stranded on a desert island, I’d take Trollope’s collected works to pass the time.
THE WAY WE LIVE NOW is my favorite Trollope novel, too, Deb! And, I agree with you that Trollope is consistently brilliant in his novels. I like Dickens and Thackeray, too, but they have more highs and lows.
Good choice, George.
I remember Derek Jacobi as Lord Fawn in the Palliser adaptation.
I loved the whole Lord Fawn episode in THE EUSTACE DIAMONDS, Jeff. I have the DVD set of the THE PALLISERS. Maybe I’ll watch them over SPRING BREAK.
Many years ago I mentioned to a friend that I’d like to try some trollop, and he, misinterpreting, gave me DR. WHORTLE’S SCHOOL. It was the start of a very happy acquaintance, but I still have some regrets for the road not ploughed.
The fantasy is always better than the reality, Dan.
Dan–I’ve often wondered about how the very proper Trollopes felt about their last name.
I’ve often wondered about that, too, Deb. None of the biographies I’ve read about Anthony Trollope addressed that issue.
I definitely keep meaning to read more Trollope…and Thackeray…and…
Trollope and Thackeray are two very different writers, Todd. But Thackeray’s Becky Sharp from VANITY FAIR and Trollope’s Lizze Eustace are two of the more compelling female characters in 19th Century literature.
Oh, I was simply reminded of how pleasant VANITY FAIR was…and that triggered by the T file, I suspect…
I love VANITY FAIR, Todd. Becky Sharp and Lizzie Eustace make quite a pair of women on the make.
Love Trollope and think Barchester Towers may be one of tghe five funniest novels in English
BARCHESTER TOWERS had me laughing out loud when I first read it, Scott. Mrs. Proudie and Obadiah Slope are two of the more memorable literary characters of the 19th Century.
George, as to Anthony’s scandalous last name, according to many biographers it was much harder on his sister Trixie.
I can just imagine, Dan.