Trollope’s Phineas Finn explores two grand subjects: politics and love. Our hero, Phineas, is the son of an Irish doctor. He trains as a lawyer, but yearns for a life in politics. And, surprisingly, an opening makes itself available and Phineas finds himself in Parliament at the age of 25. Trollope, knowledgeable in the ways politics is played, gives Phineas plenty of action with the various political factions. Intertwined in the political narrative, is Phineas’ love-life. There are several beautiful, appealing women in Phineas’ life: Lady Laura, who loves Phineas but marries the wealthy, but stoic Mr. Kennedy. There’s flighty but rich Violet Effingham, who men fight duels over. Then, there’s the mysterious and cunning widow Madame Goesler with her fabulous fortune. Phineas makes youthful mistakes and nearly comes to ruination, but Trollope has several cards up his sleeve to keep the plot twisting and turning until the final page. This is the second of the Palliser novels. I reviewed the first book in the series, Can You Forgive Her? a few weeks ago. Both books are rich in detail and subtle in substance. I was sorry to see this 700 page book end.
I remember the well done 1974 BBC adaptation.
I still haven’t read any of the series.
My public library has a set of THE PALLISERS on DVD. When I finish reading the series, I’ll watch the BBC set.
OK, I just reserved Can You Forgive Her? from the library.
I’ll let you know if and when I read it.
Other than some shared characters, there’s very little overlap between CAN YOU FORGIVE HER? and PHINEAS FINN. In fact, you might like PHINEAS FINN better. I’m reading THE EUSTACE DIAMONDS next which is supposed to contain a mystery.
this was the other book my Trollope friend (and she teaches it at WSU) recommended. I should try it. I must try it.
I’ll be diving into Trollope’s THE EUSTACE DIMONDS next week. Reportedly, it’s a mystery novel.