I am so happy that Julian Fellowes, creator of Downton Abbey, loves Anthony Trollope as I do. He has a new tv project in the works based on the book Dr. Thorne. This is the third book in the Chronicles of Barsetshire series. Fellowes says these books are very influential on his tv work.
I think each book, of the 4 of the 6 I have read, is perfection. Lots of humor, the author makes funny asides and pokes fun at himself. He wrote about "if I were a better writer, I could ... ", which is just so charming. At another point Trollope interrupts the story to write "Fear not dear reader. I will not make you wait in horror for the next book" when a heroine's fate is in jeopardy.
Some of you already know the charms of Barsetshire. Some of you may not care for the books. Could this be? But I love these books, written in the 1850s and carrying the reader to those times of country homes, middle and upper class people, poor people, and many lovely ladies and young men ready or not ready for romance. In the second book Barchester Towers is the best and most romantic description of a proposal of marriage I have read or can imagine.
Trollope uses very funny names for some of his characters. A few are: Dr. Fillgrave. Would you choose him for your doctor? Not me. Mr. Quiverful for a man who has 14 children. Mssrs. Slow and Bideawhile for a law firm. Just little welcome touches of humor.
Perhaps there will even be romance in store for "old" Dr. Thorne! Dr. Thorne is 50, not really so old at all, but he is a confirmed bachelor. I'll never tell.
I sometimes cry when I read or hear about something truly beautiful, and Trollope's books have done that for me. Usually it is when a difficult conceited or selfish person sees what is right and does it, just for the sake of doing what is good. A person in need is greatly helped, perhaps lovers are united or someone is saved from financial catastrophe. And not by a saintly character but by a flawed one who rises to the occasion. What beautiful writing by Mr. Trollope.
24 comments:
Ah, this is one classic author I have overlooked! I should remedy this STAT! Thanks for the review and background on this new series, too.
I went directly off to "Wiki" to find out more about Mr. Trollope... wondering if perhaps he had actually been a woman with a great nom de plume or something.... but, no...he was indeed, a man...
Interesting but rather odd sort of life he had, but still produced a lot of interesting reading from the sound of it... a person should probably give at least one or two of his writings a go....
It seems like readers are always comparing Trollope to Dickens, but to me Doctor Thorne is much more reminiscent of Jane Austen. The novel was such a pleasure to read... and I laughed out loud when I saw Dr. Fillgrave's name, too. Cannot wait for the television adaptation!
Are you reading Framley Parsonage now? I just passed the halfway mark... not as wonderful as Doctor Thorne, but still very good.
You have really peaked my interest! I need to check the first book out of the library, as I love period literature and think I would enjoy! Thank-you for sharing!!
glad you shared.
You have peaked my interest too. Must check this out.
I like tales written in the 1800's and like Downton Abbey.
Oh, MY!!!! I can't wait to get my hands on these books!!!! Thank you for the recommendation!
Your comments about the names reminds of a little collection you might love. "Remarkable Names of Real People. "
Alas, Terra, I don't watch Downton Abbey. I know, I know, everyone else in the world has seen it. Oh well. What can do? Thanks for your visit! Susan
Those books sound good, will have to look for them.
I am so happy you have introduced me to these books! They sound delightful!
I'm not familiar with these books but since I LOVE Downton Abbey, I'll check them out and watch for the show on TV. Thanks for the tip.
Happy to know more things in which i had no interest...
Oh, this is good to know! I've never heard of these books, don't read too much, but I love Downton Abbey so...this is exciting. Thank you so much for popping in to see me.
be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)
Thanks for the great suggestion!
And thank you for coming by my blog White Spray Paint.
Visits like yours mean the world to me.
Laura
sadly, i am not a reader of books or long stories but i do love reading blogs. i never watched downton abbey but was very curious about it, reading all the hype, and then it was cancelled. thanks for visiting and leaving such a kind comment!!
have a wonderful weekend!!!
Great things to know indeed. Greetings!
These sound very interesting. I will have to look them up and read. I love books written in an early time. Right now I am reading about Charles Dickens life and how he affected London at a very disturbing, depressing time. Also how "A Christmas Carol" saved him from bankruptcy and brought back the meaning of Christmas to England.
I know nothing of these books. Thank you for mentioning them. I love the care that authors give to characters's names. The ones you mention are very funny!
Trolloppe's entire Barsetshire series is on my to-read list. I'll have to hurry up so I get to the third book before the tv series comes along. Thanks so much for this information and also for visiting my blog.
I've never read Trollope, but just bought a book of three of his novels at a used book sale. I'm looking forward to reading them, especially after reading your post.
I've finally come back to this review now I've read Dr. Thorne myself. I agree with the commenter who compared this one to Jane Austen - actually the last one would fit that, too. I am so glad I finally took up Trollope in my 40s - so many of his books to wallow in!
I don't know anything about these books! But you mentioned Anthony Trollope and several people mentioned him to me recently. I'm going to have to check the library for this book series!
Deanna
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