Anthony Trollope's The Last Chronicle of Barset has the distinction of being my last book of 2017 and my first book of 2018. Weighing in at 861 pages, I started reading it on Nov 18 and managed to finish it in 7 weeks with the holidays and holiday reading thrown in there for good measure.
As you might have guessed by the title, this is the last of 6 novels in the Barsetshire series, and I have to say that I was sad to say goodbye to the villagers, squires, clerics, lawyers, wives, and servants that I've come to know and love since I started on the series with The Warden, back in November of 2010. I think when I reread the series--and believe me, I will!--I will endeavor to do it in less than 7 years!
I also found that I enjoyed the books more as I progressed through the series. I know that book 2, Barchester Towers, is considered to be the crown jewel of the series, but it was not my favorite. Perhaps being more familiar with the characters and their lives with each book helped, but I really think book 6 is the best. Such a rich collection of characters--I think Josiah Crawley and Lily Dale are two of the most frustrating, and fascinating, characters ever developed. Their obstinacy is maddening, and yet I could definitely see the world from their point of view. They couldn't be more different--one is a dour killjoy and the other is a warm and witty woman, but they defy social convention and will not bend to make their road easier.
I couldn't help wishing that Trollope had written a 7th book in the series in which he married off Jane Crawley to Johnny Eames. Maybe there's some Trollope fan fiction out there that finally gives Johnny a wife--if ever a man should be married, he is it.
I found myself mentally picturing Lord Grantham from Downton Abbey (as played by Hugh Bonneville) for Archdeacon Grantley--I find it not at all strange and very amusing that Julian Fellowes borrowed the name Crawley from Trollope's Barchester series and gave it to the lords of the manor! And Mrs. Grantley's ways of handling the Archdeacon are definitely aligned with Cora's.
Finally, I think that one of the reasons I liked this final book so much is the mystery around how Mr. Crawley got the cheque in the first place. I think that more than the other novel, this one had a super strong plot line off of which the other branches could comfortably hang. It was a perfectly constructed novel, and immensely satisfying to read.
I would absolutely love it if the BBC did a TV series of the entire Barchester series. There is a version from 1982, but it only goes through the first 2 books.
I think this might be my favorite Trollope, despite the sadness of losing Mr Harding. It truly is immensely satisfying to read, but I hate coming to end of it, and of the series.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on finishing. As you know I read this entire series a few years ago myself. I loved this book, it was my second favorite of the series after Barsetshire Towers.
ReplyDeleteBy coincidence, my first finished book of 2018 was The Duke's Children, which is the last book of The Palliser Series. There are crossover characters so in a way, that series is just a continuation of Barsetshire.
I still haven't read him yet! Maybe this year?
ReplyDeleteWouldn't a new BBC adaptation be wonderful?! The Last Chronicle of Barset certainly has the strongest plot, but I'd be hard pressed to choose a favorite. Will definitely reread them all some day... after finishing the Pallisers and as many stand-alones as I can find. Congratulations on finishing the series!
ReplyDeleteI've always wanted to try this author - I know JoAnn has raved about him. This sounds very good.
ReplyDeleteTime for a reread for me! It has been decades. For a long time, I toyed with tackling The Way We Love Now or He Knew He Was Right, said to be masterpieces both. But somehow I never thought they could grab me the way first the Barsetshire and then the Palliser novels did.
ReplyDeleteI have heard such great things about this series. I think its a good idea too that you began the the first novel back in 2010 because no matter how good a series is I think its important not to read one book right after the other but allow a little time to pass between novels. Have you read Susan Howatch's Starbridge series, six books as well set in the fictional town of Starbridge (Salisbury). Howatch's books deal with the English church but this time set in the 20th century and she has been comoared to Trollope.
ReplyDeleteI haven't heard of the Starbridge series, but I will check it out. I like the premise and setting. Thanks for the tip!
DeleteYes, I like to spread out the books in a series, which I certainly did with the Barset series.
First LOVE the Barchester Chronicles and I agree, the much lauded Barchester Towers is not my favorite either! I think I like Dr. Thorne best (because of Miss Dunstable) but the last book is amazing too.
ReplyDeleteI second Kathy's recommendation of the Starbridge series. I devoured them in the 90s. Try the first one and see if you like it.
I tried Trollope when the Pallisers were on Masterpiece Theatre and later when Barchester Towers was featured but don't think I read more than one or two. But I later devoured all of Thirkell, which is nearly as good, right? I also went through a period when I was fascinated by the Starbridge books. I don't think I have ever read a series about so many unpleasant people but I was obsessed and couldn't stop reading or thinking about them! They are extremely compelling despite the fact that the characters talk for paragraphs without stopping or being interrupted - not like real life.
ReplyDeleteI came late to Trollope myself, having read one of the Palliser novels in college and it didn't make an impact, but liking him v much now. I have some Thirkell on my TBR shelf, and intrigued hearing about the Starbridge books.
DeleteYes, real life conversations are not like Vic Lit ones!