Reputably re-titled by Stephen King as “Can
You Possibly Finish It?” due to its length (he’s one to talk), but for me it
wears its 800 pages lightly.
Originally published in instalments in
1864-65 it’s a soap opera of its day around a cast including the aristocratic
Plantagenet Palliser and Lady Glencora, the merely well to do Vivasor cousins –
flighty Alice, stirrer Kate & villainous George – and the smooth but onomatopoeic
Mr Grey.
I’m afraid that Alice’s romantic ditherings
cause shock waves in society, evidenced by severely raised eyebrows. As she
digs herself deeper into dis-renown, others in her social circle have their own
relationship issues to deal with, related by Trollope with relish, wisdom, sly
humour and humanity.
In this, the first of his “political”
novels, the parliamentary setting is very much in the background, mainly
occupying the men while the women get on with the real intrigue of love, life
and society. There is much hand wringing and soul searching, attempts at honourable
behaviour, some skulduggery and a little violence before the titular question
can be answered.
I like Trollope’s easy style and enjoy his
asides to the reader, which may not be to everyone’s taste. Having meandered
through his Barchester Chronicles over a twelve year period will I have the inclination,
stamina or indeed longevity to get through the Palliser books?
We have the technology - with all six books loaded
onto the Kindle for just £1.29 - but to paraphrase Stephen King, can I possibly
finish it?
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