This old fashioned novel would not make your pious grandma blush even once. Yet it's themes of the complex motives that drive human nature, the subtle power of institutions such as the church to cover up injustice, the value of friendships, and the nature of integrity are surprisingly modern and reverent. I may read the next novel in the series to see what happens to some of the characters who are generally well drawn.
One of the great Victorian novelists, Trollope explores the universal complexities of human motivation and social morality. Truly a delightful book for those who long for authors with a sparkling command of the English language.
I read this book as a lead-in to an old favorite, Barchester Towers. To me, it lacks the depth and humor of Barchester Towers. In short, I enjoyed it, but I won't read it again -- as I will its sequel.
