OMG you used the title! 😍 Only had time to watch the first 4 minutes before work and can’t wait to finish!
@dillardlester8111
6 жыл бұрын
This is my first read of this so a lot of what I say may turn out wrong. My favorite character so far is George Vavasor. I don't say that I like him but he is for me the most interesting of the characters. He seems the only one who knows what he wants and takes action. I like the images of the first meeting between Alice and the two men. With John Grey she speaks to him in front of an empty fireplace. No heat, no fire. Whereas with George in Switzerland there is a roaring river and tumults of nature. I see Kate Vavasor as the villain of the piece, she seems to be interfering with Alice's love life for her own benefit. I also like the minor characters. Jeanette, Mrs Greenow's maid, is a fun character. I can't read Mrs Greenow without imagining that she's played by Madeline Kahn. And then my favorite name in the first quarter is definitely Bat Smithers. There's probably money in a novel that would put him as a groomsman by day but a masked vigilante by night. Chapter twenty ended too soon. I was hoping Cheesacre and Bellfield would meet and fisticuffs would ensue. Overall I am enjoying this so thank you Steve for pushing me here. I'm reading an Oxford World Classics paperback copy but its not my only book. I'll end since this is probably more than you want to hear.
@barbaramoignard6082
6 жыл бұрын
I've never read anything by Trollope before so thank you for the chance to join in on this read-along. I'm reading the free Gutenberg download - what a wonderful resource that is. I've read five or six chapters each evening and, to be honest, I've overshot the first twenty. While I'm sure I'd avoid her in real life my favourite character is Arabella Greenow. But the way narrator himself lets his audience know his own opinions is wonderful. The thought of beauty lost through living to excess being a positive, a reason to cut down on bad habits, is something I would never have considered. I'm sure this will be the first of many Trollopes I'll read and enjoy. Steve, thank you.
@johnnyweeks
6 жыл бұрын
I most likely never would have read this book but for this Read-Along. So effusive thanks to you, Steve! This is my first Trollope but definitely not my last. I am thoroughly enjoying it and looked forward to your first video with great anticipation. As always, it did not disappoint. I so appreciate you doing this. I like Alice. I can relate with her because I can be pretty indecisive myself sometimes . . . or maybe I’m not indecisive, (I’m not sure). And I really enjoyed Mr. Cheesacre’s and Captain Bellfield’s pursuit of the Widow Greenow. Pretty hilarious stuff. I’m reading a 99-cent Kindle version. I have been unable to restrain myself to the three chapters per day so I am a bit ahead. I read it every night before I go to bed and really look forward to my Trollope fix each night.
@gryeskedal6300
2 жыл бұрын
Ok, now it is 2022. I have some time to spend , and finding this video remembering you introducing me to Throllope and this very book in 2018... oh what a pleasure it was. So I will have to stay home from work for some days due to a minor surgery, and I know what to do!! Read it again! What a pleasure it was to relisten to your views on this book!!!! I have spent many hours in his characters company!!
@alison5459
6 жыл бұрын
I am only very new to reading classics (I have only read a few Wilkie Collins books and Lady Audley’s secret) but I have been wanting to try something different. I had actually purchased 2 of Trollopes other novels but was too intimidated to start them so when you announced this read along I thought it would be the perfect way to start! I’m listening to it on audiobook. I thought it would be hard to get through 20 chapters a week but I loved the first part, I am having to make myself slow down and not get ahead of the schedule! I really enjoy his humor, there are so many great lines in the book so far that have made me smile. I absolutely loved Kate’s letter to Alice, when she describes her visit to Oileymead. Mr Cheesacre has a very strange technique of wooing someone, showing them huge piles on manure. ‘Only fancy Alice, it may all be mine, the blankets, the wine, the muck and the rest of it’. Purely because of that letter I’m tempted to say that Kate is my favorite but really it’s Mrs Greenow. I like that Mrs Greenow does whatever she wants, while she is still technically doing what society expects of a widow, she manages to do everything her own way and seems to be enjoying herself. She has a strong personality and doesn’t seem concerned with what other people think. I don’t like George very much but I do like reading about him. He seems to do things for no other reason but to make things difficult for other people. Why does he want to keep his home a secret or not tell anyone where he has been, contrary little bugger! I’m glad that I have other Trollope books as I will definitely be wanting to read more after I have finished this one 👍
@lizziefayelovesbooks
6 жыл бұрын
I'm having a hard time with this one Steve. I'm really torn because I want to participate, but I'm 10 chapters in and have no idea what is going on in the story. I told myself that I wouldn't give up until I heard your first discussion. So I'm going to go back now and give it another try and see if I can follow it. I just haven't had much exposure to this type of literature and this time period, but it's good to broaden my horizons. I have a print copy checked out from the library, which I read a few pages of before discovering that the audio is available on Hoopla. So I've been listening up to this point. I think I need to sit down with the book and skim over what I've already listened to.
@winstonransom7119
6 жыл бұрын
Glad you started this read Steve, not sure I would have pick this one up otherwise.
6 жыл бұрын
This is only my second Trollope (yes, yes, I know, shame on me) & I've enjoyed the satirical style a lot. But what struck me most was the fact that the women (and their families) talk about marriage in terms of a 'career' which in those days it probably was. The only career a women of 'standing' could pursue... As for the characters: I find Lady Glencora the most intriguing because of the decisions she made in the past and the situation she finds herself in now.
@familyfun2784
6 жыл бұрын
This is my first Trollope. I have been trying to collect the Barcester novels in used bookstores and goodwills, but it has been slow going. Soooo - I was so excited about this read along. I began with the kindle version and audible accompaniment. While listening to the audible and reading the kindle version, I found that I wanted to read faster than the reader and the kindle was not conducive to Trollope. I needed hold a physical copy to do it justice. Now I read the physical book first and listen to a repeat on the audible later, while driving, etc. I was furious with the characters at first. They were so silly, pretentious and self serving. But, then Lady Glencora came. Maybe, just maybe a character to love. Thank you for doing this, Steve. What a treat!
@duffypratt
6 жыл бұрын
This was the first Trollope I read, over 30 years ago. I’ve since read them all, and your summary makes me think I might reread this.
@eleni8475
6 жыл бұрын
New subscriber here! On the basis of this video (and Shawn the Book Maniac raving about the audio version), I have decided rather late to join this read along using kindle, audio and paperback (for me this is the sort of novel you need in physical form but I can’t walk around with that brick in my handbag hence the kindle!). I have never read Trollope before and have only read the first three chapters so far, but I’m absolutely loving it. The English humour is wonderful! I know it’s probably too early to say, but so far, I rather admire Alice. I like the way she defended her opinions and her Swiss trip to her interfering aunt in the second chapter! I also enjoy the way the narrator addresses the reader directly - something I know is common in Victorian fiction. I’m re-reading Wuthering Heights at the moment too, and strangely, I’m enjoying Trollope much more.
@Fortheloveofclassics
6 жыл бұрын
Great discussion! I’m having so much fun reading this book. I am going to do an update video on my thoughts about this book so far. 50% done with Can You Forgive Her.
@Lulubobble
6 жыл бұрын
First time reading Trollope. Previous Victorian writers pretty much centered around Thomas Hardy and Dickens. I didn’t expect to enjoy Trollope as much as I am. Funny and witty. Don’t care for any of the characters particularly, although Lady Midlothian and her ‘sharp grey eyes’ is my type of opinionated old lady. Am very much enjoying the experience. Thank you Steve :)
@readerwoman
6 жыл бұрын
This is my first Trollope novel and while barely in, I am enjoying it. I found my copy free on kindle ... which I am very pleased about. Not sure if I'll be able to keep up, but will definitely finish. Will have to see if I will want to read more ... I have always enjoyed Henry James, and the sometimes alarmingly long sentences remind me of him.
@josmith5992
6 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the impetus to read this Steve, my second chapter after The Warden which I also enjoyed a long time ago. It surprised me how readable Trollope is and quite different to Dickens and Eliot. I felt reading the book that this could have easily been written by a woman in that Trollope writes women so well, even if several are ridiculous. Mrs Greenow is the most intriguing as she has some spice to her, I don’t dislike Alice and I feel like there’s more to her but she isn’t grabbing me, mind you, I have to admit I didn’t stop at Chapter twenty as I was enjoying it so much. I’m reading this on the kindle app for iPad and got my version from project Gutenberg. I was only reading this but have to finish Middlemarch in a few weeks so am actually alternating them which is proving to be enlightening, seeing the differences between the two authors.
@shannonl9289
6 жыл бұрын
Steve - thanks for hosting the read-along. Not my first Trollope (it is my first of the Palliser novels). I will certainly be continuing the other five of those in the near future. Given your ideas about needing to be a classic and be of a doable length - I recommend _The House of Mirth_ for May. Been wanting to reread that and the page count might help increase the group size.
@kbrandt4015
6 жыл бұрын
I'm reading a Penguin Classics from my bookshelf that probably goes back 20 years, which was about the first time I read it. Yes, I carry it with me. I've carried one book or another around with me since I was child, and I've carried this one around with me before. The narrator is my favorite "character" at the moment. Does he even count as a character? So far I'm enjoying not liking everyone else to one degree or another. I do think, though, I best like Mrs. Greenow because, as I read her, she seems to me to know herself, to know how the game is played and is happy to be playing. I've not thought of taking notes as I read, but I think I'll give it a try. I really do enjoy reading Trollope and though I have no suggestions as to how to make this work better Thank You for trying it and inviting us to do it together. By the way, I just received the Victoria Glendinning Bio of Trollope yesterday. Thank you for the suggestion.
@Wilsonn_esquire
6 жыл бұрын
I'm having such a good time with this book! I started it out on audio, but, as was the case with Trollope before, I couldn’t concentrate on the story when I was being told it. So I switched to the Gutenberg and began again; much faster that way, anyway. I’m loving the illustrations! I wish novels still had illustrations like that. This is only my second Trollope but The Way We Live Now changed my life (ha! what a line; at least, it powerfully confirmed aspects of my own writing (he and I have similar sensibilities about what a narrator can say/do, I think), and writing is a large part of my life) a year or so ago and I’m dead set on reading everything he wrote. When Alice jilts John their engagement I almost howled (with glee, with horror? both? both is good). You see it coming miles off but it was still such a wicked, delightful, horrible upset! Watching her one-thing-after-another analysis of the situation met itself out in chapter 11 was like watching a novice medical student perform a dissection, having to guess wildly and inaccurately at what function each part therein could possibly serve, and concluding the heart was something like a spleen! She’s been misled, her own good ideas about her life twisted into bad doings. Grey doesn’t seem to deserve it, but I don’t think Alice deserves him-not in that he seems better than her (or she than him), but in that Trollope from the off drops notes that something about them just doesn’t quite match up in temperament. But I’m already guessing eagerly about how it will all turn out at the end…. If she and Grey wind up together (they probably will? George is far too ne’er-do-well-ish; and in a Victorian comedy why start by splitting a couple up if you’re not going end with bringing them back together? maybe) one or both of them will have to be changed for it. I’m already tempted to forgive her because I can’t begrudge a fool for being foolish, and it does all seem like one of those situations where everyone is at fault but nobody is to blame, but the antics (from everyone involved!) gotta stop. I’m relishing the short chapters. I like being able to tuck away a ten minute parcel here and there throughout the spare moments of the day. I can whiz through books that way. I love Trollope’s narrative voice. I can picture him sitting in the room with me, telling me bits and pieces, almost like gossip, his own opinions included, his eyes lighting up when mine do, his hands gesturing, unfolding the story and explaining all as he sees fit. And I really enjoy that he can carry a whole scene on pretty much dialogue alone. Dickens is well known for his multi-plot novels (and I love them and him) but I am sort of inclined to start to wonder if Trollope doesn't do them even better…
@gdandrews
6 жыл бұрын
This is my first Trollope novel and I have really enjoyed the reading journey! I wasn't able to stop at Chapter 20 so continued on, as Trollope's writing is so engaging. You are right - none of the characters are particularly likeable but the relationships and interactions between them are such a delight to read. In particular, the rivalry between Cheesacre and Bellfield is hilarious. I ended up buying a hard copy - the Penguin Classics edition. Such a pretty cover too!
@BeaconHillBooks
6 жыл бұрын
This is my first Trollope and I will be making a video in response to your questions. Just a tad behind! Thanks for inspiring me to read it and hosting!
@Wilsonn_esquire
6 жыл бұрын
(cont.) I’m v entertained by Mrs Greenow. Her two suitors are an absolute laugh. I’m afraid the characters that have most pricked my interest, so to speak, are George and Burgo (and then, peripherally, the very minor Joe Fairstairs, “a lanky, useless, idle young man”). Who doesn’t love a good poncy, Victorian bad boy? Well, less bad boys more (supposedly) moneyed ne’er-do-wells, scamps, foolhardy boyish little men running around like they own something of the world, but all the same amounting to not much. They stir up trouble (and clearly have done in the past, as well) to my amused delight. I adore Lady Macloed’s meddling and busybody interventions! She reminds me of the old fashioned, nosy, proper, maiden aunt cliche. It hadn’t occurred to me while reading that none of the characters were unlikeable. (Some of the minor characters, like the two aptly name men involved in election, were despicable, tho.) I disliked Kate for her scheming but the rest, despite flaws, I was more or less willing to take on as people /trying/ to pull something positive off, and whom I one way or another should find a way to root for. Maybe Trollope’s tone is light and satirical enough for me to forgive what more realistically would be fairly dissuading qualms. I’ve liked Lady Glencora (genuinely liked her as a person, rather than just enjoyed her role in the story, unlike most everyone else), but she hasn’t made a strong impression so far for me. I’ll keep my eye on her.
@winstonransom7119
6 жыл бұрын
My library has an old two volume version I am reading before my penguins' classic arrives in the mail, second Trollope novel, reading about 30 pages a day, like the book but I wouldn't say I like any character yet lol.
@Marandi61
6 жыл бұрын
I’ve read eight Trollope novels so far, including the Barsetshire cycle which I completed a couple of months ago. The Palliser novels were next on the agenda, so this read-along came right on time. Even though I’m now familiar with Trollope’s style of writing, I didn’t expect to enjoy this novel quite so much. In the last two Barsetshire novels I would inwardly groan every time I came to the ‘comic’ London episodes which I found more tedious than funny. Here, the comedy sections are beautifully done and a joy to read. I like the way no character is entirely good, it makes them more human. At this point in the novel my least favourite character is Lady Macleod. Although John Grey did not exactly endear himself to me when he ascribed Alice’s decision to break to break their engagement to some form of insanity. It doesn’t take a great deal of imagination to see how a step in life that would result in complete lack of control over the course of the rest of one’s life would seem terrifying to any one with intelligence. It’s certainly understandable that Alice, who seems to place a great value on what little independence she has, would panic and start making decisions and acting on them without thinking them through properly.
@BeautyByKrystal
6 жыл бұрын
As my first victorian novel, and introduction to Trollope, I'm surprised at how much I am truly enjoying this story. Most fiction escapes my attention and I usually put a book down indefinitely. Somehow Trollope has me intrigued. I find myself rooting for George over anyone else, I wish for Alice to mature more, I hope Greenow does not choose either of the men fumbling over her, and I am interested in knowing more about Glencora. I am reading a horrible paperback with minimal margins from CreateSpace, but I've just ordered the Oxford Classic on Amazon. I would prefer to have a hardcover, but was unable to find one in time. I enjoyed your part 1 read-along, I look forward to discussing the next 20 chapters in part 2.
@JenniMReads
6 жыл бұрын
My favourite character is the narrator, the author himself. He has such a charming way of inserting his own opinions every now and then (for example in the beginning of chapter 5, The Balcony at Basel), like he was having conversation with the reader. This comes across wonderfully in the audiobook. Other characters I liked are aunt Grenow and her suitors, Trollope describes them in such a wonderful manner. At first I rather liked George Vavasor, but then came chapter 12 and George confessed that Alice’s chief attraction was ”the delight which he would have in robbing Mr. Grey of his wife”. But I can’t say I’m pleased with Mr. Grey either, he’s reaction to Alice breaking of the engagement was so infuriating, talk about mansplaining! This is my third Trollope, I've read the first two Chronicles of Barsetshire books before this. I'm listening to an audiobook narrated by Timothy West, but I also have an e-book.This story captivated me so much that I wasn't able to stop after 20 chapters, but raced through the whole thing.
@laurac56
6 жыл бұрын
My Trollope history: I have read the first three Barchester novels over the last 18 months or so and adore them (esp. The Warden). I am loving this book too. I am reading the hardcover Oxford University press book because I own all of the Barchester novels in this form and thought that I would continue. I have purchased these all used. I also have the complete books as a Nook set, which I read our book from on my ipod Touch occasionally. My favorite characters are Lady Macleod and Aunt Greenow (I do like Glencora too). I should say that my favorite character in Pride and Prejudice (not a favorite book of mine) was the Mother. I know that is not a popular choice but I find great sympathy for all three of these older women, probably because I am one too in that I will be turning 60 next month. Their busybody tendencies might possibly be recognized by my adult children, although they really should not be. ;)
@laracroft1829
6 жыл бұрын
This is my seven Trollope book. The more I read him, the more I like him. I like Lady Glendora’s story and how she admits she is still attracted to Burgo. So far I don’t like Kate, I feel she is not a true friend and her main mission is to please her brother. I am doing the combo of book and audio. Reading the kindle free copy.
@AzleapyChannel
6 жыл бұрын
This will be my first Trollope, i found it on storytel so I will listen to the audio book. It will be my buss-book.
@readerofacertainage4407
6 жыл бұрын
There is so much to say! My copy is from my library; an Everyman’s Library edition held together with tape. I find the novel is best read in chunks while I huddle from the cold reading in my bed. Favourite character would be Greenow and George is very interesting...not sure what I’ll think about George as the story progresses.
@lindseyreads5450
6 жыл бұрын
I'm reading the book on my kindle, and I got it free from Amazon's store. It hasn't been my main book, but I have been reading it almost everyday. My favorite characters to read about are Arabella and her suitors. At first I liked Alice for being independent and turning away from a lucrative marriage; however, as the book went on, I started to get annoyed with her decisions, especially her continued interest in her cousin. Sadly, this is only my second Trollope. I've been meaning to read this series for awhile now but never got around to it. Luckily your readlong gave me the push I needed.
@carolinasiqueira752
6 жыл бұрын
I'm really liking it, especially the Arabella Greenlow' ones. This is my second Trollope, I read The Way We Live Now last month for Kate's not-so-hypothetical victorian course. John Grey reminds me of Roger Carbury from that book, both whom I dislike. I'm reading four chapters a day until I finish the twenty chapters of the week, like it was published originally.
@elenamakridina8196
6 жыл бұрын
It's my first Trollope:) The dialogues between Kate and Alice I loved. Mrs. Greenow is my darling together with her two suitors. I enjoy it but I'm way behind.
@Gary_M
6 жыл бұрын
I finished the 20 chapters just in time! This is my first Trollope, and I can already tell he has a wicked, barbed sense of humor. My main thoughts were what you already covered about all of the characters being unlikable, and how the author inserts himself into the text in an unusual way. Judging by the book title I'm hoping Alice has some growth to her character as we go along. I guess even in 1865 women couldn't resist the bad boys. Funny that even the name "Mr Grey" couldn't be more bland lol. The fox-hunt section was I bit of a slog, but otherwise I'm enjoying it and looking forward to seeing what happens next. Reading the Project Gutenberg edition on my Kindle, and it's pretty nice, it even has illustrations throughout.
@patrickworthington3762
6 жыл бұрын
I'm having a good time with Trollope. This is my second/third novel of his. I had read The Warden a couple years ago and loved it (unlike, it seems, a lot of bookubers) and then just before this read along I had started Barchester Towers and was about 250 pages in and enjoying it. My idea was to read both, but I've not really picked Barchester Towers up since Can You Forgive Her. To help me keep some of the characters straight, I drew a little family tree. Class is always interesting in Victorian literature, especially Trollope I think. The Vavasors of Vavasor Hall are gentry, landed gentry, but much farther down the totem pole to the higher echelons of the peerage and aristocracy the Pallisers and Lady Glencora's relatives represent. Why would the Countess of Midlothian trouble herself to know her cousin Alice except to advise her on marriage as her social superior, and distant cousin. I really dislike Kate. Her obsession with her brother disturbs me. What little I've seen of her, I think I like Lady Glencora. I'm reading the same book you have, the Oxford World's Classics edition.
@wendyall1
6 жыл бұрын
This is my second Trollope. I only read 18 chapters and haven’t met Glendora. Aunt Greenwood and her buffoons are my favorite.
@behemotkowa
6 жыл бұрын
I am not a native English speaker and I really enjoy reading this book in original. I have it on my kindle and as an audiobook. It is so much easier than Dickens. I am already invested in the story. I do not like George or John, first one is a piece of... and the other one is too sweet but I would love to know what Alice will decided at the end. Love your read along Steve.
@readerofacertainage4407
6 жыл бұрын
I think Mr. Grey, aptly named, represents an ideal that never existed. This ideal is a country gentleman living a life tending to his property, books and furthering the notion of a quaint country lifestyle. And good for Alice to recognize that she would die a slow death if she ended up in said ideal. As a good friend of mine would say, I’d rather put pins in my eyes. So, is Alice a protofeminist, as Shawn the BM suggested, or does she have sufficient funds to not give a fig what her relatives think she should do. I do enjoy Trollope having fun with these characters. I imagine him chortling as he scribbled his first draft.
@gaildoughty6799
6 жыл бұрын
I’m reading this on my kindle paper white, but I read it the first time in a Penguin Classic edition. I take it with me, but I’m reading other things at the same time. Alice is really kind of a pill; George is clearly (even to her, I think) not a suitable person to be a husband. Right now Aunt Greenow is my favorite character. I know she made a mercenary marriage, but she fulfilled her duty well and can have fun now. Not much different from most women here, (in the novel, I mean) except that she’s a bit more open about it all. Kate’s a dreadful person, in my opinion; even worse than George. And who wouldn’t like Lady Cora? She’s so engaging and funny.
@elenamakridina8196
6 жыл бұрын
Mrs Greenow is so much fun. Was it usual for girls in London to be unmarried at 30 at that time? I always thought that they were to be married off by the age of 22-24.
@carterri04
4 жыл бұрын
Trollope is Boring!! Maugham said the only novel worth reading by Trollope is “The Eustace Diamonds”. I read him once and that was enough for me.
@marcusmusings
6 жыл бұрын
Definitely a fan of Cora. I feel so bad for her, but yeah, every other character is completely contemptible. I can't help but love the chapters though between Mrs. Greenow and her suitors. Question for you Steve, when did the concept of incest become an undesirable thing? Was that primarily a 20th century American concept, because I was going through the novel and nobody ever expressed how wrong it was that Alice wanted to pursue a relationship with her blood cousin. If George was a completely respectable individual, would her family had been acceptable?
@LizSchubert
6 жыл бұрын
It really bothers me that Alice is or was attracted to George! I am reading the Gutenberg on my Kindle and I also borrowed the audio from my library.
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