A delightful and funny novel which made me wonder how much one can put Trollope's social observations into a current state of affairs if it comes to schemes to gain power and influence. I love his insight into the human psyche, both of men and women. Parts reminded me of Woody Allen and how he depicts speechlessness and confusion in otherwise very articulate persons and how one’s own perception so much differs from that of others.

Reading in an illustrated, carefully edited small full cloth book with gilded edges and ribbon page marker was an extra delight. ( )

This is a more ambitious novel than The Warden, where that book's strengths are amplified in the genuinely enjoyable characterisation and narrative, but also the digressions abound and the set pieces expand to fill space seemingly not editorially constrained. Enjoyable overall however ( )

Read by David Shaw ( )

Ultimately a Victorian story of who will marry whom, but the opening 20% or so of the novel, in which the characters are named and outlined and the stage is set, is hilarious. Certainly, if you were interested, you could learn a lot about the ranked clerical positions of the Anglican church here, and many great words are used, e.g. congé, toxophilites, ha-ha, and, my favorite, hebdomadal. ( )

“Her virtues were too numerous to describe, and not sufficiently interesting to deserve description.”

"husbands, oh, my marital friends, what great comfort is there to be derived from a wife well obeyed!"

Barchester Towers is hilarious, a couple of the numerous witty quotes from this novel. Drop a star for being a bit long-winded. Trollope is becoming a favorite.... ( )