From the Bookshelf of Exploring Anthony Trollope…

The Bertrams

Anthony Trollope

Discussion: Overseas Novels

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Overseas Novels

Linda Tressel
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last updated May 30, 2015 08:14AM

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Dec 18, 2013 Elizabeth (Alaska) rated it liked it

Shelves: author-trollope, kindle

Although Trollope had already published the first three titles in his well-received Chronicles of Barsetshire series, The Bertrams appeared relatively early in the author's career. Much of it allows the author to display his future prowess. Unfortunately, much of it is also a slog - at least to me. Early in the novel the main characters are found visiting Jerusalem, and later in the novel two of the characters visit Cairo. As Trollope himself had visited these places in his position as inspector Although Trollope had already published the first three titles in his well-received Chronicles of Barsetshire series, The Bertrams appeared relatively early in the author's career. Much of it allows the author to display his future prowess. Unfortunately, much of it is also a slog - at least to me. Early in the novel the main characters are found visiting Jerusalem, and later in the novel two of the characters visit Cairo. As Trollope himself had visited these places in his position as inspector for the post office, the descriptions are a bit more detailed than interested me. They may have been very interesting to Trollope's audience at the time of publication.

Trollope can be counted on for a love story, and most of his novels have romantic elements. I didn't especially care for the way he handled those (yes, plural) here. Money - both the plenty and the lack - also makes a frequent appearance in his novels. Here, it was a central part of some of the characters decisions. Trollope has been accused of being a feminist. He seems better able than many of his time (or ours, for that matter) to understand and portray the woman's view.

It seems to me that it is sometimes very hard for young girls to be in the right. They certainly should not be mercenary; they certainly should not marry paupers; they certainly should not allow themselves to become old maids. They should not encumber themselves with early, hopeless loves; nor should they callously resolve to care for nothing but a good income and a good house. There should be some handbook of love, to tell young ladies when they may give way to it without censure.

and

Caroline was about to speak, but was stopped by the expression on her aunt’s face. Ladies have little ways of talking to each other, with nods and becks and wreathed smiles, which are quite beyond the reach of men; and in this language aunt Mary did say something as she passed which gave her niece to understand that the coming interview would not consist merely of the delights which are common among lovers.

Although Trollope's humor can be glimpsed in this latter quote, there wasn't enough of it throughout. I will never be sorry to have read a Trollope novel, but if this had been my first, or even the second, I might not have such a burning desire to read them all. I am hard-pressed to rate it higher than 3 stars.

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