Rachel Ray: Week 1: Chapters I - V

[Michaela]

I´m late in starting this, so might comment what others have already said.

As there was the question of the three women living together, it was perhaps common at this time that a young widow moved back to her parents´ home, but it´s also that Mrs. Prime is contributing to the finances.

I think Mrs. Ray is weak in her decisions, and it´s somehow funny that she asks the clergyman (name?) if Rachel should go to the party and expects him to answer with no, so is astonished/shocked when he talks about a good marriage. There are several other rather funny parts in the first five chapters.

Mrs. Prime is rather unpleasant, not only in her stern way, but also when she threatens her mother to move out when Rachel doesn´t behave like her sister wants to.

Rachel is somehow innocent re the behaviour of Luke Rowan, but defends her behaviour in any way. He on the other hand is described as flirting with her, but not really having any serious ambitions, again thinking of beer when he leaves her at the churchyard. ;)

That´s the first Trollope for me, so looking ahead what will happen next!

[Brenda]

Hi Michaela! So glad you’re joining in - I hope you enjoy your first Trollope!!

I agree, I think it would have been more common for women to live together than separate. I also agree about Mrs Ray being weak. I think she turned it all over to Dorothea so often and didn’t trust herself. Funny when someone tells us what we weren’t expecting or wanting to hear.

[Piyangie, Moderator]

Its alright, Michaela, the threads will be open for you to comment when you are ready. I'm glad to hear you enjoying your first Trollope just like me. :)