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The Duke's Children
Jan. 22nd, 2022 09:19 amI started alternating Barchester Chronicles and the Palliser Novels by Anthony Trollope back in mid-2009, and finally completed the Palliser series with The Duke's Children this week. I always enjoy spending time with Trollope, but often forget how much when I'm between books, as his volumes are always very chunky and so sometimes a bit off-putting.
And I had indeed forgotten how funny he is, particularly when he's commenting on his own writing and his writing process. There's a whole section in this book about 'in media res', and how it feels like putting the cart before the horse, which is just hilarious. Especially, since he spends several pages setting out his intention to throw his readers into the middle of the scene without telling us any of the background, and then utterly fails to do so, all the while berating himself for giving away pieces of the horse!
In terms of plot, two of The Duke's Children declare they want to marry people the Duke finds unsuitable, they try to persuade him to give his consent, and there are two weddings at the end. That takes 633 pages, with endlessly repetitive arguments, lots of angst on all sides, people continually tying themselves in knots over proper social etiquette, a bit of horseracing, a fair amount of politics, and plenty of discussion about danger to the English aristocracy from lesser blood. But, even across that great length, its never dull, never tedious and never wearing. I don't know how he does it!
There's a subplot about Lady Mabel Grex, who has the opportunity to marry both the main romantic leads at one time or another, but 'spares them' for various reasons, and then gets annoyed with them when they both find other young ladies they want to marry. She's a very interesting character, and particularly well-drawn, in my view.
There's also the fascinating arc of Isabel Boncassen, the American beauty, who is offered the opportunity to marry the heir to the Duke of Omnium and initially turns him down because she's worried the rest of the aristocracy won't accept her. And, while the idea of eventually becoming an English Duchess is very appealing to her, she doesn't relish the prospect of being ostracised and humiliated, especially living so far from all her family and friends. And, given what happened to Megan Markle, I think she's right to be wary!
I have one Barchester volume left to read, and then both series will be complete - but there are plenty of standalone novels by Trollope to keep me going for a long time!
And I had indeed forgotten how funny he is, particularly when he's commenting on his own writing and his writing process. There's a whole section in this book about 'in media res', and how it feels like putting the cart before the horse, which is just hilarious. Especially, since he spends several pages setting out his intention to throw his readers into the middle of the scene without telling us any of the background, and then utterly fails to do so, all the while berating himself for giving away pieces of the horse!
In terms of plot, two of The Duke's Children declare they want to marry people the Duke finds unsuitable, they try to persuade him to give his consent, and there are two weddings at the end. That takes 633 pages, with endlessly repetitive arguments, lots of angst on all sides, people continually tying themselves in knots over proper social etiquette, a bit of horseracing, a fair amount of politics, and plenty of discussion about danger to the English aristocracy from lesser blood. But, even across that great length, its never dull, never tedious and never wearing. I don't know how he does it!
There's a subplot about Lady Mabel Grex, who has the opportunity to marry both the main romantic leads at one time or another, but 'spares them' for various reasons, and then gets annoyed with them when they both find other young ladies they want to marry. She's a very interesting character, and particularly well-drawn, in my view.
There's also the fascinating arc of Isabel Boncassen, the American beauty, who is offered the opportunity to marry the heir to the Duke of Omnium and initially turns him down because she's worried the rest of the aristocracy won't accept her. And, while the idea of eventually becoming an English Duchess is very appealing to her, she doesn't relish the prospect of being ostracised and humiliated, especially living so far from all her family and friends. And, given what happened to Megan Markle, I think she's right to be wary!
I have one Barchester volume left to read, and then both series will be complete - but there are plenty of standalone novels by Trollope to keep me going for a long time!
