Just read this a few months ago - really very interesting and engaging - reminiscent of Dickens, almost. An enlightening view of the England of the period, as well as of how some elements of it viewed the U.S. generally and the nature of Americans as well. Wholeheartedly endorse this timely recommendation . . .
It's a great novel. I thought it was also a reminder of how many of the attitudes and events that we see today were happening back then. You're right: It does resemble Dickens.
By the way, if you haven't read "Vanity Fair" by Thackeray, give it a try. I think you'll enjoy it. [I just read it around two years ago and thought, "Wow."]
Trollope had this enormous output, all of it really popular in its day. Except The Way We Live Now. It flopped. Now no one reads any of his other novels, and TWWLN is the last man standing.
There's a really good teleplay of it with a neato cast:
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/waywelive/
It's what everyone thinks they're watching when they watch Downton Abbey, but aren't.
Just read this a few months ago - really very interesting and engaging - reminiscent of Dickens, almost. An enlightening view of the England of the period, as well as of how some elements of it viewed the U.S. generally and the nature of Americans as well. Wholeheartedly endorse this timely recommendation . . .
ReplyDeleteJim,
ReplyDeleteIt's a great novel. I thought it was also a reminder of how many of the attitudes and events that we see today were happening back then. You're right: It does resemble Dickens.
By the way, if you haven't read "Vanity Fair" by Thackeray, give it a try. I think you'll enjoy it. [I just read it around two years ago and thought, "Wow."]
Michael
Hi Michael,
ReplyDeleteI've never read Thackeray - but I will be soon - the book is downloaded and in my Kindle reading list . . . Thanks!
Hi Jim,
ReplyDeleteI've only read his most famous book - Vanity Fair - but I think you like it.
Michael
Trollope had this enormous output, all of it really popular in its day. Except The Way We Live Now. It flopped. Now no one reads any of his other novels, and TWWLN is the last man standing.
ReplyDeleteThere's a really good teleplay of it with a neato cast:
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/waywelive/
It's what everyone thinks they're watching when they watch Downton Abbey, but aren't.
Sippican,
ReplyDelete"It's what everyone thinks they're watching when they watch Downtown Abbey, but aren't."
They should put that on the front of the new editions.
Trollope is one of those authors who, once read, causes many people to ask, "Why haven't I been reading this guy for years?"
Thanks for the recommendation on the teleplay. Will check it out.
Michael