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A review by katykelly
Doctor Thorne by Anthony Trollope
5.0
I have always been put off from reading Anthony Trollope. I can’t give a particular reason why. Maybe it’s because his books were never part of lessons/discussions in school, the titles aren’t as well known as other classics, or possibly it’s the name (no, I’m not normally that shallow!). But no more. I am now a convert.
Having watched the excellent TV adaptation this year, I knew I was going to enjoy the story of a country doctor and his illegitimate niece, and her love for the local heir who “must marry money”. I had no idea how much I’d enjoy Trollope’s very funny writing and characterisations.
Such a great mix of characters – from Doctor Thorne who discovers that his niece is a potential heir herself, but refuses to let this knowledge influence her decisions. Mary Thorne is a surprisingly strong and steady young lady, quite a surprise. Her beloved, Frank Gresham, grows nicely from boy to man and is beautifully moral and upright throughout. The Scatcherds, father and son, epitomising the effects of alcohol on the lives of more than themselves. And of course, Lady Arabella, prize hypocrite, caring lioness mother, desperate to raise her family’s fortunes. A brilliant mix.
You would have thought that there wouldn’t be enough story there to keep interest for 600 pages, but I found it immensely readable and wouldn’t have been able to edit anything out.
I loved Trollope’s authorial voice popping up regularly with some snide remarks, it was hilarious. Felt fresh and modern it its narrative, not at all a ‘stuffy classic’. While it’s not one I think lots of teenagers are going to relate to (marrying for money, the horror of illegitimacy), it’s far more accessible that others of its era.
So happy to discover a ‘new’ author, and I will definitely be looking for more Trollope titles.
Having watched the excellent TV adaptation this year, I knew I was going to enjoy the story of a country doctor and his illegitimate niece, and her love for the local heir who “must marry money”. I had no idea how much I’d enjoy Trollope’s very funny writing and characterisations.
Such a great mix of characters – from Doctor Thorne who discovers that his niece is a potential heir herself, but refuses to let this knowledge influence her decisions. Mary Thorne is a surprisingly strong and steady young lady, quite a surprise. Her beloved, Frank Gresham, grows nicely from boy to man and is beautifully moral and upright throughout. The Scatcherds, father and son, epitomising the effects of alcohol on the lives of more than themselves. And of course, Lady Arabella, prize hypocrite, caring lioness mother, desperate to raise her family’s fortunes. A brilliant mix.
You would have thought that there wouldn’t be enough story there to keep interest for 600 pages, but I found it immensely readable and wouldn’t have been able to edit anything out.
I loved Trollope’s authorial voice popping up regularly with some snide remarks, it was hilarious. Felt fresh and modern it its narrative, not at all a ‘stuffy classic’. While it’s not one I think lots of teenagers are going to relate to (marrying for money, the horror of illegitimacy), it’s far more accessible that others of its era.
So happy to discover a ‘new’ author, and I will definitely be looking for more Trollope titles.