On Christmas Eve, after the festivities of the day had drawn to a close, I curled up in the living room amidst the shreds of papers and bows that had had flown when a few hours earlier gifts were being unwrapped, cracked open Barchester Towers by Anthony Trollope and immediately found myself with Dr Grantly and Mr Harding at the deathbed of Bishop Grantly. I had enjoyed my introduction to Trollope’s Barsetshire with The Warden but it was immediately clear I was going to enjoy this much, much more.
The problem of who to appoint as the warden of Hiram’s Hospital continues but that appointment pales in comparison to some of the more august clerical vacancies that come up during the course of this novel, beginning with the greatest position of all in Barsetshire: the bishop. Bishop Grantly times his death poorly, waiting just long enough for the government that would have favoured replacing him with his son to pass out of power. Instead, the unknown Dr. Proudie, whose greatest accomplishment is as the conduit for church reformers and the forceful Mrs. Proudie, is awarded the position. The bishop is masterfully aided in his work by his eloquent chaplain, Mr Slope, who, in combination with Mrs Proudie in particular, hopes to pursue an agenda completely counter to everything Dr Grantly and Mr Harding believe.
Dr Grantly’s outrage on meeting this offensive trio only made me love him more (and I was wildly fond of him after reading The Warden). The entire sixth chapter (entitled “War”) details the beginnings of the conflict between the Grantlyite and Proudieite forces and is a masterpiece. But the rift also brings about some very good things and not just in terms of comedic value: to me, there is nothing so delightful as watching Dr Grantly and Mr Harding being drawn closer together in understanding and friendship as their battle against the palace continues and they become co-conspirators against their bishop, wading deep into ecclesiastical politics. Even Mrs Grantly eventually takes to the conflict with as much gusto as her husband, despite usually being the very picture of amiability. But what mortal can remain amiable when confronted with Mrs Proudie and her reaching, grasping ways? Truly, we should pity rather than revile Dr Proudie, who knows there is no escape from her:
If he ever thought of freedom, he did so as men think of the millennium, as of a good time which may be coming, but which nobody expects to come in their day.
But there is also the other main concern of the novel: who should the widow Eleanor Bold marry? Yes, ‘joy!’ cries the reader, the tiresome, insufferably noble but thoughtless Bold is dead, leaving his young widow and son comfortably provided for. A trio of potential suitors, each with their own motivations, present themselves and though two are obviously unthinkable and only there for comedic effect (so Trollope assures us early on), they serve their purpose admirably. Will she marry the odious Mr Slope, so charming in female company yet the sworn enemy of all true Grantlyites? Or perhaps the feckless young Mr Stanhope, a charming but thoughtless member of that delightful, self-centred family, newly returned from Italy? Or will the intelligent, respected, admirable Mr Arabin, brought to Barsetshire to shore up the Grantlyites, carry the day? From his first introduction it is obvious that only Arabin could appeal to Eleanor and so it comes to pass but there is much fun had along the way. The lovers do not make things easy for themselves, but that seems to suit the author quite well:
As she spoke she with difficulty restrained her tears; but she did restrain them. Had she given way and sobbed aloud, as in such cases a woman should do, he would have melted at once, implored her pardon, perhaps knelt at her feet and declared his love. Everything would have been explained, and Eleanor would have gone back to Barchester with a contented mind. How easily would she have forgiven and forgotten the archdeacon’s suspicions had she but heard the whole truth from Mr Arabin. But then where would have been my novel? She did not cry, and Mr Arabin did not melt.
I already have the next book in the series (Doctor Thorne) out from the library and I am eager to get reading and to return once more to beloved Barsetshire.
The Captive Reader 
I thought this one was truly wonderful, I had no idea I would love these books so much. Trollope’s writing is a *joy*. Dr. Thorne is my next book in the series too but I’m not sure how connected it is to the cathedral and its daily life. We shall see.
Trollope and joy do seem to be synonymous, don’t they? I’ve only read three of his books now (these two Barsetshire novels and The American Senator) but each one has been delightful. After two books focusing on essentially the same cast of characters, I’m quite excited to be introduced to new folk in Doctor Thorne.
You’re making me want to read this again! Mr. Harding is one of my favorite characters in all of Trollope, and like you I love seeing him work with Dr. Grantly, who isn’t always as kind as he could be to his father-in-law (as in The Warden). There are so many other wonderful characters – I’m also a fan of Dean Arabin.
I’m not as fond as Mr Harding as you (I think I share just a teeny bit of Dr Grantly’s contempt for his meekness) but he is wonderful. But then ALL of Trollope’s characters are wonderful!
Great review 🙂 I’m reading this one with my Classics Bookclub in May. I will be our second Trollope after Small House at Allington – have you read this one?
What an excellent book club to belong to! I haven’t read The Small House at Allington yet. I’m just starting on Trollope and figured I may as well try and read the series in order this first time through (for I’m sure there will be rereads in the future!).
I love that you love Dr. Grantly! You’re reminding me to keep going…I’m on Doctor Thorne too! (And yes, an A.A. Milne about Pride & Prejudice is an irresistible prospect. Just put it on reserve — a good companion for Death Comes to Pemberley!
Dr Grantly is my hero. I think that may horrify some but I think he’s marvellous and I adore his relationship with his wife.
So excited that you were able to find a copy of “Miss Elizabeth Bennet”! I read it immediately after picking it up from the library and ADORED it.
I’m glad you enjoyed this one! I’ve been slowly working my way through the Barsetshire novels for more than a year (I now only have the last two still to read) and this is my favourite so far. I did love Doctor Thorne too, though it has a completely different set of characters – I’ll be interested to know what you think of it.
A worthy year’s work! I’m very excited to move on to Doctor Thorne and be introduced to a new cast of characters.
I’m looking forward to reading this one. I sort of “ruined the story” for myself by watching the BBCs Barchester Chronicles after reading The Warden, but it will not keep me from continuing to read the series. (I didn’t realize that the TV series combined the first two books — oops!) I hope to share your enthusiasm as the series progresses. 🙂
It’s okay, Susan, knowing the plot shouldn’t impair your enjoyment. Trollope is more about the delightful journey than the destination. I watched the miniseries after finishing this and enjoyed it but the book is much richer and funnier. With the miniseries, you lose all of the author’s editorial comments which, for me, were some of the best bits.
I enjoyed all of the Barchester Novels and then began the Thirkell novels in order of publication. Angela borrowed the county and many of Thirkell’s characters were descendants of Trollope’s people. I was disappointed not to meet Mr. Slope’s descendants, but realized that he may have been unable to find a wife. Now there have been some efforts to continue the life of the county into the present day, but I have not read them.
I love Thirkell’s Barsetshire novels, though I began reading them last year, long before I picked up Trollope. And I, for one, am perfectly happy for the descendents of Slope to stay exiled in town (where he retreated at the end of the novel and found himself a wealthy wife)!
I loved Barchester and quite enjoyed Dr. Thorne. Have just finished Framley Parsonage which was wonderful. Just two more Barchester novels to go and then I get to start on the Pallisers.
Glad to hear you’re enjoying the series! Ironically, I own all of the Palliser books and only two of Barsetshire ones, yet this is the series I chose to read first. What an illogical creature I am.
Yay! Isn’t Barchester Towers fun? 😀 The only one of the Barchester series I haven’t adored was The Small House at Allington, and it was still good. I’m planning on starting the final one (*sob*) soon.
It was so fun! I enjoyed but did not adore The Warden but this definitely got me excited to read the rest of the series.
I read this book when I was 18 years old. That was 50 years ago. It taught me a great deal about adult relationships and I am still grateful. I have reread it several times, along with the rest of the Barchester novels, and still love the writing. The humor manages to remain gentle in spite of being sarcastic. It’s like a cross between the personalities of Mr. Harding and the archdeacon. Every time I read the book, I learn something new.
The BBC series is also excellent. I found your blog while searching for more words to add to a message I was sending someone who is sad because a 92-year-old friend has died. The image of that the Reverend Mr. Slope rose up and I could hear him curse Bishop and Mrs. Proudie:
“May you live … for … ever .”
What a lovely comment! Trollope’s observations are so insightful, so true to life that I can’t think of a better writer to introduce a young person to the complexities of adult relationships. Sadly, too many people miss being introduced to Trollope! Your description of his humour as gentle is perfect, and I think that style is what makes him so successful in not just entertaining but also touching his readers. As eager as I am to continue discovering Trollope’s other works, I’m already looking forward to rereading the ones I have read. I can’t wait to discover what else they have to teach me.
I watched the BBC series shortly after I finished reading this and very much enjoyed it (particularly Susan Hampshire as Signora Neroni). Mr Slope could not have chosen a more awful curse.
This is definitely my favorite Barsetshire (Trollope) novel. I like them all, but this and The Warden are my two favorites. I found The Little House at Allington a little tedious. I so wanted Lily Dale to give way to Johnny Eames!
Kathy’s post popped up in my email, and caused me to reread your original post. I was reminded of Mr. Arabin, who often pops into my mind, because of a statement he makes to Mrs Bold, whom he is courting.
“It is the bane of my life that on important subjects I acquire no fixed opinion. I think and think and go on thinking; and yet my thoughts are running ever in different directions. …”
Arabin goes on to say several things that are very telling. What a teacher.
I have read that “Allington” was meant to be tedious, that Trollope wrote it in response to criticisms of the unladylike behavior of the ladies in his earlier novels. He expected his readers to see how tedious such a person would be, but was dismayed to find that she gave much satisfaction to many of his readers.