Marissa's challenge 2026 > Likes and Comments

A place to discuss what you're reading for Marissa's challenge: Read a Victorian work that critiques a corrupt or decaying social institution. (Law, Education, Politics, Church)

The Tenant of Wildfell Hall

Joseph Conrad, Heart of Darkness (critique of imperialism and colonialism). Also fits the 'journey' prompt.

I plan to read Marion Fay by Anthony Trollope, which I think might have some social criticism in it. I also plan to re-read Mary Barton by Elizabeth Gaskell. I don't remember much of it from some years ago, but I do remember it has factory workers, I think.

I'm planning to read The Warden by Anthony Trollope. I'm only a few years into Victober, and have never read Trollope yet. 🙂

Lucy wrote: "I'm planning to read The Warden by Anthony Trollope. I'm only a few years into Victober, and have never read Trollope yet. 🙂"

A great place to start with Trollope, Lucy! But be sure to follow it up with Barchester Towers, as The Warden's story continues in that book. Katie feels that the two books really are "one."

I’m currently reading “Under that Calamity” by John Thomas Perceval which is a memoir of a man’s mental breakdown and subsequent time in various mental institutions (madhouses). It’s very much a critique the institutions themselves but also goes into how mental illness is treated and vilified by both professionals and the general public. It’s a brutally honest book, describing his personal delusions and actions but also goes into his treatment from the various staff and doctors as well as his own family. It’s tough at times but enlightening.

Thanks, Kathy, I heard that somewhere else, too, that the two should be read close together. I will be hoping to get to Barchester Towers very soon