Exploring Anthony Trollope discussion

I was curious whether Goodread readers preferred the Barsetshire or Palliser series. As of today, both series were rated exactly the same - a 3.99 average (23.93/6). I had thought Pallisers would be higher rated, but actually Barsetshire was brought down by the Warden's low 3.71 rating. The other 11 novels ranged between 3.93 to 4.11. My guess is that The Warden's low rating can be attributed to the many readers who were assigned it and were not Trollope fans. It is a short novel and had over 5,000 ratings while the other Barsetshire novels have only 2,000 to 3,000 ratings.

While I find this statistical tie fascinating, I realize it will change. While I loved The Pallisers I have a softer spot for Barsetshire since it was my introduction to Trollope. Your first is always memorable. Please share your opinions.

Such an interesting question! They are different to be sure, but I think only because of the setting in which Trollope places his characters. My overall rating for Barsetshire is 4.33 whereas for Palliser it is 4.83. That would look as if I preferred Palliser, but I'm unwilling to say I liked it significantly better. I think I do have a soft spot for Barsetshire - the quieter country is very appealing.

I also prefer Barsetshire, though the Palliser settings seem more complex to me - more like "real life" maybe?

The Warden was the novel that brought him his first success. I don't know when biographers/critics would say he truly hit his stride, writing-wise, but it must have been later and he wrote for another 30 years.

I plan to re-read Barsetshire when its been 20 years (its 15 years now) yet I have no plans to re-read Pallisers, mainly because, since reading it, I have twice watched the 26 part BBC series on it - so its plot and characters stick with me. The BBC series on Barsetshire only deals with the Warden, so my memory of "Small House" and "Dr. Thorne" has faded, ready to be revitalized. Something to live for.

Finally, one year after this group started, I have begun The Warden.

Cynthia wrote: "Finally, one year after this group started, I have begun The Warden."

I hope you enjoy the journey!

I have only recently started the first book in the Palliser series, "Can You Forgive Her?", and am somewhat less than riveted. But I know the series gets better, and I deeply enjoyed the Barsetshire series. "The Warden" doesn't exactly grip you by the throat and compel you to read onward, but it's a fine novella and I look back on many pleasurable hours reading "Dr. Thorne" and "Small House" and the "Last Chronicle."

Daniel wrote: "I have only recently started the first book in the Palliser series, "Can You Forgive Her?", and am somewhat less than riveted. But I know the series gets better, and I deeply enjoyed the Barsetshir..."

I have all the books so I'll plug on no matter what I think of The Warden.

I think The Warden grows on you as get deeper into it. It's also the perfect introduction to the ones Daniel mentions, which are definitely 5-star reads (at least they were for me).

I saw there was a "restored" edition of The Duke's Children. I loved that book, and really cannot imagine that lengthening it would improve it.

I've never watched the TV series. I suppose it's been on US TV, but I rarely watch that type of TV. Somehow, I'd rather do my own interpretation of a book than watch someone else's. But I'm glad there have been films of Trollope, for people who might not have heard of him, nor spend time reading. He has such wonderful characters and plots.

Well, I have just finished re-reading both the Barsetshire and Pallisers. I enjoyed Barsetshire more than the Pallisers the second time around.

I think the 26 part Palliser TV series is pretty good, and nostalgic, as it is shot mainly indoors on set as the BBC series of those days, such as the Forsyte Saga was shot. The TV series Barchester Chronicles, on The Warden and Barchester Towers was very good too. I thought the recent TV series on Dr. Thorne was poorly shot, it almost shined, and just seemed a little lifeless - something with it just didn't click.

I enjoyed watching the series but like to watch them only after I've read the books and created my own visual of the characters. I then can evaluate the program. For instance, the actor playing Phineas Finn did not fit the book's description, any visual I had, and did not work, though it did not ruin the series.

Nice to see you still moderating here, Elizabeth, after the thread had a 5 year lull.

Brian wrote: "Nice to see you still moderating here, Elizabeth, after the thread had a 5 year lull. "

Thank you. Trollope still makes my heart beat strong, although I've been less diligent about finishing up my reading of all of the novels.

The Trollope Reading Group at https://trollope.groups.io/g/main will be starting a reading of the long version of the Duke's Children in a few weeks and will include comments on differences between the versions.

Jan wrote: "The Trollope Reading Group at https://trollope.groups.io/g/main will be starting a reading of the long version of the Duke's Children in a few weeks and will include comments on differences between..."

Thank you. I finished the "long version" about 10 days ago in the Readers Review: Literature between 1710 and 1914 Goodreads Group. I read the short version 20 years ago. One poster in the group did show post several examples of what was deleted, nothing essential but interesting things nonetheless. I may check in on what The Trollope Reading Group has to say about it.