Status Updates From The Last Chronicle of Barse...

This book is accomplishing one of my very favourite responses or effects in me the further I get into it: I am seeing myself, or rather who I could have been, if not for the graces and mercies I’ve received from God, without the incredible blessing of my wife if we had never married, and if I’d made different choices along the way that would actually have been consistent with some of my character flaws. ❤️

Chapter 62—Ugh, Mr Crawley, you’re so blasted prideful and stubborn!!

My heart breaks for Mr Crawley. He’s so mentally ill, he just isn’t thinking clearly or rationally, and he’s going to take his family down with him…

Chapter 60—OK, I have to admit to loving Mrs Van Siever!! She’s hysterical!!

The Lily Dale—Johnny Eames—Adolphus Crosbie plotline is getting wearisome… But I’m loving the Grantly—Crawley—Harding plotline is absolutely holding my attention!

Grace Crawley is an outstanding character in every way!! What were the people of Trollope’s thinking, going so crazy for Lily Dale?! Grace is THE standout young female character of the book!!

It is completely ingenious, the way Trollope can weave and intersect all of the families and communities from the previous five novels together in this final instalment in the world of Barsetshire! Simply glorious storytelling!

I’ve come to love these characters and the village of Barsetshire so dearly—what will I do when this final book comes to a close? 💔

Lady Lufton reminds me of Rachel Lynde—crusty, even abrasive, exterior, but heart of gold full of charity underneath it all!

Chapter 49—completely wrecked me. One of the most beautiful things I’ve ever read, as Rev. Harding reflects on his life in service to God with deep gratitude and contentment. When he opened his cello case to gaze at his “ancient friend,” I burst into tears. And then also when Dean Arabin had to gently and lovingly let him know that maybe it was best that his time serving during the liturgy was at an end...

Chapter 47–my blood is boiling, and despite the pathetic weakness of the bishop, I need Mr Crawley to come back and ANNIHILATE Mrs Proudie once and for all into utter and abject humiliation.

Johnny Eames, you ought to be be heartily ashamed of yourself 😡

Hooray! Miss Dunstable (now Mrs Thorne) is back! She’s a favourite character from the previous novels in the series! So incorrigible!

How on earth does that despicable Crosbie keep landing on his feet?!

I can’t wait to see Crosbie’s demise unfold! It is going to be highly satisfying and enjoyable to behold!