Book review of Barchester Towers

by Anthony Trollope (Author)

Updated at: 17/01/2025

Anthony Trollope's Barchester Towers plunges into the cutthroat world of the Barchester cathedral clergy. Following the death of the beloved bishop, the anticipated succession of Archdeacon Grantly is thwarted by political machinations, leading to the appointment of the Evangelical Bishop Proudie. However, the true power lies with the formidable Mrs. Proudie, whose meddling and interference, particularly in the controversial reappointment of Hiram's Hospital warden, ignites conflict within the diocese. This clash of personalities and ambitions, further fueled by the scheming chaplain Mr. Slope and the endearing Mr. Harding, creates a hilarious and insightful portrayal of Victorian society and its hypocrisy, building on the events of Trollope's The Warden.

4.2 / 1,683 ratings

Review Barchester Towers

Barchester Towers, the delightful sequel to The Warden, is a richer, more boisterous affair. While The Warden offered a quieter, more introspective look into the inner workings of the Church of England, Barchester Towers explodes with a vibrant cast of characters and a plot that's as intricate as a cathedral's stained-glass window. Trollope's wit shines through even brighter here; it's less a dramatic novel and more a comedic masterpiece, a witty observation of human nature cloaked in the seemingly staid world of 19th-century ecclesiastical politics.

The familiar characters from The Warden, like the ever-compassionate Mr. Harding and his daughter Eleanor, return, adding a layer of comforting familiarity. But the real stars of the show are the newcomers: the utterly self-absorbed and hypocritical Mr. Slope, whose ambition knows no bounds; the delightfully dotty Mrs. Thorne, trapped in a romanticized vision of the medieval past; and, most memorably, the formidable Mrs. Proudie, whose iron will and controlling nature dominates her hapless husband, the Bishop. These three, along with the returning cast, are beautifully drawn, each with quirks and flaws that make them feel incredibly real. You'll find yourself simultaneously charmed and exasperated by their antics, a testament to Trollope's masterful characterization.

The humor in Barchester Towers is subtle and nuanced, built up slowly through a series of escalating misunderstandings and social gaffes. The absurdity of the situations, often driven by the characters' assumptions and misjudgments, is brilliantly played for comedic effect. It's a gentle humor, a wry smile rather than a guffaw, but it's consistently engaging and keeps the narrative moving at a satisfying pace.

Beyond the laughter, however, lies a deeper exploration of human relationships and the dangers of unchecked ambition and societal pressures. The novel subtly critiques the hypocrisy and power struggles within the church establishment, using the comedic backdrop to deliver a pointed message about the importance of honesty, compassion, and self-awareness. The recurring theme of misinterpretations and assumptions highlights the fragility of communication and the potential for devastating consequences when we fail to truly understand those around us.

While some might find the detailed descriptions of church politics and the sheer number of characters initially daunting, I found it added to the richness of the experience. It's a world Trollope painstakingly creates, full of detail and nuance, and immersing yourself in it is truly rewarding. The inclusion of detailed footnotes in many editions helps immensely with understanding the intricacies of the time period and ecclesiastical terminology. While a few subplots could perhaps have been trimmed, it didn't detract significantly from the overall enjoyment, and the sheer depth of character development and satirical wit more than compensates. Ultimately, Barchester Towers is a highly satisfying read, a testament to Trollope's skill as a storyteller and a witty social commentator. It’s a book that rewards careful attention, offering both entertainment and food for thought long after you've turned the final page.