The Small House at Allington by Anthony Trollope

This #5 Barsetshire novel is more sly and subtle than the previous of the series. On the surface, it would seem to center on the heroine Lily Dale and her reaction to being jilted by her fiance', Crosbie. Historical evidence indicates that readers of that time admired her continued allegiance to her faithless lover and that she was a favorite Trollope character, even though Trollope himself commented later that she was a "prig." In reality, however, the real focus would appear to be on John Eames, who also loves Lily, as he matures from being a "hobbledehoy" (an awkward callow adolescent male) into a responsible and admirable adult.

I would not have known without reading the scholarly introduction that Trollope patterned John Eames on his own life, but that fact adds much to an understanding of the character, as he blunders about, often behaving foolishly but always with good intentions. He is a very sympathetic and interesting character indeed.

As always with Trollope, all of the characters are treated fairly and seem to be very real people, because we learn not only about their actions, but also about their motivations. Even the villain, Crosbie, becomes somewhat sympathetic as he realizes what a terrible mistake he has made. Still, the reader is given a feeling of satisfaction when he receives his just punishment for his perfidious betrayal.

This Barsetshire novel is not as satirical and humorous as some of the others, but it has its funny bits. I especially like the name of a self-important bureaucrat--Major Fiasco.

It is not all necessary to have read the other Barsetshire novels to enjoy this one.