Book Review
Jun. 16th, 2024 10:18 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
kenjariPhineas Redux
by Anthony Trollope
This is the fourth of the Palliser novels, and a direct sequel to the second book, Phineas Finn. In Phineas Redux, the title character, now a widower, returns to London and Parliament and also to the revisitation of his earlier romantic entanglements. When one of his political rivals is murdered, Phineas finds himself the primary suspect and must stand trial.
This was a solidly enjoyable Victorian novel, marred only by some anti-semitism in the depiction of a secondary character. Phineas is a very likable, decent man who strives to do the right things but occasionally gets caught up in the machinations of politics and romance. However, he is no murderer and the trial and his exposure to public opinion is devastating to him. I really liked how Trollope handles Phineas' reaction to and processing of his experiences. Trollope's acerbic attitude towards the workings of British politics and government of the time is also entertaining. I do wish that there had been more of Madame Max Goesler in the book, given how crucial a couple of her actions are to the narrative. She is the best character of the whole novel.
by Anthony Trollope
This is the fourth of the Palliser novels, and a direct sequel to the second book, Phineas Finn. In Phineas Redux, the title character, now a widower, returns to London and Parliament and also to the revisitation of his earlier romantic entanglements. When one of his political rivals is murdered, Phineas finds himself the primary suspect and must stand trial.
This was a solidly enjoyable Victorian novel, marred only by some anti-semitism in the depiction of a secondary character. Phineas is a very likable, decent man who strives to do the right things but occasionally gets caught up in the machinations of politics and romance. However, he is no murderer and the trial and his exposure to public opinion is devastating to him. I really liked how Trollope handles Phineas' reaction to and processing of his experiences. Trollope's acerbic attitude towards the workings of British politics and government of the time is also entertaining. I do wish that there had been more of Madame Max Goesler in the book, given how crucial a couple of her actions are to the narrative. She is the best character of the whole novel.
