Book Review: The Way We Live Now by Anthony Trollope

The Way We Live Now (Centaur Classics) [The 100 greatest novels of all time - #76] by Anthony Trollope
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

There were so many names to keep in mind from the start in this intriguingly satirical novel. But each character had a tale that was curious enough to keep me turning the pages. There are typical situations about snobbery from the upper classes making a good marriage for their sons and daughters, particularly when seeking either a rich fortune, or a suitable aristocratic position in society. This was marvellously exemplified by Lady Carbury and Lady Pomona at various times in the story. Trollope’s eloquent comparisons of contemporary society now with that of the Victorian age had me smiling and amused throughout the book. This extremely long novel became my favourite of all his books, including all of the Barchester series.

There is a scheming swindler at the heart of the story; one Augustus Melmotte. This very rich villain seems to be capable of duping many of the innocent and simple-minded people surrounding him, while his daughter, Marie, becomes a target for marriage by many of the impoverished upper class families. Too few of the characters show much to admire in their behaviour or personality. Roger Carbury and his cousin, Hetta, came across to me as reasonable people, although he was too stiff at times in his attitude towards Mrs Hurtle and Paul Montague; Roger’s supposed best friend. Another character who occasionally invited my sympathy was Georgina Longstaffe, and I leave future readers to discover why. I also admit to having a very small amount of pity for Melmotte towards the end of the book. But no spoiler here!

The way that all these long and multiple character tales, are brought together and so expertly written by Trollope is a brilliant example for any aspiring author. It was a real pleasure to read ‘The Way We Live Now’ and I have no doubt that I will come back to it again sometime in the future. Recommended.


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