Mrs. General Talboys By: Anthony Trollope (1815-1882)
Mrs. General Talboys is an engaging novel written by Anthony Trollope that delves into the fascinating world of Victorian society. Set in the bustling city of London, the story follows the lives of several characters, each with their own desires, ambitions, and secrets. The protagonist, Mrs. General Talboys, is a captivating and enigmatic woman who captures the attention and curiosity of everyone she encounters. A widow with a mysterious past, Mrs. Talboys is a woman of refined taste and elegance, always impeccably dressed and adorned with expensive jewelry. Yet, behind her poised and polished exterior, lies an intriguing vulnerability that keeps the reader wanting to know more about her past and her present motives. Trollope masterfully weaves a tale filled with intricate plot twists and compelling character development. The supporting cast is equally well-developed, with each character contributing to the overall complexity of the storyline. From the ambitious Mrs. Talboys' marriage-seeking suitors to the gossiping fashion-conscious ladies of London's high society, the novel presents a vivid and realistic portrayal of the era. What sets Mrs. General Talboys apart is Trollope's ability to explore the social dynamics and relationships within Victorian England. Through his exquisite prose, he delves into the intricacies of courtship, marriage, and the expectations placed upon women of the time. Trollope challenges societal norms, offering a nuanced commentary on the struggles faced by women in a world that often stifled their independence and agency. Moreover, Trollope artfully explores themes of identity, love, and personal growth throughout the novel. Mrs. Talboys' journey, as well as those of the other characters, is rife with self-discovery and transformation, making the book not only a riveting read but also a thought-provoking one. One of the novel's strengths lies in Trollope's ability to create an immersive atmosphere. The descriptions of Victorian London are incredibly vivid, invoking a sense of time and place that transports the reader back to that era. From grand ballrooms and elegant salons to cramped boarding houses and bustling streets, the settings provide a rich backdrop against which the characters' lives unfold. However, the novel does have some minor shortcomings. At times, the plot can feel slightly contrived, with certain twists and turns appearing convenient or predictable. Additionally, some readers may find the prose to be overly detailed, occasionally slowing down the pacing of the story. Nevertheless, these drawbacks pale in comparison to the overall strength of the narrative and the depth of the characters. In summary, Mrs. General Talboys is a compelling novel that will undoubtedly appeal to fans of historical fiction and Victorian literature. Trollope's skillful storytelling, rich characterizations, and exploration of societal norms make for an engaging and thought-provoking reading experience. Whether you are captivated by romance, intrigued by the complexities of human relationships, or simply enjoy immersing yourself in a bygone era, this book is sure to satisfy. First Page: This etext was produced by David Price, email ccx074@coventry.ac.uk, from the 1864 Chapman and Hall "Tales of all Countries" edition. MRS. GENERAL TALBOYS by Anthony Trollope Why Mrs. General Talboys first made up her mind to pass the winter of 1859 at Rome I never clearly understood. To myself she explained her purposes, soon after her arrival at the Eternal City, by declaring, in her own enthusiastic manner, that she was inspired by a burning desire to drink fresh at the still living fountains of classical poetry and sentiment. But I always thought that there was something more than this in it. Classical poetry and sentiment were doubtless very dear to her; but so also, I imagine, were the substantial comforts of Hardover Lodge, the General's house in Berkshire; and I do not think that she would have emigrated for the winter had there not been some slight domestic misunderstanding. Let this, however, be fully made clear, that such misunderstanding, if it existed, must have been simply an affair of temper. No impropriety of conduct has, I am very sure, ever been imputed to the lady. The General, as all the world knows, is hot; and Mrs. Talboys, when the sweet rivers of her enthusiasm are unfed by congenial waters, can, I believe, make herself disagreeable. But be this as it may, in November, 1859, Mrs... Continue reading book >>

Mrs. General Talboys By: Anthony Trollope (1815-1882)

Mrs. General Talboys is an engaging novel written by Anthony Trollope that delves into the fascinating world of Victorian society. Set in the bustling city of London, the story follows the lives of several characters, each with their own desires, ambitions, and secrets.

The protagonist, Mrs. General Talboys, is a captivating and enigmatic woman who captures the attention and curiosity of everyone she encounters. A widow with a mysterious past, Mrs. Talboys is a woman of refined taste and elegance, always impeccably dressed and adorned with expensive jewelry. Yet, behind her poised and polished exterior, lies an intriguing vulnerability that keeps the reader wanting to know more about her past and her present motives.

Trollope masterfully weaves a tale filled with intricate plot twists and compelling character development. The supporting cast is equally well-developed, with each character contributing to the overall complexity of the storyline. From the ambitious Mrs. Talboys' marriage-seeking suitors to the gossiping fashion-conscious ladies of London's high society, the novel presents a vivid and realistic portrayal of the era.

What sets Mrs. General Talboys apart is Trollope's ability to explore the social dynamics and relationships within Victorian England. Through his exquisite prose, he delves into the intricacies of courtship, marriage, and the expectations placed upon women of the time. Trollope challenges societal norms, offering a nuanced commentary on the struggles faced by women in a world that often stifled their independence and agency.

Moreover, Trollope artfully explores themes of identity, love, and personal growth throughout the novel. Mrs. Talboys' journey, as well as those of the other characters, is rife with self-discovery and transformation, making the book not only a riveting read but also a thought-provoking one.

One of the novel's strengths lies in Trollope's ability to create an immersive atmosphere. The descriptions of Victorian London are incredibly vivid, invoking a sense of time and place that transports the reader back to that era. From grand ballrooms and elegant salons to cramped boarding houses and bustling streets, the settings provide a rich backdrop against which the characters' lives unfold.

However, the novel does have some minor shortcomings. At times, the plot can feel slightly contrived, with certain twists and turns appearing convenient or predictable. Additionally, some readers may find the prose to be overly detailed, occasionally slowing down the pacing of the story. Nevertheless, these drawbacks pale in comparison to the overall strength of the narrative and the depth of the characters.

In summary, Mrs. General Talboys is a compelling novel that will undoubtedly appeal to fans of historical fiction and Victorian literature. Trollope's skillful storytelling, rich characterizations, and exploration of societal norms make for an engaging and thought-provoking reading experience. Whether you are captivated by romance, intrigued by the complexities of human relationships, or simply enjoy immersing yourself in a bygone era, this book is sure to satisfy.

First Page:

This etext was produced by David Price, email ccx074@coventry.ac.uk, from the 1864 Chapman and Hall "Tales of all Countries" edition.

MRS. GENERAL TALBOYS

by Anthony Trollope

Why Mrs. General Talboys first made up her mind to pass the winter of 1859 at Rome I never clearly understood. To myself she explained her purposes, soon after her arrival at the Eternal City, by declaring, in her own enthusiastic manner, that she was inspired by a burning desire to drink fresh at the still living fountains of classical poetry and sentiment. But I always thought that there was something more than this in it. Classical poetry and sentiment were doubtless very dear to her; but so also, I imagine, were the substantial comforts of Hardover Lodge, the General's house in Berkshire; and I do not think that she would have emigrated for the winter had there not been some slight domestic misunderstanding. Let this, however, be fully made clear, that such misunderstanding, if it existed, must have been simply an affair of temper. No impropriety of conduct has, I am very sure, ever been imputed to the lady. The General, as all the world knows, is hot; and Mrs. Talboys, when the sweet rivers of her enthusiasm are unfed by congenial waters, can, I believe, make herself disagreeable.

But be this as it may, in November, 1859, Mrs... Continue reading book >>

Genres for this book
Fiction
Literature
Romance
Short stories

eBook links
Wikipedia – Anthony Trollope
Wikipedia – Mrs. General Talboys

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