I've been wanting to read Trollope, not quite sure why it's taken so long to pick up one of his books.This was entertaining, but I won't prioritize reading more of his stuff. Good, but didn't grab. Easy reading.
The protagonist - Lily Dale - is supposed to be one of his best female characters - but I found her behavior after being jilted (pretty outrageously, by the "swell" Mr. Crosbie) to show somebody "in denial" and just plain naive - didn't strike me as "noble" at all.
Trollope can sketch characters and scenes extremely adeptly - this is enjoyable. Though I don't think it required 650 pages to tell this particular story.
Johnny Eames grows up, with an assist via the earl and the bull. Sub-plot involves him at the boarding house with Amelia Roper, the Lupex couple, "Cradell," etc.
De Courcy family - this was a very effective discussion of what life must have been like for nobility in decline; it was increasingly acceptable for these types to marry the right type of commoners, though not so wise if the commoner doesn't bring money into the marriage (as Crosbie didn't).
Lily's sister (Bell) and her mother; Dr. Crofts.
The squire - his nephew (Bernard). The squire belatedly builds relationships with the Dales.
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