Monday, October 23, 2017

Book Review: "The Warden" by Anthony Trollope - 1855

This was an enjoyable book that is about a good-hearted man, Mr. Harding, that is getting a fine living taking care of 12 indigent men in retirement.  The money comes from a fund that was created in a man's will many years before for just this purpose.  Over time, the invested money grew, so the living for Mr. Harding was very generous.

Mr. Bold questioned it, saying more money should go to the old men.  It ends up involving a lawsuit--and it all sends poor Mr. Harding into a moral crisis.  To complicate matters, Mr. Bold is courting Mr. Harding's daughter.

Mr. Bold just wants to do what is right--and he is in great anguish.

I liked this book because I loved how the characters and the conflict seemed so real.

I am now reading the sequel, "Barchester Towers."   It is just and interesting.

Book Review: "Anna Karenina" by Leo Tolstoy

Sarah said this was a wonderful book, and she was so right.  I didn't want it to end.  It has a whole host of characters, and they are all complex and very interesting.  Throughout the book, you see them grow and change.  I have never read a book that explored the many complications of being in love.  It seems most stories are just about boy meets girl and ends up in marriage.  This book goes much beyond that.  Love is complex, and it isn't always easy.  There is all kinds of love in this book, too.  There is love of family, friends and children.

Beyond love and romance, the book gives a wonderful view of the world of Russia at this time--a time of much change.  I loved learning about the agriculture and problems with labor.  I enjoyed the politics, too.

Of course, the central character is Anna Karenina.  She is married and falls in love with another man.  Her marriage falls apart, and she runs off with her lover.  We know it will be doomed, but it didn't have to be.  Her fate is very sad.

The other characters do a little better.  Just as in life, problems arise--and they somehow get through them.  The beauty of this book is how Tolstoy portrays their emotions as they work though the problems.

There is so much too this book--the best thing I could say is to just read it and find out for yourself.