The Belton Estate
Gelesen von Kirsten Wever
Anthony Trollope
(4,533 Sterne; 122 Bewertungen)
Clara Amedroz is the virtuous, intelligent, and quick-witted heroine of this novel. Like all women of her time, she has few options other than to marry. She is lucky enough to have two eligible suitors, and chooses the more urbane and worldly of the two. Alas, however, she realizes fairly quickly that Captain Aylmer is not a nice person. Throughout much of the novel we find her trying hard not to recognize that Will Belton - the suitor she rejected, and who still loves and wants to marry her - is.
As in all of Trollope's novels, the sub-plots are at least as engaging as the main story: here, we find Clara associated with, and ultimately for some time dependent on, Mr. and Mrs. Askerton, who - having perforce lived together for some time before they were married - are social outcasts. Clara is courageous enough to remain loyal to these friends, knowing that thus she, too, risks social condemnation and reduces her value on the marital market-place.
She becomes wiser, more generous, and more forgiving as her outlook on the world matures in various trials-by fire: the experiences she endures as a result of her mistaken allegiance to Captain Aylmer; her friendship with the Askertons; and the malicious gossip and social ostracization attendant on her loyalty to them. The question that will decide her ultimate happiness is whether she can be as generous and forgiving of herself. (Summary by Kirsten Wever) (16 hr 10 min)
Chapters
Bewertungen
GOOD FOR SOME AUTHORS, MEDIOCRE FOR TROLLOPE
AVID READER
(5 Sterne)
Clara displays much that we find in a normal Trollope heroine, but with one great exception. The heroines are usually motivated in their stubbornness, and this makes them interesting. For instance Lady Glencora was extremely high-minded, but she was fun and entertaining. Clara seems only to want to be a martyr. But, you have to love Mrs. Askerton. I have listened to other readings by Kirsten Wever, and she continues to be in the top tier at Librivox.
Quite good
Christine Zaf
(4 Sterne)
I am a huge fan of Anthony Trollope. This book is not one of his best, nevertheless I quite enjoyed it. I agree that his heroine, Clara (like so many of Trollope's heroines) is really annoying and unlikable. But Trollope's books transport you to another era - rural, genteel England. Kirsten Wever read the book so beautifully that I found myself just wanting to hear her narration, rather than the content of the novel. Thank you Kirsten.
A VERY GOOD TROLLOP
Mary Ann Mays
(5 Sterne)
Clara, the heroine, is an intelligent, likeable, stubborn and somewhat priggish young woman. She loves where she thinks she should, and not where where love really is, and her own shame at her mistakes gives her difficulty. There are a small number of side stories that reflect Trollop's own ideas of Victorian"propriety" that give some interest as well. However, the author is very much a Victorian about woman's place in society.
great novel, great reading
SR
(5 Sterne)
this is quite a simple Trollope, I think, compared to many, but with a big dollop of his usual insight into the rubbish options open to well-bred women of the time and into the little self-deceptions and other weaknesses that go with being human. Also satisfyingly romantic. Lovely reading, thank you, - and a tone of voice that goes very nicely with Trollope!
Louise Smith
(4 Sterne)
beautifully read and interesting story with a moral relevant to the time it was written with a clear narrative of the lack of women's property rights and general autonomy in life in mid 19th century England, albeit from a affluent Upper class perspective.
Churchgirl
(5 Sterne)
The story is a pretty typical Trollope romance, good writing with humor and well turned phrases. The narrator was excellent. She kept a steady pace, was clear, and had good intonation. She read everything as it should be read.
Snowed in Again
(3 Sterne)
Those stars are for the reader who is very good. The story is the worst Trollope ever with a stupid unsympathetic heroine, caricatures for suitors and a predictable ending, way too long in coming
Rallou
(5 Sterne)
Another interesting book by Anthony Trollope. The reader was excellent which made the book all the more enjoyable. Thank you Christine Wever for your time and effort! January 2023