Barchester Towers (version 2) is a delightful blend of wit, satire, and social commentary that keeps the reader thoroughly engaged from start to finish. Set in the quaint town of Barchester, the novel follows the power struggles and political machinations of the clergy as they vie for control over the local church.

Trollope's characters are richly drawn and compelling, from the lovable but scheming Mr. Slope to the fiercely independent Eleanor Bold. The author's keen eye for detail and his sharp observations about human nature add depth and complexity to the story, making it a truly immersive reading experience.

The pacing of the novel is excellent, with just the right amount of intrigue, romance, and humor to keep the narrative moving forward. Trollope's prose is elegant and refined, and his satirical wit shines through in every page.

Overall, Barchester Towers (version 2) is a masterful work of literature that is sure to captivate readers of all tastes and preferences. It is a timeless classic that remains as relevant and entertaining today as it was when it was first published. I highly recommend this novel to anyone looking for a thought-provoking and engaging read.

Book Description:
Barchester Towers, published in 1857, is the 2nd novel in Anthony Trollope's series known as the "Chronicles of Barsetshire". It follows on from The Warden, set some years later, with some of the same characters. Among other things it satirises the then raging antipathy in the Church of England between High Church and Evangelical adherents. Trollope began writing this book in 1855. He wrote constantly, and made himself a writing-desk so he could continue writing while travelling by train. "Pray know that when a man begins writing a book he never gives over," he wrote in a letter during this period. "The evil with which he is beset is as inveterate as drinking – as exciting as gambling." And, years later in his autobiography, he observed "In the writing of Barchester Towers I took great delight. The bishop and Mrs. Proudie were very real to me, as were also the troubles of the archdeacon and the loves of Mr. Slope." But when he submitted his finished work, his publisher, William Longman, initially turned it down, finding much of it to be full of "vulgarity and exaggeration". More recent critics offer a more sanguine opinion. "Barchester Towers is many readers' favourite Trollope", wrote The Guardian, which included it in its list of "1000 novels everyone must read". Barchester Towers concerns the leading clergy of the cathedral city of Barchester. The much loved bishop having died, all expectations are that his son, Archdeacon Grantly, will succeed him. Instead, owing to the passage of the power of patronage to a new Prime Minister, a newcomer, the far more Evangelical Bishop Proudie, gains the see. His wife, Mrs Proudie, exercises an undue influence over the new bishop, making herself as well as the bishop unpopular with most of the clergy of the diocese. Her interference to veto the reappointment of the universally popular Mr Septimus Harding as warden of Hiram's Hospital is not well received, even though she gives the position to a needy clergyman, Mr Quiverful, with 14 children to support. Now listen on... Summary by Wikipedia