Anthony Trollope’s final visit to the fictional county of Barsetshire is his most powerful. It all hinges on a single, deceptively simple mystery.

The Story

The Reverend Josiah Crawley, a brilliant but impoverished perpetual curate, is found using a check for twenty pounds. The wealthy local squire, Mr. Soames, insists Crawley stole it. Crawley, worn down by poverty and pride, cannot clearly account for how he came by the money. He’s too proud to defend himself properly and seems almost to welcome the condemnation. This accusation becomes a wildfire. It divides the county’s clergy, strains the loyalty of Crawley’s family, and threatens the political career of Archdeacon Grantly’s son, Major Grantly, who wants to marry Crawley’s daughter, Grace. The novel follows a sprawling cast—from bishops and aristocrats to journalists and scheming mothers—as they take sides, gossip, and wrestle with their own consciences over the fate of one stubborn, difficult man.

Why You Should Read It

This book grabbed me and wouldn’t let go. Trollope does something special here: he makes you feel the crushing weight of a bad reputation. You understand every character's perspective, even when they’re at odds. Crawley is magnificent—irritating, noble, and tragically human. His struggle isn’t just about the check; it’s about maintaining dignity when the world has kicked you down. The love story between Grace Crawley and Major Grantly is also wonderfully tense and real—it’s about choosing love against all social advice. Trollope’s genius is showing how one small event exposes the foundations of an entire community: its kindness, its hypocrisy, and its capacity for both cruelty and grace.

Final Verdict

Perfect for anyone who loves character-driven stories where the real battle is internal. You don’t strictly need to have read the other Barsetshire novels to enjoy this (I didn’t at first!), but it makes the payoff richer. If you like stories about underdogs, social pressure, and moral complexity, this is your book. It’s a long, satisfying read that proves a 150-year-old story can feel as immediate as today’s headlines.