Every summer I read a “classic,” and this year it is Barchester Towers. I had never read Trollope and several sites said this was the author’s best. It takes place in the mid1800’s in a rural English town. When the Bishop of Barchester dies, there is much in fighting and conniving over who will be appointed to take his place. The factions are a highly religious, doctrinaire group led by Mr. Slope and Mrs. Proudie and the more liberal group led by Archdeacon Grantly. The subplot involves three men who wish to marry the widow Eleanor Bold.

Although written over 150 years ago, Barchester Towers, is quite timely. I couldn’t help comparing its plot the what is going on in our country today.