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In the first of his six Palliser novels, Trollope deftly explores the tensions in Victorian society between reform and tradition, and the interplay between money, power, and politics. Dinah Birch's lively introduction discusses the relationships at the heart of the novel and... Read Full Overview

The first novel in Anthony Trollope's 'Palliser' series, Can You Forgive Her? traces the fortunes of three very different women in an exploration of whether social obligations and personal happiness can ever coincide. This Penguin Classics edition is edited with an... Read Full Overview

In the first of his six Palliser novels, Trollope deftly explores the tensions in Victorian society between reform and tradition, and the interplay between money, power, and politics. Dinah Birch's lively introduction discusses the relationships at the heart of the novel and... Read Full Overview

The first of Anthony Trollope's six Palliser novels focuses on the matrimonial prospects of three Victorian ladies. Alice Vavasor is torn between her Byronic cousin George, whose wild ardor contrasts sharply with her honest but unexciting admirer, John Grey. Lady Glencora McCluskie,... Read Full Overview

Whether or no, she, whom you are to forgive, if you can, did or did not belong to the Upper Ten Thousand of this our English world, I am not prepared to say with any strength of affirmation. By blood she was connected with big people, -distantly connected with some very big people... Read Full Overview

The first novel of Trollope's six-part Palliser series, also known as the Parliamentary Novels, "Can You Forgive Her?" revolves primarily around the young Alice Vavasor, a woman who cannot decide which of two men to marry. While the respectable gentleman John Grey seems the... Read Full Overview

Can You Forgive Her?

"First published in 1864-1865"--T.p. verso.

"First published in 1864-1865"--T.p. verso.

After the conclusion of a stormy engagement with her reckless and selfish cousin George, Alice Vavasor, a young woman with an independent fortune, engaged herself to a country gentleman, John Grey. The marriage was approved by her father and her highly placed relatives, but... Read Full Overview