Phineas Redux

By: Anthony Trollope

Narrated by: Timothy West

Length: 23 hrs and 50 mins

Publisher's summary

Exclusively from Audible

In the fourth of the Palliser stories, Trollope follows Phineas Finn's return to the dangerous world of Westminster politics after the death of his wife, Mary.

His career takes a turn for the worse when his political rival is murdered. With all the circumstantial evidence pointing at Phineas, he is thrown under suspicion and eventually finds himself standing trial at the Old Bailey. The situation is complicated by the presence of two women in his life: his old flame Lady Laura, whose estranged husband is determined to destroy Phineas' reputation, and the wealthy and enigmatic widow, Madame Max.

Trollope's ideas of political rivalries, bribery, injunctions, romantic entanglements and a scandal-mongering popular press seem as relevant today as they were in the 1870s. A story full of drama that echoes our modern day political world.

Trollope's work is regarded by some as among the greatest of 19th-century fiction and with his powerful political storytelling it's unsurprising that fans of Trollope's work have included former British Prime Ministers Harold Macmillan and Sir John Major.

Narrator Biography

Timothy West is prolific in film, television, theatre, and audiobooks. He has narrated a number of Anthony Trollope's classic audiobooks, including the six Chronicles of Barsetshire and The Pallisers series. He has also narrated volumes of Simon Schama's A History of Britain and John Mortimer's Rumpole on Trial.

Timothy's theatre includes King Lear, The Vote, Uncle Vanya, A Number, Quarter, and Coriolanus and his films include Ever After, Joan of Arc, Endgame, Iris, The Day of the Jackal. On television, Timothy has appeared in Broken Biscuits (BBC), Great Canal Journeys (across 3 Series), regular role of Stan Carter on EastEnders (BBC); Last Tango in Halifax; Bleak House, Bedtime and Brass.

Public Domain (P)2014 Audible, Inc.

Is it worth it?

This is the second time I’m reading the Barchester Chronicles and The Pallisers. I found it slightly less enjoyable this.time around. The narrator’s voice also trailed off at the end of a sentence. I found it difficult to distinguish between the male and female characters he was voicing. Having said all that, I would still recommend it, and I’m sure I will read it again.

The Best of a Series that Keeps Getting Better

This quote from the Trollope Society website gets closer to pinpointing the excellences of this book than anything I could say:

“There are certain chapters in the middle of Phineas Redux that are Trollope at the highest power ... an absolute modern. No post [second world] war-psychoanalytic realist can teach him anything. He seems in these passages to know all the morbid obscurities of the human heart."

I'll only add that even with all those morbid obscurities running about, a genial, all-pervading sense of humor is never very far offstage, either. And as always, Timothy West makes Trollope even better.

Best of the series so far

A better than average plot with some suspense thrown in.
The characters are well drawn and West’s performance is versatile. Simon Vance is one of my favorites but I will stick with West for the next book in the series.

One of my favorite Trollope novels

Phineas Finn fans will especially enjoy this story. Trollope’s wry humor and insightful observations about human nature are, as always, a pleasure.

My Favorite Trollope Character

I accidentally stumbled on Anthony Trollope novels about 3 months ago, and since then have dusted through 11.5 Trollope novels! I am now in the middle of the last book in the Palliser series, of which Phineas Redux is book 4. "Redux" is the second book featuring the character of Phineas Finn (the first is the second book in the series by that name), a young, impassioned, endearing Irishman who comes to London to make his mark in Parliament -- and among the social elite. By time we meet Phineas again in this book, we've been charmed by the adventures of young Phineas, and we meet him again as a more mature man resuming his public life after experiencing some pitfalls of life. This period in Phineas' life is a bit more serious than in the earlier book, giving him even more appeal -- like following a boy who has become a man. Some portions of the book were deeply moving as Phineas faces hardships of a more serious nature than most of Trollope's storylines, and Phineas is a character capable of taking us to this depth. Of course in addition to Phineas we continue to follow the lead characters of the Palliser series, Plantagenet Palliser and his wife, Glencora. A host of others who add to the drama and fun! These books are light, engaging, romantic - a nice fictional "snapshot" of British society and politics in the mid-19th century. Phineas is a standout character among many -- worthy of two books! If you like books of this period and theme, you'll love Phineas and entire the Palliser series, as I have!

Great story and Audible performance

Timothy West lends his fine voice, sensitive ear, and luscious heart to his Audible performance of this robust story. Phineas Redux is a political, crime mystery, and love story. There are many characters, old and new. But it is a great drama with great insights regarding the vagaries of misidentification, slander and libel, false news, political aggrandizement over legislative expediency, etc. Trollope is a thoughtful social and political philosopher. This is a great book. It surprised me how good it was. Read it while listening to the Audible. It exponentially adds to the appreciation of the experience.

Superb

I am so glad I have finally found trollop, just finished the Palliser parliamentary series and looking forward to reading more of his work. Excellent narration.

Totally Absorbing

There is no better reader than Timothy West for this series. He is simply perfect. This performance transports the reader to another place and time. I feel I know the characters and whilst listening I become an observer to the most fascinating events. Beautifully written and superbly narrated. The sheer pleasure of this series is ineffable. Bravo!

Enjoyable, strange audio quality

This is a great book, but I've been reading through the series, so best to start from the beginning with these (although you'd get most of the story, but it seems silly not to). My only issue was that the audio quality (on the highest download setting) is a little strange. I think there are background noises in the recording. Didn't effect the good narration too much though. I guess Trollope novels take a long time to record.

Fantastic

Absolutely loved it! Timothy West IS Anthony Trollope!! Loved hearing about the further goings on if dear Phineas! Madame Goessler has my heart!