The Eustace Diamonds

The third novel in the Pallisers series, "The Eustace Diamonds" is the least overtly political, though some of the main characters from the series re-appear in the book in minor roles. It could certainly be read independently of the other books in the series.

Lizzie Eustace is in many respects a latter-day Becky Sharp. Though less ruthless and more self-deceiving than Thackeray's anti-heroine, she is shallow, beautiful, manipulative, and without redeeming qualities. After marrying the dying Sir Florian Eustace for his money, she embarks on an expensive career as a society widow, and the story revolves around her possession—and subsequent loss—of a diamond necklace which has been an heirloom in the Eustace family, and which she claims is her personal property.

Though real-life Lizzies are highly unpleasant people, the fictional version is highly entertaining, and after several hundred pages of gripping legal, criminal and shenanigans, it is hard not to feel sorry when the naughty Lady Eustace is finally delivered up to her fate. The reading, by Timothy West, is top-notch. If you are not familiar with Trollope's work, this is as good a place as any to start.

What a fantastic listen! Lizzie Eustace is a woman that you learn to hate and also to love. All the characters of this novel are well drawn and delightful.
We listened to this while driving across the country (Canada). It made the trip fly by!

I enjoyed the Eustace Diamonds immensely.A little more light hearted the some other of Trollope's works, and as such a highly entertaining companion over a period of grim weather.Timothy west is as always the perfect reader.

Another great yarn by Trollope. And Anthony West is again the perfect narrator. If you like Trollope, you'll enjoy this.

Timothy West's narration is so at one with the story that it sweeps the listener into another world. Brilliant story and beyond superb narration. Timothy reads with such passion. Listening to Trollope's stories has made me a lean, mean machine as I listen at the gym and sometimes end up staying for three hours rowing, cycling and running just so I can hear the next part of the story. I listen every day and these books are a huge chunk of my life. Bravo to Timothy West. He is totally magnificent. He has turned me into a Trollope tragic. I cannot write an objective review because I listen with gobsmacked love. A complete addict!

The six Palliser books are wonderful. Timothy West is a superb narrator and brings the characters to life. Although it is very rewarding to listen to the series in sequence, I feel that each books is enjoyable on its own, without listening to them all. Highly recommended

I DON'T THINK SO.

I MIGHT COMPARE IT TO OTHER STORIES WHICH ARE SET IN VICTORIAN TIMES THAT HAVE BEEN WRITTEN BY ANTHONY TROLLOPE

HE BRINGS ANTHONY TROLLOPE'S CHARACTERS TO LIFE AND MR WEST READS SO WONDERFULLY

PERHAPS NOT.

I FIND LISTENING TO NARRATED BOOKS MUCH MORE INTERESTING THAN READING THEM -- IT'S EASY TO GET TO KNOW THE CHARACTERS AND ALSO TO VISUALISE THEM.

I am an Anthony Trollope enthusiast, and this is my first time to read The Eustace Diamonds. It is third in the Pallisers series but is definitely a stand-alone book--a character study of one very determined but unscrupulous widow and of the people in her world. Timothy West as narrator is definitely Anthony Trollope as narrator. The humor comes through superbly! Wonderful story, wonderful audiobook!

I just loved this! At times I laughed out loud at the clever way the reader brought out the subtle irony of the text. He made the characters live with a different accent and intonation for each character. His female characters are a scream! The pauses for effect were just wonderful. I've ordered the Prime Minister. Unfortunately I had already bought the next book in the series Phineas Delux before I discovered the audible app.

The final confrontation between Lizzie Eustace and Lucy about whether Lucy should marry Frank.

Yes- Phineas Finn got me started.

It makes me laugh and marvel at the language.

I thoroughly recommend the Timothy West readings of any Trollope books. I am looking forward to downloading the Barchester Chronicles after the Palliser books.

Timothy West was fantastic as always. His performance is superb in bringing Trollope's characters to life.

I found it less gripping than other Trollope novels as the characters were so thoroughly dislikable. I had no compassion for them. BUT having said that, it is a good story overall