Phineas Finn 

by Anthony Trollope 

    

The second work of the Palliser series, also called the Parliamentary Novels, Phineas Finn follows the unpredictable political career of a handsome young Irishman in London.  Son of a doctor and himself an unsuccessful law student, the charming Finn becomes involved in both the elections of Parliament and a sequence of romantic struggles.  Amidst the ups and downs of his chosen profession, Finn becomes involved in turn with his patroness Lady Laura, the lovely heiress Violet, the urbane Madame Goesler, and then with his enduring Irish sweetheart Mary Flood Jones.  In setting his novel against the backdrop of the Reform Bill of 1867 and the rise to prominence of William Gladstone, Trollope paints a fictional narrative of life during the height of British prestige.  In combining these historical circumstances with Finn’s politics and romances, Trollope relates a realistic and empathic portrayal of the balance between public and personal life. 

    

Phineas Finn was published in 1869.  Like each of Trollope’s almost 50 novels, it speaks to the universality of human emotions — the push and pull of individual conscience, the power of ambition, the intricacies of love — but it also portrays in great detail the messiness of politics and political ambition in 19th century Britain, which leads us 21st century readers to reflect that, really, there’s nothing new under the sun.  With an amusing cast of supporting characters, Trollope’s ability to capture the reader’s attention and interest in his subject is brilliantly displayed.  His portrayal of Finn’s attempts to overcome the challenges of both his political and personal ambitions, make for a finely nuanced enduring literary classic and an unmissable read. 

    

You are invited to discuss this book at the virtual meeting of the Book Club on Wednesday, May 29, 2024, from 12:30 to 2:30PM. 
   

This is a private, alumni-only, off-the-record discussion. The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and participants and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of The Harvard Business School Club.