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The Duke's Children cover art

The Duke's Children

By: Anthony Trollope
Narrated by: Timothy West
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Summary

Exclusively from Audible

The Duke's Children is the sixth and final audiobook in the Palliser series.

Plantagenet Palliser, the Duke of Omnium and former Prime Minister of England, is widowed and wracked by grief. Struggling to adapt to life without his beloved Lady Glencora, he works hard to guide and support his three adult children. Palliser soon discovers, however, that his own plans for them are very different from their desires. Sent down from university in disgrace, his two sons quickly begin to run up gambling debts.

His only daughter, meanwhile, longs passionately to marry the poor son of a squire against her father's will. But while the Duke's dearest wishes for the three are thwarted one by one, he ultimately comes to understand that parents can learn from their own children.

A remarkable story of love, loyalty and principles, written by one of the most respected novelists of the Victorian era. With over 40 published novels, Trollope's is regarded as some of the greatest 19th-century fiction.

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 Palliser series. He has also narrated volumes of Simon Schama's A History of Britain and John Mortimer's Rumpole on Trial.

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

Public Domain (P)2014 Audible, Inc.

Critic reviews

"...his writing feels like life, it's hard to say just how he works his magic...." (Adam Gopnik, The New Yorker)

What listeners say about The Duke's Children

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Trollope and Timothy West perfectly matched ...

... as usual.

But why has this book appeared in Audible's list before "The Prime Minister"? Glencora is mysteriously gone (it wouldn't be a mystery if we had "The Prime Minister" and Plantagenet is a single parent not making a very good job of it. But he learns. I do enjoy his reaction to the slang of the time and Trollope is very good at the interplay between generations, and between British and American characters.

If you know the Palliser series you might not mind hearing this next after "Phineas Redux". Or it would work as a standalone novel. But if you are following the series for the first time in order then badger Audible for "The Prime Minister" before listening to this.

I wish there were more to come.

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9 people found this helpful

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    4 out of 5 stars

West wonderful

I have now heard Timothy West read the whole Palliser Saga and feel privileged to have heard him narrate them. The books can so sometimes be repetitive and long winded but he makes it work and paints a wonderful picture in the mind to the extent that you are hardly aware of the narrator. I am sad to hear no more of the Pallisers and their circle but am grateful for this insight into mid Victorian politics which often reflects the doings of today although the social life reflected in it is very different. There is in any case a nice balance between the two and as in life there are always a few losers.

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6 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars

good book

Good book. Thanks to Audible for having this in store! I enjoyed listening to it.

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3 people found this helpful

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    4 out of 5 stars

A pleasure to hear

As with the other Palliser novels, this one is beautifully read by Timothy West. His voice brings out the splendid language and suits the expression of the nineteenth century aristocratic sentiments which are so fastidious and exacting and so very different from today's social mores. It is a fascinating view into this past.

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The Last Book

Oh how I will miss the Pallisers! They have been my constant companions during the last few months - ironing, walking, driving. Never without them.

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    3 out of 5 stars

mellow and enjoyable

This is the first Trollope I have listened to. It's was an easy listen with enough to keep my attention. I enjoyed immersing myself in the period and imagining the backdrops for each little subplot. There wasnt anything shocking or particularly unexpected but there was enough in the way of little events to keep me interested. I also enjoyed the historic information about parliament and the rules of aristocracy. I won't get political but you can clearly see how the past is still influencing parliament now.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Trollope should be available on prescription from the NHS!

A joyous world of amazing insight into the human condition which provides the perfect antidote to life

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Trollope and West - the perfect match

Would you listen to The Duke's Children again? Why?

yes, this is already my second or third time, I love it.

What other book might you compare The Duke's Children to, and why?

Any other of Trollope's novels, read by Timothy West. Pure escapism

What does Timothy West bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

His lovely voice, inflection and pronouncement is perfect. He doesn't give female characters silly voices. He is perfect and brings the characters to life wonderfully. Listening to audiobooks continuously as I do, I can only recommend it to everyone.

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

laugh constantly, Trollope was such a clever and witty writer. This novel did not have any real sad bits.

Any additional comments?

Find more of Trollope's novels that have not yet been recorded. But it has to be Timothy West as narrator.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
  • M
  • 13-01-14

A complete delight

Would you consider the audio edition of The Duke's Children to be better than the print version?

The narration of this book made it quite spellbinding with hours passing as the story unfolds, refolds and unfolds again. One can listen attentively but also do something else at the same time, and not necessarily just a mundane task, as the reading seems to give events such a natural and intriguing course.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Duke's Children?

The charming developing character of Silverbridge made for many memorable moments; each time he encountered Lady Mabel Grex then Isabel Boncassen their changing relationships made it very difficult to decide who's "side" to be on. The tragic character of the Major with his insecurities, the terrible choice he made causing his inevitable downfall, made a truly salutary case.

What about Timothy West’s performance did you like?

Timothy West has the ability to develop each character so that they are instantly recognisable each time they reappear. However, sometimes I felt I could hear him (TW) actually reading; maybe sobbing as a woman wronged or suffering anguish as the fine but austere Duke himself, and I found that these made very lovely interludes. I was being read to by a wonderful actor in the most friendly manner.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The final fall of Lady Mabel Grex was heart rendering. Twice she suffered tragic interviews with her previous lovers, but the events that led up this sad end were not her fault but caused by harsh circumstances which coloured her conduct.

Any additional comments?

I shall now work my way through all of Trollop's books as they are not only an acute social statement of their time, but have broader themes that face all of us each day. Wherever possible I shall be choosing Timothy West's reading. My sincere thanks and congratulations for giving hours of such pleasure.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Excellent

Dear Lynn (of Newquay): I think you found this book when The Prime Minister had been removed for correction (3 out of 4 parts were missing). I deliberately didn't listen to this until The Prime Minister had been restored, and it has been well worth the wait. Timothy West's narration is first class once again. I did find the end rather abrupt - but that may be because I coudn't believe the journey had finished - I found it rather moving to have to say goodbye to the Pallisers after all this time.

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