This edition published 10th November 2011 by Oxford World Classics. Originally published 1874.
Audio book narrated by Timothy West.
From the cover of the book:
After the death of his wife, the handsome politician Phineas Finn returns from Ireland to the parliamentary fray. In his absence the political and social world has subtly changed, parties and policies no longer fixed and advancement dependent upon scheming and alliances. His private life lays him open to the scandal-mongering press, and the wild accusations of an unhinged rival; but much more than his reputation is at stake when he is accused of murdering a political opponent.Trollope shows a remarkably prescient sense of the importance of intrigue, bribery, and sexual scandal, and the power of the press to make or break a political career. He is equally skilled in portraying the complex nature of Phineas' romantic entanglements with three powerful women: the mysterious Madame Max, the devoted Laura Kennedy, and the irrepressible Lady Glencora (now Duchess of Omnium).
The fourth of Trollope's Palliser novels, Phineas Redux is one of his most spellbinding achievements, and the first modern 'media' novel.
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Following the death of his wife, Mary, Phineas Finn is persuaded to return from Ireland and enter the parliamentary fray once more. With the promise of a government post, Phineas stands for the urban seat of Tankerville, which he eventually succeeds to, after some differences of opinion about the proper way to conduct a campaign. He settles back in to Westminster life, keen to get to grips with his renewed political career.
Phineas sets about reconnecting with old friends and acquaintances, taking in the changes in personal circumstance and the political landscape. He becomes embroiled in the continuing, bitter marital troubles of close friend (and former love), Lady Laura Kennedy, opening himself up to false rumours about a romantic entanglement with her - rumours which send his renewed political ambitions awry. Disenchanted, Phineas gets into a spat with party rival Mr Bonteen at his club, a man he has never liked. When Mr Bonteen is brutally murdered later that same night, Phineas stands accused of the crime.
Scandal ensues, and while, to Phineas' dismay many of those he thought he could rely on consider him guilty, he still has powerful friends and allies fighting his corner - primarily the charismatic Madam Marie Goesler, devoted Lady Laura, and the tireless Lady Glencora Palliser (now the Duchess of Omniom), who will stop at nothing to prove his innocence...
Following the disappointing doldrums of The Eustace Diamonds, Trollope is back in mighty Victorian form with book four in the Palliser series, Phineas Redux. Phineas returns to his political career after the tragic death of his young wife, Mary, picking up the threads of his former life from book two, Phineas Finn, to dramatic effect. Curiously, what happens in this story is also closely tied to events in book three, The Eustace Diamonds, in an unexpected twist...
In a nut shell, the bright lights of Phineas' political prospects are dimmed by rumours about his personal involvement in the marital troubles of Lady Laura, stirred up those among the press with lingering resentments towards our genial Irishman. When Mr Bonteen is found battered to death, after an altercation with Phineas, he stands accused of the murder.
Meanwhile, Lizzie Eustace has been repenting, at less than happy leisure, her rash decision to marry the odd Reverend Emilius. She has managed to recruit Mr and Mrs Bonteen to her cause to rid her of her troublesome husband. Mr Bonteen's efforts to prove Rev Emilius is a bigamist are co-incidentally beginning to bear fruit at the time of his demise, also putting the preacher under suspicion of his murder - unfortunately he appears to have a cast-iron alibi.
Phineas is in trouble, and distraught that so many of the people he thought were his friends believe him guilty of the crime. But he has staunch supporters on his side to aid him in his time of need - especially the wonderful Madam Marie Goesler, once another of Phineas' prospective marriage partners, who still has affectionate skin in the game.
There is drama galore in this novel, with lashings of lovely story lines for familiar faces from all the previous Palliser books. The complex tangle of Phineas' former romantic adventures prove to be both central to his downfall and the fervent attempts to save him from his predicament, with Trollope's female characters taking starring roles again. Glencora, now risen to the dizzying heights of a Duchess is as enjoyable as ever, but it is Marie Goesler that shines out for me, with her gumption, intelligence, and immense courage in her efforts on Phineas' behalf - she still loves him, of course, but can he be persuaded to finally admit that he loves her too? Sadly, Lady Laura is somewhat of a problematic character in this book though, and I sense Trollope up to his old 'morality tale' tricks when it comes to her fate - her ridiculous mooning after Phineas really got on my nerves after a while, especially as she was the instigator of her own downfall for the greater part.
Trollope beautifully explores reputation, rumour, bribery, and the power of the press to sway opinion in this novel, making it just as relevant today as ever. The intricacies of the court case, hinging on clues around a coat, a key and the provenance of the murder weapon, are truly edge-of-your-seat stuff, and Trollope is at the top of his game when it comes to humour, wit, and romantic suspense. The sub-plots add nicely to the whole, and I loved the ending.
This is my favourite of the Palliser series since book one, Can You Forgive Her?, by a long way, and it was an absolute pleasure to enjoy the spectacle through the voice talents of (dear) Timothy West - who has become a firm favourite.
Onwards to book five, The Prime Minister!
Phineas Redux is available to buy now in a variety of formats.
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