Doctor Thorne by Anthony Trollope, 2/5

I was equally surprised and disappointed by this novel, which almost completely lacks the charm, wit and originality of the first two books in the series.  An anorexic plot, weak characterization, and constant harping on the now largely-irrelevant topic of marrying below one’s station make this a tedious read and one I was glad to see the end of.  My enthusiasm to read the rest of the Chronicles of Barchester series has been dampened but, in light of the first two books’ excellence, I hold out hope that the fourth will not be a waste of time.

[Why I read it: I’m reading through the series, which starts with The Warden.]