Barchester Towers

** "Barchester Towers" by Anthony Trollope is a book that takes place in the Victorian Era and focuses on the fictional town of Barchester, where the death of a bishop causes a battle for power among church leaders. The main people in the story are Dr. Grantly, who wants to be the next bishop, Mr. Harding, who used to run a local hospital, the new Bishop Proudie, his controlling wife, and the sly chaplain Mr. Slope. The book is funny and makes fun of the values and society within the Church of England, especially looking into themes of ambition, social change, and power. The death of the old bishop begins a contest to become the new bishop, and Archdeacon Grantly is hoping he can get the job. Mr. Harding is dealing with leaving his role at Hiram’s Hospital and adjusts to the changing rules under the new bishop. As characters chase their goals, Trollope shows the complex relationships and rivalries that drive the story in Barchester. **