Fifth and penultimate novel of Palliser cycle that will close the Duke Children recently (finally!) Translated, this Prime Minister from 1876 is somewhat apart in the ring. First because Plantagenet Palliser, Duke D'Omnium, is finally at the forefront when it only occasionally appeared in previous novels (which can be read independently). Secondly, because the novel is extremely tense around two narrative son only when others were scattered in the Victorian manner, among many more issues. However, it is, as always, a question of marriage, money and politics. The main plot revolves around Ferdinand Lopez. Came out of nowhere and of uncertain origin, of unknown mysterious profession and Heritage, this elegant young man with beautiful manners manages to marry Emily Wharton, the only daughter of a wealthy lawyer. It soon becomes apparent that, without being a monster, the individual is definitely not an English gentleman, as subodorait his stepfather, but a speculator to the elastic morality. He will attempt to get their hands on the fortune of her stepfather and to be elected deputy, playing the influence of Lady Glencora, indiscreet wife of Palliser. Or, and this is the second field, Palliser has finally managed to become Prime Minister, but as part of a rickety coalition government. The revelation of the intrigues of his wife for Lopez, morally condemnable because a Lord can not intervene in the election of a member of Commons, will weaken the position of the duke. Basically, it is here a question of morality, public morality and private morality. Can we exercise the highest positions within the rules of the government of decent men, wonders Palliser? What are the limits of morality of a wife when oppose loyalty and assistance due to the husband and repulsion inspired his maneuvers and lies, asks Emily? Double dilemma, by skilled correspondence which is customary Trollope, through the two couples in their public and private events (Palliser and Emily opposing with their respective temperaments Lady Glencora and Lopez). The best of the novel lies in the subtlety of male characters. Lopez could have been a caricature but will retain its mystery and charm; like the scorpion in the fable, it maneuver only because it is in his nature, which ignores the decency (the famous "It does not happen" by George Orwell as yet popularized Jean-Claude Michéa). Palliser is finely camped: High birth, equipped with the most eminent capacities, it is naturally inhabited of the common good - but should recognize the difficulty in parliamentary government to uphold its views on those of its partners as the difficulty in share to his wife (whom he loves as one should love) his moral standards. However, this is probably the character of the father Wharton, very figure of the Victorian in all its qualities (honesty, sense of work, demands on himself) and limitations (class prejudices, narrow concerns) which probably will remain the most in memory of readers. The patient and methodical struggle he waged against his son, a real trench warfare made offensive and scholars folds, offers the best pages of the novel. This fifth volume is probably not the level of the two masterpieces of the cycle (Phineas Finn and The Eustace Diamonds) but ensures beautiful moments to lovers of English classics.
