The Way We Live Now, by Anthony Trollope

 

The Way We Live Now
by 

Anthony Trollope

Clif Hostetler's review

Jun 22, 2026  ·  edit

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bookshelves: novel

This book by Anthony Trollope was published in 1875 inspired by financial scandals of the early 1870s though the plot also contains plenty of domestic affairs relating to prospective marriage matchups. Trollope’s "now" (from the book's title) is not so different from our own "now"—preoccupied by money and marriage. This novel can be studied on many levels as the lives of its multiple characters deal with concerns about fraudulent perceptions of wealth, successful and failed attempts of marriage, and a problematic prodigal son. 

There are so many story lines in this book that it's easy to loose track of a central theme, but I suggest that Lady Carbury and her two children, Hetta and Felix, are the central characters followed from the beginning of the book to its end. These two adult children are of great concern to Lady Carbury, Hetta because she's not willing to marry her distant cousin Rodger Carbury to secure her future, and Felix because he is a debauched profligate whose only hope for a future is to marry into wealth. Most readers will feel sympathy for Hetta who wants to marry for love, but Felix can only be judged to be a worthless character who deserves no pity. But a mother's love never ceases and Lady Carbury keeps trying to figure out a way of place Felix in a place where he won't make things worse. 

Another character that dominates the novel is Augustus Melmotte, a rich foreign financier who has taken London social scene by storm. His background is unknown but his public perception is one of exceptional wealth, and everybody in England seems to be attracted to wealth. His perceived wealth propels him to winning a seat in the House of Commons and hosting a party for the Emperor of China who is visiting London. But the rush of popular opinion that enabled his rise suddenly starts flowing in reverse when rumor spreads that his apparent wealth is based on fraud. Suddenly he has no friends and escapes via suicide. 

I found the following excerpt interesting because it comments on how the lower class of society can feel sympathy for wealthy swindlers because their actions cause consternation and losses to the wealthy upper class. 

It was supposed that the working-classes were in favour of Melmotte, partly from their love of a man who spends a great deal of money, partly from the belief that he was being ill-used,—partly, no doubt, from that occult sympathy which is felt for crime, when the crime committed is injurious to the upper classes. Masses of men will almost feel that a certain amount of injustice ought to be inflicted on their betters, so as to make things even, and will persuade themselves that a criminal should be declared to be innocent, because the crime committed has had a tendency to oppress the rich and pull down the mighty from their seats.

I read this book together with the Great Books KC group during the summer of 2026 reading 33 chapters per month. The following is what I wrote about the book after completing 67 of 100 chapters. 

Felix—Marie relationship
They have planned an elopement to New York, but Marie was apprehended by Police prior to boarding. Felix meanwhile gambled away all of the money that had been given to him for preparing for the journey. By the 2/3 point in the book Felix is depressed, and Marie is at home being pressured to marry Lord Nidderdale. 

Ruby Rubbles
Ruby has fled to London and takes refuge with her aunt, Mrs. Pipkin. Felix visited her there but Mrs. Pipkin has refused to let them continue to meet. Roger Carbury has encouraged her to reconsider the marriage offer from John Crumb.

Paul Montague—Mrs.Hurtle—Hettta relationships
After many tries Paul has managed to end his engagement to Mrs. Hurtle. Soon after he proposes to Hetta and she accepts. Later when Felix tells Hetta about Paul’s prior engagement to Mrs. Hurtle she is surprised. Chapter 67 ends at this point.

Melmotte’s situation
Melmotte’s grand dinner for the Emperor of China is a social disaster, boycotted by many prominent guest due to widespread rumors of forgery and fraud. By Chapter 67 he is still trying to put on a brave face against the rumors. 

Written After Completing 34 of 100 Chapters:

Summary Description of Characters:
Lady Carbury, a 43-year-old widow and aspiring author. Has anxiety about finances.
Sir Felix, profligate son of Lady Carbury.
Henrietta "Hetta" Carbury, daughter of Lady Carbury.
Augustus Melmotte, a rich foreign financier who has taken London social scene by storm.
Marie Melmotte, daughter of Augustus Melmotte, attempts elopement with Felix.
Roger Carbury, the honorable head of the Carbury family and master of Carbury Hall. Roger is deeply in love with his cousin Hetta but has been refused.
Paul Montague, the younger friend and ward of Roger Carbury
Mrs. Winifred Hurtle, an American widow to whom Paul Montague was once engaged
Hamilton K. Fisker, American speculator in a railroad (South Central Pacific and Mexican Railway), partner of Paul Montague.
Longestaffe family, aristocratic but indebted family, negotiates with Melmotte to sell him their Sussex estate, Pickering.
Ruby Ruggles, country girl with whom Felix has a secret relationship. She flees home and goes to London.