The Three Clerks by Anthony Trollope is a delightful portrayal of the lives of three young men working as clerks in a London office. The novel follows the intertwining stories of Harry Norman, Alaric Gray, and Charley Tudor as they navigate the challenges of love, friendship, and ambition in the bustling city.

Trollope's sharply observed characters and witty dialogue bring the world of mid-19th century London to vivid life. The author's keen insight into human nature shines through in his portrayal of the three clerks, each with their own hopes and dreams, strengths and weaknesses. From Harry's steadfast loyalty, to Alaric's ambition and moral dilemmas, to Charley's romantic escapades and struggles with debt, Trollope paints a rich and nuanced portrait of his young protagonists.

While the novel's pacing can be slow at times, the depth of characterization and Trollope's keen social commentary make it a rewarding read. The Three Clerks is a timeless exploration of the complexities of human relationships and the challenges of navigating the competitive world of work. Trollope's keen eye for detail and dry humor make this novel a true classic of 19th century literature.

Book Description:

The Three Clerks was Trollope’s sixth novel and was written mostly in railway carriages, since his work for the Post Office still entailed a good deal of travelling; to make life easier for himself, Trollope had devised what he called his ‘tablet’, a square block which he rested upon his knees in such a way that he could write in complete comfort. The story is drawn from his memories of his work (as a clerk) at the GPO in St Martin-le-Grand, and it is considered the most autobiographical of Trollope’s novels – a story of the differing fortunes of 3 young men working at “Weights and Measures” and their relationships with a family of 3 sisters.