Mr Scarborough’s Family ~ BIG READ

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painting of an older Victorian man sitting at a desk with legal papers on it.

From 6th April to 1st June 2026 join Trollope enthusiasts from across the world every second Monday to discuss Mr Scarborough’s Family as we read it together on Zoom.

Mr Scarborough’s Family is a darkly comic and morally complex story of inheritance, deception, and familial rivalry. At its centre is the eccentric and calculating Mr Scarborough, who shocks his sons and society by declaring that his elder son Mountjoy is illegitimate, despite having always presented him as the heir. This act undermines legal expectations, social order, and the family’s financial stability. As creditors, lawyers, and relatives circle, the novel examines greed, manipulation, and the limits of paternal power.

Register free for the complete 2026 BIG READ

You only need to register once, you can then attend any of the 2026 BIG READ Zoom meetings without needing to register again. You can cancel your registration at any time.

1 June – Mr Scarborough’s Family, Chapters 53 – 64
15 June – The Belton Estate, Chapters 1 – 11
29 June – The Belton Estate, Chapters 12 – 22
13 July – The Belton Estate, Chapters 23 – 32
27 July – Castle Richmond, Chapters 1 – 11
10 August – Castle Richmond, Chapters 12 – 22
24 August – Castle Richmond, Chapters 23 – 33
7 Sept – Castle Richmond, Chapters 34 – 44
21 Sept – The Kellys and The O’Kellys, Chapters 1 – 12
5 Oct – The Kellys and The O’Kellys, Chapters 13 – 24
19 Oct – The Kellys and The O’Kellys, Chapters 25 – 36
2 November – Ralph The Heir, Chapters 1 – 14
16 November – Ralph The Heir, Chapters 15 – 29
30 November – Ralph The Heir, Chapters 30 – 44
14 December – Ralph The Heir, Chapters 45 – 58
28 December – Christmas Day at Kirkby Cottage

Click here to register to attend Mr Scarborough’s Family BIG READ Zoom meetings

We will send you an email with instructions on how to join and the password. Using Zoom is easy, just click on the link in the email and follow the instructions. Please note that you will not be able to join the meeting until 8.00pm (UK time) on the day.

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The group has been set up to allow members of the Zoom Online Group to keep in touch as they read the current novel. You are welcome to join the WhatsApp Group to read the current novel, or simply to take part in the discussions and be part of the group.

Watch recordings of previous Zoom meetings
Watch recordings of our previous Zoom BIG READ introductions, lectures, talks and conference presentations.

Address: Chapters 53-64 - Free Zoom Meeting - Registration required