From 9th February to 23rd March 2026 join Trollope enthusiasts from across the world every second Monday to discuss The Bertrams as we read it together on Zoom.

The Bertrams follows the fortunes of George Bertram, an idealistic young man educated at Oxford, and his friend Arthur Wilkinson, a modest and dutiful clergyman. As the two men pursue their futures, George through travel, writing, and conflict with his wealthy grandfather, and Arthur through parish life, they both become entangled with Caroline Waddington, a clever and thoughtful woman who must choose between them. The novel ranges widely in setting, including scenes in the Middle East, London, and rural England. Trollope reflects on themes of ambition, belief, inheritance, and romantic disappointment, making this one of his more philosophically rich novels.

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.

23 March – The Bertrams, Chapters 37 – 47
6 April – Mr Scarborough’s Family, Chapters 1 – 13
20 April – Mr Scarborough’s Family, Chapters 14 – 26
4 May – Mr Scarborough’s Family, Chapters 27 – 39
18 May – Mr Scarborough’s Family, Chapters 40 – 52
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 The Bertrams 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.

Resources

• Plot summary and character listing for The Bertrams
• Download The Bertrams free of charge from Project Gutenberg
• Explore our Reading Guide for The Bertrams