The Macdermots of Ballycloran

The Macdermots of Ballycloran (1847) by Anthony Trollope is his first published novel. Possibly due to its unrelentingly grim and tragic themes, it did not appeal to the sensibilities of the Victorian reading public. The story of struggles among the landed gentry and one family's downfall, with themes of seduction, revenge, and murder, is indeed a difficult read.

But Trollope learned well from this first foray into publication, and went on to become one of the most popular and prolific British Victorian novelists, eventually to be known for his gentle humor, sparkling social satire, warmhearted relationships, satisfying resolutions, and, above all, happy endings.