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3.68 AVERAGE
3.68 AVERAGE
informative
lighthearted
medium-paced
I was pleasantly surprised at how much I liked this book. I went in knowing very little about the novel except that it was on the Modern Library's Top 100 Novels, which I am currently making my way through. I haven't enjoyed a book on this list quite so much in years and read it faster than any other, with the possible exception of Slaughterhouse-Five. I invariably read at least three books at a time and usually alternate between them to stave off boredom, but I never found myself wanting to read anything else before finishing this one.
The first part of the novel is quite easy reading, almost coming off as a bit soap-opera-ish. I found myself rooting for Mr. Beaver to better his position in society and for Brenda to have a bit of fun. It was not until the Great Tragedy that things turned dark and I became hesitant to find out what was to become of each character.
I appreciate that this edition came with the extra "alternate ending" originally published in Harper's Bazaar. I do wonder which would have been the better ending for Tony.
The first part of the novel is quite easy reading, almost coming off as a bit soap-opera-ish. I found myself rooting for Mr. Beaver to better his position in society and for Brenda to have a bit of fun. It was not until the Great Tragedy that things turned dark and I became hesitant to find out what was to become of each character.
I appreciate that this edition came with the extra "alternate ending" originally published in Harper's Bazaar. I do wonder which would have been the better ending for Tony.
Roza Hakmen çevirdiği için hevesle giriştim bu romana. İlk yüz sayfa filan muhteşemdi, tam da okumak istediğim türden enerjik, lafı uzatmayan, hareketli bir roman. Sonrasında birden ipler koptu ve koca roman tesbih taneleri gibi dağılıverdi. Çok şaşırdım açıkçası, sanki yazar kalemini bir başkasına vermiş gibiydi. İnandırıcılığı, gücü, enerjisi yok oldu romanın. Tuhaf.
so yes i read this all in a day i just love waugh so much ugh it was just so subtly absurd until it smacked you with tony in the amazonian jungle being trapped by a man who loves dickens but can’t read?! yes. i love the endings of his stories they’re just so stupidly good because what do you mean this is how it ends?? what do you mean oh this seminal character died okay that’s it??? it’s all just so silly
I like this a lot. Great storytelling. Nearly farcical beginning doesn't prepare the reader for the interesting and thought-provoking end.
At first I was so sure that it would be a funny silly book with some adultery in it, through the half of the book, I realized that I couldn’t be more wrong. After killing John off, I got really mad at the book but still continued reading to finish and see what happens. I was real surprised all right, I like the writing, and the author has a way of showing humour, I still laugh at it 2023. As one would say, he’s a real funny chap. However! I felt that sometimes these reactions felt so lukewarm that it was real hard to feel anything with the characters. I don’t if it’s just my anger with killing John Andrews off but I really felt that emotions were focused on rather less and more about the actions and the bigger picture which I suppose is fine for some as a preference but it made me feel like it diminished the writing. Other than it was fine, a little depressing, hated the ending but it was good. I liked his writing and humour.
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adding Brenda to my list of the Wonderless Women of the 1930s
Book is entertaining - I feel like Tony is supposed to be the non-satirical character - the kind of voice of reason, deferential guy who is fucked over - but there’s plenty to make fun of him about. The book is also pretty anti-semitic.