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3.68 AVERAGE
3.68 AVERAGE
I wish I could give this book more stars, the pretentious side of me really wants to, but I cannot. Although the book is very wry and definitely a shrewd social commentary on the decline of the upper class throughout the early 20th century. However, without the introduction in the Penguin edition, I would have missed the finer points. The imagery definitely requires reflection, and in my case, footnotes. Overall it was an enjoyable light read to pass the time. Therefore the book gets three stars.
All of that said, the book makes it clear that Waugh was a masterful writer. The references and allusions in the novel that make it quite as cutting as it is are truly genius. If I were rating the novel on skill alone it would easily get 5/5 stars. That's not what I'm doing here though, my rating is a reflection of how much I enjoyed the novel overall. Definitely worth the read but nothing utterly mindblowing in terms of storyline.
All of that said, the book makes it clear that Waugh was a masterful writer. The references and allusions in the novel that make it quite as cutting as it is are truly genius. If I were rating the novel on skill alone it would easily get 5/5 stars. That's not what I'm doing here though, my rating is a reflection of how much I enjoyed the novel overall. Definitely worth the read but nothing utterly mindblowing in terms of storyline.
Things take an unfortunate turn for Tony Last... the later bit will catch you off guard, guaranteed.
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
sad
slow-paced
Content Warnings
Moderate: Infidelity
Minor: Child death, Confinement
Satire in writing is lost on me, though I did laugh out loud a few times.
dark
funny
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
This was just about brilliant, but the jarring second half disoriented me.
Terribly sad and satirical story. The demise of a romance that was one-sided from the go accelerates quickly toward despair. Brilliant storytelling. I like this better than Brideshead Revisited.