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missfantasyfiction 's review for:
Scoop
by Evelyn Waugh
Scoop is a satirical novel about journalism, with cases of mistaken identity, ineptitude and a scathing insight into the news industry from Evelyn Waugh, someone who worked as a journalist for many years. Although I did chuckle half-heartedly a couple of times, I would say that calling it 'comedic' is a bit of an exaggeration.
The racist, anti-Semitic and misogynist language made for very uncomfortable reading. Other critics will inevitably say it's all about context, which I can appreciate, but for me personally, this significantly detracted from my enjoyment of the novel. I'm also aware that, even in the time of writing Evelyn Waugh's views were considered controversial (George Orwell called his opinions 'untenable').
Moreover, I just found it utterly, utterly boring. I had convinced myself that the pace would pick up once they reached the fictional country of Ishmaelia, but I was sorely disappointed, as, if anything, it became even more tedious. It didn't have anything particularly to contribute to my perception of journalism that I didn't already know.
The plot was very farcical, but if it's a farce you're looking for, I would direct you immediately to Jeeves and Wooster, which is far, far funnier and less offensive. Overall, not for me and I won't be in a hurry to pick up any more of Waugh's work in the near future.
The racist, anti-Semitic and misogynist language made for very uncomfortable reading. Other critics will inevitably say it's all about context, which I can appreciate, but for me personally, this significantly detracted from my enjoyment of the novel. I'm also aware that, even in the time of writing Evelyn Waugh's views were considered controversial (George Orwell called his opinions 'untenable').
Moreover, I just found it utterly, utterly boring. I had convinced myself that the pace would pick up once they reached the fictional country of Ishmaelia, but I was sorely disappointed, as, if anything, it became even more tedious. It didn't have anything particularly to contribute to my perception of journalism that I didn't already know.
The plot was very farcical, but if it's a farce you're looking for, I would direct you immediately to Jeeves and Wooster, which is far, far funnier and less offensive. Overall, not for me and I won't be in a hurry to pick up any more of Waugh's work in the near future.