Scan barcode
A review by elwirax
Vile Bodies by Evelyn Waugh
reflective
medium-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
3.0
'Vile Bodies' is an interesting wee book with a refreshing, satirical yet foreboding writing style for its time. It reflects the changes in British society during the inter-war period and the erosion of tradition in light of modern attitudes and technologies. While I do not agree with Waugh's nostalgia for the past and rejection of modernity, the book offeres an intriguing insight into the post-war period and its uncertainties.
I particularly enjoyed its cynical portrayal of organised religion and its sharp critique of the hedonism and absurdity of the English upper classes. The role of the media as both criticising and elevating the lives of these people was also very interesting.
Nevertheless, being written in the 1930's it is no surprise that the novel contains attitudes regarding race and colonialism that are outdated and offensive by contemporary standards (CW for explicit use of the 'n' word and the 'y' word for Jewish people). Its portrayal of women is very shallow and while many of them are quite witty, they are often reduced to their romantic interests. The book also dealt with some heavy subjects such as suicide and death rather flippantly and without empathy. This detachment, I suppose may also be a reflection of the post war context.
Overall, an interesting book tonally and stylistically. Plot wise, it was not the most entertaining.
I particularly enjoyed its cynical portrayal of organised religion and its sharp critique of the hedonism and absurdity of the English upper classes. The role of the media as both criticising and elevating the lives of these people was also very interesting.
Nevertheless, being written in the 1930's it is no surprise that the novel contains attitudes regarding race and colonialism that are outdated and offensive by contemporary standards (CW for explicit use of the 'n' word and the 'y' word for Jewish people). Its portrayal of women is very shallow and while many of them are quite witty, they are often reduced to their romantic interests. The book also dealt with some heavy subjects such as suicide and death rather flippantly and without empathy. This detachment, I suppose may also be a reflection of the post war context.
Overall, an interesting book tonally and stylistically. Plot wise, it was not the most entertaining.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racial slurs
Moderate: Antisemitism
Minor: Death, Suicide, and Car accident