A review by jarvvis
Brideshead Revisited by Evelyn Waugh

emotional reflective relaxing sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

I have a deep affection for books that trundle along and explore what they like without much regards to plot, so Brideshead Revisted suited me just grand. There’s a lot of naval gazing, some confusing themes and character directions (

shocked that Sebastian did just seem to fade into the background with no great conclusion to his character other than “he might die of alcoholism soon”

), but it is wonderfully well written and manages to convey this crumbling lifestyle of English country houses, deep rooted Catholicism and unquestioned wealth and privilege. I do wish there was a little more depth/romance on Charles’ relationships with both Sebastian and Julia: he has a number of wondrous lines and scenes with the two of them that I wanted more of - he was the forerunner is an excellent quote, and a fascinating angle for a relationship. I also am a little lost on the whole religious angle and not entirely sure if we ever got a proper answer to that niggling question, but I digress. It’s a lovely book, worth a read.