“A Handful of Dust” is one of my favorite novels. Waugh’s use of irony is masterful. It’s been more than twenty years since I read this gem of a book and recalling how much I enjoyed the unexpected narrative twists remains foremost in my mind. A reread is overdue. Thanks for this synopsis and sharing your thoughts.
Wonderful review, John. I've been meaning to read Waugh for years now, and think I'll read him within this year. As for Maugham, he's one of my favourites. Hope to see more reviews of British literature from you. You made my day.
Are you British, Miles? By all means, let me know what you think in your Waugh reading. I'm especially looking forward to "Of Human Bondage," which I hope I can make time for this year. All the best from across the pond.
As comical as some of the book is... the way Waugh described the death of Messinger was beautiful and haunting. Well, not so much the description of his death but the description of the scene. Interesting name though: a man who dies trying to get help for Tony Last is named Messinger.
I remember that I do have that one in an old, bland-looking Everyman's Library Edition of "Decline and Fall." Unfortunately, it' packed away in my shed with 5,000 other unshelved books, so if I want to read it anytime soon, I'll have to invest in another copy.
One of my favorite books. I think it portends the ability of a modern woman to destroy a man, without society’s condemnation. It seems so common now, that the age of the book seems to remind us that there was a beginning of where we are now. I’m not making sense, yet I don’t really care. So Brenda of me.
“A Handful of Dust” is one of my favorite novels. Waugh’s use of irony is masterful. It’s been more than twenty years since I read this gem of a book and recalling how much I enjoyed the unexpected narrative twists remains foremost in my mind. A reread is overdue. Thanks for this synopsis and sharing your thoughts.
Wonderful review, John. I've been meaning to read Waugh for years now, and think I'll read him within this year. As for Maugham, he's one of my favourites. Hope to see more reviews of British literature from you. You made my day.
Are you British, Miles? By all means, let me know what you think in your Waugh reading. I'm especially looking forward to "Of Human Bondage," which I hope I can make time for this year. All the best from across the pond.
As comical as some of the book is... the way Waugh described the death of Messinger was beautiful and haunting. Well, not so much the description of his death but the description of the scene. Interesting name though: a man who dies trying to get help for Tony Last is named Messinger.
Last year I read Waugh`s "Decline and Fall". It was extremely funny.
I remember that I do have that one in an old, bland-looking Everyman's Library Edition of "Decline and Fall." Unfortunately, it' packed away in my shed with 5,000 other unshelved books, so if I want to read it anytime soon, I'll have to invest in another copy.
Great review. Have you seen the film of the same name? If so, would you do a review on it?
Thanks for the kind words, but I just review books on this channel.
One of my favorite books. I think it portends the ability of a modern woman to destroy a man, without society’s condemnation. It seems so common now, that the age of the book seems to remind us that there was a beginning of where we are now. I’m not making sense, yet I don’t really care. So Brenda of me.
So very well said! Brenda is a pretty monster, and was perfectly portrayed by Kristin Scott Thomas.
Read it recently. Twilight Zone feel to it.