Brideshead Revisited by Evelyn Waugh

Title: Brideshead Revisited

Author: Evelyn Waugh

Publication Date: 1945

No. of Pages: 368

Synopsis (from B&N): "In this classic tale of British life between the World Wars, Waugh parts company with the satire of his earlier works to examine affairs of the heart. Charles Ryder finds himself stationed at Brideshead, the family seat of Lord and Lady Marchmain. Exhausted by the war, he takes refuge in recalling his time spent with the heirs to the estate before the war--years spent enthralled by the beautiful but dissolute Sebastian and later in a more conventional relationship with Sebastian's sister Julia. Ryder portrays a family divided by an uncertain investment in Roman Catholicism and by their confusion over where the elite fit in the modern world."

Fiction or Nonfiction: fiction

Comments and Critique: This is one of those books that I'm lukewarm about. I enjoyed it, but don't know that I'll ever bother to read it again. I like Waugh's writing style and the story moves right along. But I didn't feel anything much one way or the other about the characters -- no strong likes or dislikes, just kind of "whatever." I think I like it better in its TV miniseries version than as a book -- I want more of an emotional commitment when I read and I didn't have it here.

Would You Recommend This Book to Others: Yes, but not strongly.

Challenges: 1% Well-Read Challenge

Weekly Geeks questions:

Tiny Little Librarian said, "I've always meant to read Brideshead but can't seem to commit to it because it seems so "classicy" - would you recommend it?"

The British aristocracy and its continued place in the world is one of the central themes, but the book also addresses theological issues (acceptance of one's faith v. turning away from it). That 2nd theme is not overpowering; it's presented and you can focus on it or not. As for the aristocracy theme, I'm intrigued by the topic so I enjoyed it, but I could see where others wouldn't.

Bibliolatrist asked, "In honor of the film version of BRIDESHEAD, which should be out soon: if you were to cast the film version, who would you put in the leads and why?"

Great question, but tough - my memory is terrible on these kinds of questions. Plus, the TV version in the 80's was so perfectly cast that I can't think of anyone better. My favorite British actor is Colin Firth but I can't see him as one of the characters. I could envision James McAvoy as Charles, but no idea on who should be Sebastian. I'd love to hear what other people think on this.