What's your favourite Evelyn Waugh novel?

[Mad Dog and Glory]

I'd be interested to know what people's favourite Evelyn Waugh novel is? I have read most of them - not Black Mischief and two of three of the Sword Of Honour trilogy.

Brideshead is the one that most resonates with me, but only really because of the Sebastian and Oxford part of the book. The Julia stuff wasn't a patch on that. I think Vile Bodies is the most enjoyable; a brilliant satire of a class and a generation from someone who felt himself to be on the outside of it.

Then there's A Handful Of Dust - his most successful mix of social satire and true pathos.

I've included The Sword Of Honour as one in the poll.

[Rainman]

I've voted for 'The Ordeal of Gilbert Pinfold', although 'Decline and Fall' runs it pretty close for me. I seem to remember reading that Waugh based it on personal experience...

[Lei-Lei Jayenne]

I chose Decline and Fall, though Brideshead is a very close second. Having studied Decline and Fall for my A-Levels, even the complete dissection of books that schools tend to put us through, didn't affect my admiration for it.

[Fred Ricketts]

I've only read Scoop, so I won't vote. For reasons I've explained in the Cannery Row thread elsewhere, I find that I relate to American novels more than I do the middle (or should that be upper?)-class English novel. However, as I've only read Scoop I'm not in a position to judge. Someone convince me why I should read another Waugh novel. Do they all have blokes with Teddy Bears in them?

I should also explain that as a 70's comprehensive slacker, I didn't read a book of any worth until I was about 18 when I'd already been at work for two years and I decided to catch up. I read a lot but I've never had to 'disect' them. If you've read 'The Goalkeepers Revenge' I'm a bit like Maggie in 'Maggie's First Reader' :)

[Grammath]

I'd be interested to know what people's favourite Evelyn Waugh novel is? I have read most of them - not Black Mischief and two of three of the Sword Of Honour trilogy.

I listened to "Black Mischief" on audiobook a while ago. I think its neglected these days because its extraordinarily politically incorrect even by Waugh's standards - lots of references to the backwardness of the "darkies" etc. - but it was still good enough to rekindle my interest in Waugh, whom I hadn't read since tackling "Scoop" at secondary school.

I have also read "A Handful of Dust", which I thought was ace and, if this poll was still open, I'd probably have voted for, and "Brideshead". Stephen Fry's film adaptation of "Vile Bodies" (under the title "Bright Young Things") can only have been a poor version of the source material - I can't believe Waugh wrote anything so unfunny.

I love the cynicism of Waugh, he was like Wodehouse with teeth. He's probably my favourite British writer from that era.

[Kate Allan]

Probably A Handful of Dust, just because it's so bleak and sticks so long in the memory. At least at the end of Brideshead there is some hope.
Scoop and Vile Bodies are kind of fun. And also Decline and Fall, in its own way.

[John Self]

Definitely A Handful of Dust for me, essentially for the reasons Kate outlines above. There are one or two moments that are really jaw-dropping.

[megustaleer]

I have only read Brideshead, so can hardly express a preference.
The book was better than the TV series...but I always say that :rolleyes:

[chuntzy]

Decline and Fall is my choice.

[John Self]

Megustaleer, Brideshead is very different from his other books (at least the pre-1950s ones), as it's pretty much a 'straight' novel with little humour. His early (and in my view best) books are extremely funny: Decline and Fall, Vile Bodies, Scoop, A Handful of Dust. Well worth checking out, though it might not change your view of your favourite - I think we often tend to favour the first book we read by an author.

[megustaleer]

Megustaleer, Brideshead is very different from his other books (at least the pre-1950s ones), as it's pretty much a 'straight' novel with little humour. His early (and in my view best) books are extremely funny: Decline and Fall, Vile Bodies, Scoop, A Handful of Dust. Well worth checking out, though it might not change your view of your favourite - I think we often tend to favour the first book we read by an author.
I have occasionally considered adding Scoop to my TBR mountain range, and I suppose if it was shoved under my nose in a charity shop I would do so. But I am actually beginning to find bookshops, or any large gathering of books threatening and scary :(

[Holly Golightly]

I love this book! I have read it again recently for the umpteenth time :)
But I have read and enjoyed most of Mr. Waugh's books.

[johnmartine63]

I would agree that your first novel by an author is always going to be one of your favorites, So it's Decline and Fall. It still makes me laugh. The Loved on emight be tied though, I even like the movie.

[Hazel]

Vile Bodies for me.

[lipstick_librarian]

I've only read 'A Handful of Dust' (years ago so I can't really remember it, but I know I enjoyed it), and 'The Loved One'. MOH reckons that The Loved One is the most perfect piece of lit he's ever read. :confused:

[Bill]

I have re-opened the poll, if members are interested in voting, especially those who have already expressed a preference.

[Boris the Cat]

I love all Evelyn Waugh, especially The Sword of Honour trilogy and Brideshead, but my very favourite has to be Decline and Fall. Love the dodgy butler.

[ladyaemy]

I liked Brideshead very much ... but then it's also the only Waugh I've read, and I've discussed it in some detail on another site.

So if the poll is for puposes of determing another "group read", perhaps you should just ignore me. (I didn't know; that's why I voted ...)

Aemy

[dumpling]

I voted for Scoop because it's so timeless ... particularly in light of ... ahem ... certain current ... ahem ...overseas military involvements .. ahem.

But Brideshead would definitely be a close second.

[megustaleer]

So if the poll is for puposes of determing another "group read", This thread dates back to the very earliest days of BGO, and I think Mad Dog and Glory, one of the original members (really Bill in another guise) probably posted it to start a discussion going.

So, you haven't skewed a bookgroup choice in any way.:D

[megustaleer]

I have occasionally considered adding Scoop to my TBR mountain range, and I suppose if it was shoved under my nose in a charity shop I would do so.(It was sent to me as a bookgroup read, so I have now read it.
Didn't like it (http://www.bookgrouponline.com/forum/showthread.html?t=4298), so Brideshead remains my favourite.