Sword of Honor

By: Evelyn Waugh

Narrated by: Simon Prebble

This trilogy spanning World War II, based in part on Evelyn Waugh's own experiences as an army officer, is the author's surpassing achievement as a novelist. Its central character is Guy Crouchback, head of an ancient but decayed Catholic family, who at first discovers new purpose in the challenge to defend Christian values against Nazi barbarism, but then gradually finds the complexities and cruelties of war overwhelming. Though often somber, Sword of Honor is also a brilliant comedy, peopled by the fantastic figures so familiar from Waugh's early satires. The deepest pleasures these novels afford come from observing a great satiric writer employ his gifts with extraordinary subtlety, delicacy, and human feeling, for purposes that are ultimately anything but satiric.

Sword of Honor comprises the three acclaimed novels Men at Arms, Officers and Gentlemen, and Unconditional Surrender.

Critic reviews

"Sword of Honour was the climax of Waugh's career as a novelist . . . Here in his final work there run together the two styles, of mischief and gravity, that can be noted in his writing from the beginning . . . He may justifiably have thought of it as crowning his work."—Frank Kermode

"[Men at Arms is] a highly entertaining novel....Waugh's sharp wit and sure touch of satire are always at work."—Edward Weeks, Atlantic Monthly

"[Officers and Gentlemen is] deft and amusing, sober and appalling. And it offers, incidentally, one of the most graceful salutes of many seasons to the flexibility of the English language."—New York Times

"Sword of Honor now clearly emerges as Mr. Waugh's main achievement to date, and the one piece of English fiction about World War II which is certain to survive."—Times Literary Supplement

First rate in all respects

Waugh’s writing and Prebble’s reading are both top of the line and combine to make a great listening experience.

Loved the subtle satire

Waugh’s masterful story-telling and Preble’s inimitable performance combine to make a unique take on WWII. Very different from the usual battleground heroics and sentimental swoons of other accounts. The author writes of the military personalities and snafus that elevate and frustrate the upper-class Brit who volunteers for service at the beginning of the war.

Subtle humor permeates the novel, which is based on Waugh’s personal wartime experiences. The over-20 hours of listening created a satisfying cocoon that I didn’t want to end.

Excellent

Loved it. Story and narration kept me happily engaged throughout. I'll listen to more by this author.

Wow!

Wonderful performance of a novel beyond praise. Waugh's chronicle of England at war. No drama, only honesty. I felt empty when the novel came to an end, after 25 hours. I wanted it to go on...

Read this!

Where does Sword of Honor rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Towards the very top of the list.

What other book might you compare Sword of Honor to and why?

This is to WWII what Ford Maddox Ford's Parade's End is to WWI.

What about Simon Prebble’s performance did you like?

He was perfect.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Powerfully existential....not that anyone would come see it with that tag line!