Vile Bodies

By: Evelyn Waugh

Narrated by: Robert Hardy

A satiric novel by Evelyn Waugh, published in 1930.

Set in England between the wars, the novel examines the frenetic but empty lives of the Bright Young Things, young people who indulge in constant party-going, heavy drinking, and promiscuous sex. At the novel's end, the realities of the world intrude, with Adam Fenwick-Symes, the protagonist, serving on a battlefield at the onset of another world war.

©1930 Evelyn Waugh (P)2015 Hachette Audio

Between the Waughs

Absurd comedy meets contemptuous mockery, before concluding as sad elegy in Waugh's fragmented account of the life of the bright young things in society London between the wars. At times Robert Hardy's reading seems to be trying too hard for effect, but is at its best in the very funny moments featuring a collection of blimpish numbskulls. Uneven but a good experience.

Disappointing

Found it on the recommendation of Alexei Sayle in an article about humorous fiction. Should have gone with gut instinct about Sayle's own attempts at humour. Some wry moments but that's about it. Simon's character seems to know something!