This was the absolutely perfect book to read at the
start of my holidays. A luxurious, indulgent read to soften the edges of a
harsh year. And relax me into the next few weeks. Beautiful people a world away
from anything I’ve ever known. And yet troubled by the same dilemmas and
disturbances of any other existence. Sometimes in gigantic proportions.
I actually bought this copy of BR way back in the 1980s or thereabouts. I believe I’ve tried to read it before, but never got into it. I can’t think why. It’s a warn, yellowing book now. Featuring a young Jeremy Irons and Anthony Andrews on the cover in stills from the Granada TV adaptation. Which I vaguely recall. For the attractive young men, rather than for the story methinks.
Through the eyes of Charles Ryder, Waugh recounts
the adventures – if they can thus be called – centring around Brideshead,
seat of Lord Marchmain and his family. An odd, dysfunctional group.
Although engaging all the same. CR is charmed as much as he is disarmed by them.
The story begins at Oxford University. CR
encounters the youngest family son, Sebastian who is already manifesting traits of a troubled mind. After much circling around, Sebastian reluctantly leads him back to Brideshead. And CR is
sucked into the family and their ways. From England and across Europe to
North Africa.
It’s interesting – or just telling – that there are
no simple, ordinary and problem-free people in BR. None. Characters sit at
extremes: sly, mean, devious and crooked; lonely, sad, despairing and
desperate. Manipulative. Emotional. Stifled.
And around all this hangs in the air like incense
Roman Catholicism. To believe or not to believe. The rights and the wrongs of this Church. Its traditions and beliefs. And
ultimately the idea that you’ll give in in the end. They all do.
Re-reading my immediate thoughts, I can’t imagine
why I liked the book. I’m not making it sound very inviting. And yet there is the
power of Evelyn Waugh. He has such a majestic way of writing. A mastery of
language. A smooth,
engaging manner. Much like rich, dark chocolate that’s been melted. A delight
to admire, a temptation impossible to resist, richness beyond belief. Waugh challenges
ideas, argues points, and presents genuinely unpleasant character traits in the
most inoffensive, leisurely tones. Dripping indulgence. Delightful.
I
have just seen that there was a film made in 2008. I might have to see it. I’m
loathe to let the BR feeling go. I wanted to finish, and yet so didn’t. That
rare joy loitering in the pages of a good book. Indulging in the indulgence. What
to do now? Where to go? I may need a glass of wine or two to help me move on…
This is a book I've been thinking about reading for ages but I've not come across anyone blogging about it so I've never been quite sure. Now, thank you, you've clinched it. It's a definite read. I hope you enjoy the rest of your holidays.
ReplyDeleteOh goodie! Please let me know what you think of it. Have a lovely summer (the perfect time to read BR!!!) :0)
DeleteI didn't really like the characters in this book, but was glad I read it. I liked your description of Catholicism hanging in the air like incense. Those hints of the pull of grace on broken lives was what kept me reading.
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean about the characters. They are gruesome, aren't they!! So grateful that Waugh can couch them in beautiful words. :0)
DeleteI don't know why I haven't read this yet. It's one of those should-reads that is always on the list but I never seem to get around to it. Your review has certainly made me more interested in getting to it sooner!
ReplyDeleteI can only encourage you to get to it, Susan! There's something so delightful about the whole thing which you'll only experience in reading it. Let me know what you think. :0)
DeleteGoodness Bookworm...your own words are much like rich dark chocolate. A very elegant review,,,though it isn't really a review is it. I very much enjoyed reading your sensual description of your feelings. I also very much enjoyed BR...though I can't precisely say why either. My own review: http://100greatestnovelsofalltimequest.blogspot.com/2013/11/brideshead-revisited-1945-by-evelyn.html
ReplyDeleteGoodness Barmy Bookworm...your own words are very much like rich dark chocolate. I thoroughly enjoyed your review...though it isn't truly a review is it? I enjoyed your sensual description of your feelings. I very much enjoyed BR as well...that I can't say precisely why. My own review: http://100greatestnovelsofalltimequest.blogspot.com/2013/11/brideshead-revisited-1945-by-evelyn.html
ReplyDeleteIf this comes through twice, feel free to delete one.