In "Vile Bodies" by Evelyn Waugh, readers are transported to the post-World War I era where the Bright Young Things of Mayfair navigate a world filled with parties, satire, and a sense of impending doom. The central characters, Adam and Nina, find themselves amidst a whirlwind of events and secondary characters, leading to a fragmented yet enjoyable narrative. Waugh's writing style blends humor, satire, and a dark undercurrent, offering a glimpse into the frivolous yet complex lives of the upper class.

The book delves into themes of class, frivolity, satire, and a mix of innocence and sophistication among the Bright Young Things, providing a snapshot of a generation living in the aftermath of war while indulging in capricious escapades. Waugh's witty and satirical approach, along with the vivid assortment of characters and jigsaw of amusing situations, creates a narrative that oscillates between funny, bitter, and reflective, ultimately capturing the essence of a society on the brink of change.

Characters:

The characters serve as exaggerated representations of a shallow social class, reflecting the disillusionment and aimlessness of their lives in a post-war society.

Writing/Prose:

Waugh's writing style combines sharp satirical humor with a brisk, engaging pace, effectively depicting the absurdity of the characters and their lifestyles.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative captures the aimless, glamorous escapades of London's upper class youth during the 1920s, centered on Adam Fenwick Symes' attempts to secure his future with Nina Blount amidst chaos and decadence.

Setting:

The backdrop of 1920s London encapsulates a vibrant yet hollow social scene, characterized by extravagant parties and a carefree, reckless atmosphere.

Pacing:

The pacing is fast and frenetic, matching the chaotic, party-oriented lifestyle of its characters and keeping readers engaged throughout.

With Asiatic resignation Father Rothschild S.J. put down his suitcase in the corner of the bar and went on deck. (It was a small suitcase of imitation crocodile hide. The initials stamped on it in Got...

Notes:

Vile Bodies was published in 1930 and satirizes the lifestyle of the Bright Young Things in 1920s London.

The main character, Adam Fenwick Symes, is a struggling writer trying to marry his fiancée, Nina Blount.

The novel features a range of humorous and absurd characters with names like Miles Malpractice and Mr Outrage.

Waugh's narrative style is detached and ironic, often highlighting the superficiality of the characters' lives.

The plot revolves around a series of parties and escapades, reflecting the hedonism of the era.

Waugh predicted the impending World War II in the book's conclusion, where Adam is found on a battlefield.

The book cleverly critiques the emptiness of celebrity culture, a theme relevant even today.

It includes elements of dark comedy, juxtaposed with moments of sadness about the characters' aimless pursuits.

Waugh wrote the book as a commentary on the lost generation after World War I, showcasing their frivolity and existential crises.

The characters frequently communicate via telephone, a notable feature at the time of publication.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings for Vile Bodies include themes of mental health struggles, suicides, and portrayals of excess leading to despair.

Has Romance?

The book features a medium level of romance primarily revolving around the relationship between Adam and Nina, though it's often clouded by irony and financial difficulties.

From The Publisher:

Evelyn Waugh's acidly funny and formally daring satire, Vile Bodies reveals the darkness and vulnerability that lurks beneath the glittering surface of the high life.

In the years following the First World War a new generation emerges, wistful and vulnerable beneath the glitter. The Bright Young Things of twenties' Mayfair, with their paradoxical mix of innocence and sophistication, exercise their inventive minds and vile bodies in every kind of capricious escapade - whether promiscuity, dancing, cocktail parties or sports cars. In a quest for treasure, a favourite party occupation, a vivid assortment of characters, among them the struggling writer Adam Fenwick-Symes and the glamorous, aristocratic Nina Blount, hunt fast and furiously for ever greater sensations and the fulfilment of unconscious desires.

If you enjoyed Vile Bodies, you might like Waugh's A Handful of Dust, also available in Penguin Modern Classics.

'The high point of the experimental, original Waugh'

Malcolm Bradbury, Sunday Times

'This brilliantly funny, anxious and resonant novel ... the difficult edgy guide to the turn of the decade'

Richard Jacobs

'It's Britain's Great Gatsby'

Stephen Fry, director of Vile Bodies film adaptation Bright Young Things

Ratings (2)

Loved It (1)
Liked It (1)

Reader Stats (11):

Read It (3)
Want To Read (7)
Not Interested (1)

What can you read after
Vile Bodies?

See the list (100 books)

About the Author:

Evelyn Waugh was born in Hampstead in 1903 and educated at Hertford College, Oxford. In 1928 he published his first novel, Decline and Fall, which was soon followed by Vile Bodies, Black Mischief (1932), A Handful of Dust (1934) and Scoop (1938). During these years he also travelled extensively and converted to Catholicism. In 1939 Waugh was commissioned in the Royal Marines and later transferred to the Royal Horse Guards, experiences which informed his Sword of Honour trilogy (1952-61). His most famous novel, Brideshead Revisited (1945), was written while on leave from the army. Waugh died in 1966.

Meet New Books is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a way for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to products and services on amazon.com and its subsidiaries.
When you click the Amazon link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commision, at no cost to you.

Vile Bodies

Evelyn Waugh