Hello again, Evelyn Waugh.
I last read Mr. Waugh’s (yes, Evelyn is a guy) work when I tackled my 49th book from the list, A Handful of Dust, which is also currently ranked #19 in my rankings.
Now it’s time to dive into Brideshead Revisited, a novel which some critics say was his best effort.
A few facts about Brideshead Revisited and Evelyn Waugh:
- The novel was first published in 1945.
- Waugh said Brideshead Revisited “deals with what is theologically termed ‘the operation of Grace,’ that is to say, the unmerited and unilateral act of love by which God continually calls soul to Himself.”
- He once called the novel his magnum opus, but later told Graham Green he was “appalled” after re-reading it.
- Brideshead has appeared on many top 100 lists, including the Modern Library, Time, the BBC, and Newsweek.
- A film adaption of the novel, starring Emma Thompson, was released in 2008.
- Waugh was a traditional Catholic, which contributed to many Catholic themes in his work.
- He passed away in 1966 at the age of 62.
I’ve heard nothing but good things about Brideshead Revisited, so I’m excited to get going on this novel.
Have you read it? Your thoughts?