Zuleika Dobson

by Max Beerbohm
Zuleika Dobson cover
Good Books rating 2.5
Comedy/Humor
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Waterstones
Paperback • £13.95
Amazon
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Technical
  • ID: 10445
  • Added: 2026-01-25
  • Updated: 2026-01-28
  • ISBN: 9781554809974
  • Publisher: ReadHowYouWant.com
  • Published: 1928-01-01
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

Zuleika Dobson is a novel that blends humor and satire to create a delightful tale set in the prestigious halls of Oxford University. The story revolves around the enchanting Zuleika, whose arrival on campus sparks a frenzy among the male students, who become infatuated with her beauty and charm. The narrative is filled with witty dialogue and absurd situations, making it a classic example of comedic literature. /n/n The book is known for its sharp social commentary and exaggerated characters, which add to its comedic effect. It explores themes of love, obsession, and the absurdities of academic life, all wrapped up in a lighthearted and entertaining package. The EasyRead Comfort Edition ensures that the text is accessible and enjoyable for all readers.

Reviews
The Reading Bug · 2016-11-15
disappointed 1.00

The reviewer found the book to be poorly written and struggled to find any redeeming qualities. They finished it in a bad mood.

The reviewer from The Reading Bug had a very negative experience with Zuleika Dobson. They describe the book as poorly written and found it difficult to find any redeeming features. The effort required to finish the book left them in a bad mood, indicating a strong dislike for the narrative and its execution. Their overall impression is that the book is not worth the time and effort it demands.

Quick quotes

    I finished this novel in something of a bad mood.

    It is a very bad book, and I resented the effort required to find any redeeming features.

    The writing was poor, and the story was unengaging.

Stuck in a Book · 2015-09-14
confused 2.00

The book is described as a satire, but the reviewer couldn't identify what it satirizes. They found the lack of a clear target confusing.

The reviewer notes that Zuleika Dobson is often labeled as a satire, but they struggled to pinpoint what exactly it is satirizing. This ambiguity left them feeling unsatisfied, as a satire typically requires a recognizable target to be effective. They suggest that without a clear grounding in truth, the satirical elements fall flat. The reviewer's confusion highlights a potential weakness in the book's ability to convey its intended message.

Quick quotes

    Zuleika Dobson is often described as a satire, but I couldn't work out what it could possibly be a satire of.

    A satire must have a grounding in truth.

    I couldn't help but feel that the book was missing something crucial.

The Guardian · 2014-06-23
brilliant 4.50

The book is praised as a brilliant Edwardian satire on Oxford life, but it also carries a darker tone. The reviewer appreciates its wit and complexity.

The Guardian's review highlights Zuleika Dobson as a brilliant Edwardian satire that offers a witty and incisive look at Oxford life. The reviewer notes that while the book is undoubtedly a product of its time, it also carries a darker undertone that adds depth to the narrative. They appreciate the author's ability to blend humor with a more serious exploration of human nature and societal norms. This duality makes the book both entertaining and thought-provoking.

Quick quotes

    Zuleika Dobson is a brilliant Edwardian satire on Oxford life by one of English literature's most glittering wits.

    Now reads as something much darker and more unsettling.

    Beerbohm's wit and insight make this a standout work of satire.

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