Scoop

by Evelyn Waugh
Scoop cover
Good Books rating 4.25
Comedy/Humor
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Waterstones
Paperback • £10.99 Hardback • £14.99
Amazon
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Technical
  • ID: 10455
  • Added: 2026-01-25
  • Updated: 2026-02-02
  • ISBN: 9781667623771
  • Publisher: Alien Ebooks
  • Published: 2023-06-01
  • Formats: 2
  • Reviews: 3

William Boot, a young man living in genteel poverty, contributes nature notes to a prominent newspaper. Mistaken for a famous novelist, he is sent to Ishmaelia to cover a brewing war. Despite his ineptitude, he accidentally becomes a star journalist, only to return home and resume his quiet life. /n/n The novel is a satirical take on the journalism industry, filled with wit and humor. It explores themes of mistaken identity, the absurdity of war reporting, and the contrast between urban and rural life.

Reviews
Bookjotter · 2018-05-22
irreverent 3.50

The book is a brilliantly irreverent satire that captures the chaos and incompetence of the journalism world. It's a funny and insightful read.

Bookjotter describes 'Scoop' as a brilliantly irreverent satire that captures the chaos and incompetence of the journalism world. They appreciate the humor and the clever way Waugh weaves a story around a naive journalist. The reviewer finds the book to be a funny and insightful read that leaves a lasting impression. They also note how the book's themes are still relevant today, making it a timeless piece. The reviewer, however, feels a bit disconnected from the book's humor, which they attribute to the passage of time and changing societal norms.

Quick quotes

    Described as 'a brilliantly irreverent satire of Fleet Street and its hectic pursuit of hot news'.

    I was unfortunately unable to connect...

    A funny and insightful read.

The Guardian · Robert McCrum · 2014-11-10
timeless 4.75

The book is a sharp satire on the media's relentless pursuit of news, showcasing the absurdity and incompetence of journalists. It's a timeless critique that remains relevant.

Robert McCrum from The Guardian praises 'Scoop' as a timeless satire that cuts deep into the heart of media sensationalism. He appreciates how Waugh's characters are both ridiculous and relatable, making the critique all the more effective. McCrum also notes how the book's themes are still pertinent today, highlighting the enduring nature of Waugh's work. The reviewer finds the book to be a brilliant piece of social commentary that is both funny and thought-provoking.

Quick quotes

    Scoop, as its title suggests, is a satire not on colonial sideshows, but on the eternal quest for breaking news.

    The endless competition between...

    A timeless critique that remains relevant.

Tolita's Musings · 2014-02-13
brilliant 4.50

The book is a delightful and smart satire that captures the essence of journalism with humor and wit. It's a short read but packed with enjoyment.

Tolita's Musings highlights how 'Scoop' is a brilliant satire that doesn't just poke fun at journalism but also at the societal norms of the time. The reviewer appreciates the humor and the clever way Waugh weaves a story around a naive journalist. They found the book to be a quick, enjoyable read that leaves a lasting impression. The reviewer also notes how the book's themes are still relevant today, making it a timeless piece.

Quick quotes

    It is a very short book but I enjoyed every minute of it.

    Evelyn Waugh at his best.

    Delightful, old fashioned, smart, funny, not at all politically correct.

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