Vile Bodies

by Evelyn Waugh
Vile Bodies cover
Good Books rating 3.67
Literary Fiction
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  • ID: 10547
  • Added: 2026-01-25
  • Updated: 2026-02-02
  • ISBN: 9780141190693
  • Publisher: Penguin UK
  • Published: 2012-05-31
  • Formats: 2
  • Reviews: 3

In the years following the First World War, a new generation emerges, characterized by a mix of innocence and sophistication. Evelyn Waugh's 'Vile Bodies' captures the essence of the Roaring Twenties, where the Bright Young Things of Mayfair engage in a whirlwind of promiscuity, dancing, cocktail parties, and sports cars. The novel is a vivid portrayal of a generation seeking treasure and sensation, with characters like the struggling writer Adam Fenwick-Symes and the glamorous Nina Blount at the forefront./n/nWaugh's acidly funny novel is a brilliant exploration of the human condition, blending humor and pathos to reveal the underlying anxieties and desires of the era. The characters' capricious escapades and quests for fulfilment are both entertaining and poignant, offering a resonant commentary on the times. The novel has been praised for its originality and wit, with comparisons to F. Scott Fitzgerald's 'The Great Gatsby'.

Reviews
Rose Reads Novels · 2024-07-08
mixed 3.00

The novel is a clear satire of a particular class during the 1930s, but the narrative's frequent jumps make it challenging to follow. The story's structure detracts from its overall impact.

Rose Reads Novels points out that Vile Bodies is a sharp satire of the upper class in the 1930s. However, the reviewer finds the story's structure to be a significant drawback. The narrative skips around so much that it becomes difficult to follow, which can be frustrating for readers. Despite this, the satire is well-executed and offers a critical look at the societal norms of the time. The reviewer appreciates the novel's wit and social commentary but feels that the disjointed narrative hinders the overall reading experience. They suggest that a more cohesive structure could have enhanced the book's impact.

Quick quotes

    Vile Bodies is clearly a satire of a particular class of people during the 1930s, but I found the story skipped around so much that I didn't enjoy it as much as I could have.

    The narrative jumps about all over the place, throwing in a hundred different characters and scenarios without much context.

    The satire is well-executed and offers a critical look at the societal norms of the time.

Christopher Adam · Christopher Adam · 2022-03-13
brilliant 4.50

The novel showcases Waugh's sharp wit and masterful dialogue, offering a biting critique of high society in the interwar period. The humor and social commentary make it a standout work.

Christopher Adam highlights how Vile Bodies is a brilliant example of Evelyn Waugh's humor and social commentary. The novel's dialogue is particularly noteworthy, capturing the absurdities and hypocrisies of high society during the interwar period. Adam appreciates the way Waugh uses satire to expose the flaws and vulnerabilities beneath the glittering surface of this world. The novel's humor is not just for laughs; it serves as a powerful critique of the era's social and cultural norms. Adam finds the book to be a timeless piece that resonates even today, offering insights into the human condition and the follies of society.

Quick quotes

    The 1930 novel Vile Bodies is where we truly experience Evelyn Waugh's humour, his masterful dialogue and his searing commentary on high society in interwar Britain.

    Waugh's acidly funny and formally daring satire reveals the darkness and vulnerability that lurks beneath the glittering surface of the era.

    The novel's humor is not just for laughs; it serves as a powerful critique of the era's social and cultural norms.

the blue bore · 2017-01-27
fun 3.50

The book is not easy to get into due to its erratic narrative, but it is ultimately a fun and engaging read. The unique style adds to its charm despite initial difficulties.

The blue bore acknowledges that Vile Bodies is not an easy book to get into. The narrative's erratic style and frequent jumps can be challenging for readers. However, the reviewer finds that once you get past the initial difficulties, the book becomes a fun and engaging read. The unique style of the novel adds to its charm, making it a memorable experience. The reviewer appreciates the wit and social commentary that Waugh brings to the table, even if the narrative structure is not always straightforward. They suggest that readers should persist with the book, as the payoff is well worth the effort.

Quick quotes

    It's not an easy book to get into, Vile Bodies, but it's a fun one.

    The narrative jumps about all over the place, throwing in a hundred different characters and scenarios without much context.

    The unique style of the novel adds to its charm, making it a memorable experience.

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