Brideshead Revisited

by Evelyn Waugh
Brideshead Revisited cover
Good Books rating 3.83
Literary Fiction
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Waterstones
Paperback • £9.99 Hardback • £16.99
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  • ID: 2411
  • Added: 2025-10-13
  • Updated: 2025-10-19
  • ISBN: 9781667623689
  • Publisher: Alien Ebooks
  • Published: 2023-06-01
  • Formats: 5
  • Reviews: 3

Brideshead Revisited is a poignant exploration of the golden age before World War II, capturing the enchantment and eventual disillusionment of Charles Ryder as he becomes entangled with the Marchmain family. Through his relationships with Sebastian and Julia, Charles experiences the beauty and tragedy of their privileged world, ultimately recognizing his spiritual and social distance from them. This novel is not just a story of romance and family drama but also a meditation on faith, class, and the passage of time. Evelyn Waugh's evocative prose brings to life the opulent settings and complex characters, making it a timeless classic of literary fiction.

Reviews
Vishy the Knight · 2024-02-23
mixed 3.00

The book was enjoyable but ultimately underwhelming, not meeting the high expectations set by its reputation. The narrative felt a bit slow and lacked the depth expected from such a celebrated work.

This reviewer had high hopes for Brideshead Revisited, given its reputation as a classic. However, they found it to be somewhat underwhelming. The story, while enjoyable, didn't quite live up to the hype. They appreciated the nostalgic elements but felt the pacing was slow and the depth of the narrative was lacking. Overall, it was a good read but not the masterpiece they had anticipated.

Quick quotes

    It was good and I liked it, but it wasn't amazing, as I'd expected.

    To be honest, I found it a bit underwhelming.

    I couldn't understand the hype around this book.

Tony's Reading List · 2022-12-25
positive 4.00

The novel offers a rich journey through time and rural England, introducing readers to a unique family and their grand estate. The reflective and nostalgic tone adds depth to the narrative.

This reviewer enjoyed the journey through time and rural England that Brideshead Revisited offers. They appreciated the unique family dynamics and the grandeur of the estate, which adds a lot of charm to the story. The reflective and nostalgic tone was particularly appealing, making the narrative feel rich and immersive. While they enjoyed the themes and setting, they also noted that the story could feel meandering at times.

Quick quotes

    We're off on a journey through time, and rural England, to meet a rather unusual family and their house – a very big house in the country.

    The novel offers a rich journey through time and rural England.

    The reflective and nostalgic tone adds depth to the narrative.

The Guardian · 2008-09-26
excellent 4.50

The novel's strong hold on the imagination is attributed to its beautiful dialogue and nostalgic themes. It stands out as a memorable work in Evelyn Waugh's repertoire.

This reviewer highlights the novel's enduring appeal, particularly its beautiful dialogue and nostalgic themes. They believe it's one of Evelyn Waugh's most memorable works, capturing the essence of a bygone era with a strong emotional resonance. The narrative's ability to evoke a sense of longing and reflection is praised, making it a standout in Waugh's body of work.

Quick quotes

    Why does Brideshead Revisited have such a strong hold on our imagination?

    Evelyn Waugh's beautiful dialogue plays its part.

    It captures the essence of a bygone era with a strong emotional resonance.

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