The Loved One

The Loved One cover
Good Books rating 3.83
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Technical
  • ID: 9005
  • Added: 2025-12-22
  • Updated: 2025-12-30
  • ISBN: 9780760725184
  • Published: 2002-01-01
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

The Loved One follows Dennis Barlow, a British expatriate and aspiring poet, who works at a pet cemetery by day and writes by night. His life takes a bizarre turn when he is tasked with arranging a funeral at the opulent Whispering Glades Cemetery. There, he encounters Aimée Thanatogenos, a beautiful junior cosmetician, and Mr. Joyboy, the senior mortician, leading to a series of hilarious and macabre events. The novel is a scathing satire of American culture and the funeral industry, blending humor with a darkly critical edge. /n/n Evelyn Waugh's sharp wit and keen observational skills shine through in this novel, offering a unique perspective on the absurdities of life and death. The book is a testament to Waugh's ability to find comedy in the most unexpected places, making it a memorable read for those who enjoy dark humor and social commentary.

Reviews
The Reading Bug · 2020-03-14
intriguing 3.00

This book is more of a sketch than a fully developed novel, lacking the depth of Waugh's other works, but it remains fun despite its darkness.

The reviewer notes that this book feels more like a sketch than a fully developed novel, lacking the depth found in Waugh's other works. However, they still find it enjoyable and fun, despite its dark themes. The reviewer appreciates the humor and the unique perspective on death and drama, making it a worthwhile read. They suggest that while it may not be Waugh's best work, it still offers a lot to think about and enjoy.


Quick quotes

    This is more a sketch than a fully developed novel, lacking the depth of Waugh's other work.

    It is fun despite the darkness.

    If you're prepared to have a good old giggle about death and the drama surrounding it, then it's perfection.

Savage Reads · 2010-04-13
great 4.00

This novel is very darkly funny and perfect for those who enjoy laughing about death and its surrounding drama.

The reviewer describes this novel as very darkly funny, perfect for readers who enjoy laughing about death and its surrounding drama. They appreciate the unique perspective and the humor that comes from such a macabre subject. The reviewer finds the book to be a delightful read, filled with wit and clever observations. They suggest that if you're looking for a book that combines dark humor with a critical look at society, this is a great choice.


Quick quotes

    This is a very darkly funny novel.

    If you're prepared to have a good old giggle about death and the drama surrounding it, then it's perfection.

    It's devilishly clever, impishly ingenious, and filled with laughter.

Mookse and Gripes · 2008-12-13
brilliant 4.50

This book is one of the funniest and best they've ever read, filled with wit and clever devices. It's a dark comedy that balances humor and macabre themes perfectly.

The reviewer found this book to be one of the funniest and best they've ever read, highlighting its clever devices and macabre humor. They appreciate the balance between dark themes and comedic elements, making it a standout in Waugh's work. The satire is sharp and the writing is witty, creating a unique and engaging reading experience. The reviewer also notes that the book's humor is not just superficial but deeply embedded in its critique of society.


Quick quotes

    This is one of the funniest books I've ever read, and one of the best.

    It is devilishly clever, impishly ingenious, and filled with laughter.

    The Loved One is a macabre frolic filled with laughter and ingenious devices.