52 pages • 1 hour read
Brideshead Revisited
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Book Brief
432
Novel • Fiction
England • 1920s-1940s
1945
Penguin Classics
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Brideshead Revisited by Evelyn Waugh follows the life of Charles Ryder and his intricate friendship with the aristocratic Flyte family during the interwar period in England, delving into themes of faith, companionship, and societal change. The novel features complex LGBTQ+ subtext, depiction of alcohol misuse, religious intolerance, racism, and pregnancy loss.
Nostalgic
Melancholic
Contemplative
Romantic
Bittersweet
Reviews & Readership
123,657 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Evelyn Waugh's Brideshead Revisited is praised for its eloquent prose and rich character development, exploring themes of faith, love, and nostalgia. Critics commend its evocative depiction of pre-WWII England. Some find its pacing slow and its religious undertones heavy-handed. Overall, it's a cherished classic with enduring impact on literature.
Who Should Read Brideshead Revisited?
A reader who enjoys Brideshead Revisited by Evelyn Waugh likely appreciates richly detailed narratives, character-driven plots, and themes of nostalgia, faith, and social change. Fans of F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby or E.M. Forster's A Passage to India may find similar enjoyment in its exploration of 1920s-1940s British aristocracy and personal relationships.
123,657 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Sebastian Flyte
Sebastian Flyte
Charles's closest friend at Oxford, known for his charm, youth, and aristocratic background. He introduces Charles to his family and their estate, Brideshead, and struggles with alcohol misuse.
Julia Flyte/Julia Mottram
Julia Flyte/Julia Mottram
Sebastian's sister, a modern woman balancing her social ambitions with her religious background. She becomes romantically involved with Charles and navigates the complexities of her marriage to Rex Mottram.
Anthony Blanche
Anthony Blanche
An Oxford classmate of Charles and Sebastian, characterized by his South American heritage and open homosexuality. He offers Charles insights into the world of the upper class and its values.
432
Novel • Fiction
England • 1920s-1940s
1945
Penguin Classics
Adult
18+ years
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