37 pages • 1 hour read
The Loved One
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Book Brief
127
Novella • Fiction
Hollywood, California • 1940s
1948
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Published in 1948, Evelyn Waugh's short satirical novel The Loved One: An Anglo-American Tragedy critiques the Los Angeles funeral industry and Hollywood film business through the experiences of British expatriates and Americans, featuring Dennis Barlow's macabre job at a pet mortuary and his romantic entanglement with Whispering Glades cosmetician Aimée Thanatogenos. This novel describes death by suicide and funerary practices.
Dark
Unnerving
Humorous
Mysterious
Bittersweet
Reviews & Readership
13,529 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Evelyn Waugh's The Loved One receives mixed reviews. Critics praise its dark humor, satirical wit, and sharp social commentary. However, some find the novel's tone too cynical and its themes disturbing. The distinctive prose and biting satire make it memorable, though not universally appealing. Overall, it remains an intriguing yet polarizing read.
Who Should Read The Loved One?
A reader who enjoys dark satire, biting wit, and social critique will appreciate The Loved One by Evelyn Waugh. Fans of Waugh's own Vile Bodies, or those who relish the incisive humor of Catch-22 by Joseph Heller, will find this novella's exploration of American funeral culture both amusing and thought-provoking.
13,529 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Mr. Joyboy
Mr. Joyboy
The chief embalmer at Whispering Glades, characterized by his fascination with mortuary work and his unusual way of expressing interest in his colleague Aimée.
Aimée Thanatogenos
Aimée Thanatogenos
A young cosmetician at Whispering Glades with a complex personality, known for her exceptional skill in her work and her unique perspective on life and death.
Sir Francis Hinsley
Sir Francis Hinsley
A former chief scriptwriter turned publicity department worker, whose early struggles and demise significantly affect the story's trajectory.
Sir Ambrose Abercrombie
Sir Ambrose Abercrombie
A British actor in Hollywood who prioritizes reputation and influence, often commenting on the social roles and responsibilities of fellow British expatriates.
127
Novella • Fiction
Hollywood, California • 1940s
1948
Adult
18+ years
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