Reviews

Decline and Fall, by Evelyn Waugh

mansireanna's review against another edition

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2.0

Overall - 2.5 stars. Not as funny as I thought it would be - a few moments made me chuckle with the satire, but it didn't make up for the plot being fairly boring and ridiculous and not being able to connect with anything. I think the tone and style just wasn't for me, and that Paul wasn't an engaging enough main character to elicit much sympathy and humour from the situational comedy he finds himself in. Overall, I wasn't very engaged with the story, but thought that there were moments of fun and absurdity that I did enjoy.

ngoodrich's review against another edition

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3.0

A curious read, from another time and class. However an enjoyable and humorous read, once you get into it.

everyoneismyotp's review against another edition

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dark funny medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.25

shannon_b's review against another edition

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3.0

2.5⭐️

lucyblack's review against another edition

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2.0

yes yes, it's clever and funny and I love some of his other work but you can't forgive him the APPALLING racism laced through this, made my stomach churn.

unbyronically's review against another edition

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funny lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

majkia's review against another edition

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3.0

Satire of British public schools. Waugh's first book.

polyhy_14's review against another edition

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3.0

Waugh's first novel. Obviously not as good as his later works, but still a highly entertaining account of the adventures of a hapless young man to whom life happens in an unfortunate series of events. The satire of the upper British classes is as savage and witty as ever.

bethgracesaunders's review against another edition

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4.0

This book surprised me with its philosophy and it’s humour intertwined. It was a book I wanted to read to laugh - which I did- but it also made me think just the right amount
Waugh comments on the comedic nature of life and how we humans choose to live it, by trying to impress and live based off of expectations
But who says you have to?
I love the way he comments on how life doesn’t have to be so serious, and how each life is indifferent of others in the best way possible.