I couldn't tell you how many times I've read this book, all I knew was it was time for yet another perusal. The excessive heat of the past few weeks has meant that several old favourites have again seen the light of day.
Decline and Fall is one of the funniest books I've ever read. It follows the exploits of Paul Pennyfeather who, after being sent down from Oxford, takes a position in a rather unruly Welsh Prep' School. He becomes involved with various characters from various social classes and of various levels of honesty.
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Paul falls in love with a very wealthy aristocratic lady, which leads to his downfall and imprisonment.
D & F is a book of two halves; the first deals with his life at the school (Llanabba Castle), and the second with his life in and after prison. The first half is very funny, the second rather tedious. I think I might almost recommend that you only read the first half.
It must be noted that the book was written way before 'Political Correctness' was conceived, and some might be shocked by certain passages (even I am).
My 1937 copy of the Penguin paperback is falling to bits (above), which is testament to how well loved the book has been. I remember that I even had it at school with me. No doubt some time in the future I shall read it again; and laugh as much as I did a couple of days ago.
When I read your words "funniest book" I knew I want to read this book. Or at least the first half, humor is such a saving grace.
ReplyDeleteIt's a 'laugh out loud' book, but does contain some overt 'racism'.
DeleteI have never heard of it, much less read it. since only the first half is worth reading, I'll give the whole thing a miss. I prefer fiction anyway.
ReplyDeleteThis is fiction; thankfully!
DeleteI found the book on YouTube. It takes five hours of listening to the whole book. I just need to understand the accent.
ReplyDeleteI imagine this is some type of 'Talking Book'. Five hours seems very long; I think I read it in less.
DeleteYour novel is like a cod in a Brighton fish and chip shop - battered!
ReplyDelete....and bruised. It's on its last legs!
DeleteCaptain Grimes is my favourite. When left with a bottle of whisky and a revolver and expected to do the decent thing, he drank the whisky! Hysterical! Great book btw, I studied it for A level English.
ReplyDeleteGrimes is a great character, always in the soup!
DeleteI love Evelyn Waugh's books and my copy of D&F is yellowed and thumbed but fresh as a daisy compared to your tatty offering. There was a recent-ish adaptation on the telly which is very funny - actor Douglas Hodge just owns Grimes!
ReplyDeleteI shall try to find that on iPlayer when I get back to Blighty. Thanks for the tip.
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