A Handful of Dust

By: Evelyn Waugh

Narrated by: Andrew Sachs

Selected by Modern Library as one of the 100 best novels of the century, this "absolutely delightful" novel (New York Times) movingly and comically chronicles the breakdown of a marriage and the disintegration of English society in the years after World War I.
After seven years of marriage, the beautiful Lady Brenda Last has grown bored with life at Hetton Abbey, the Gothic mansion that is the pride and joy of her husband, Tony. She drifts into an affair with the shallow socialite John Beaver and forsakes Tony for the Belgravia set. In a novel that combines tragedy, comedy, and savage irony, Evelyn Waugh indelibly captures the irresponsible mood of the "crazy and sterile generation" between the wars.

Critic reviews

"A story both tragic and hilariously funny, that seems to move along without aid from its author...Unquestionably the best book Mr. Waugh has written."—Saturday Review

"The most mature and the best written novel that Mr. Waugh has yet produced."—New Statesman & Nation

"Absolutely delightful."—Christopher Lehmann-Haupt, New York Times

"Glacially sardonic....A masterpiece."—TIME

"A brilliant satirical study of the eccentric between-wars society to which Waugh belonged."—LIFE

"Waugh treats society as a wonderland in which he plays the part of a rude, libellous, yet domestic Alice."—V.S. Pritchett

Good clean reading

A good clean reading of this classic satire, with some voice work but not over the top. Such a dry wit in this novel. Well worth the time if you like Waugh’s satire.

Bitingly Engaging!

This is the 2nd book I’ve read by E. Waugh. The first book was Brideshead Revisited which I enjoyed from start to finish . A Handful of Dust is rich in not very likable characters who are beyond redemption. The story is abundantly sarcastic and cleverly funny in a dark way.

How his life ended

I didn’t like the social life in London. I was sorry Brenda didn’t end up in poverty.

A beautiful novel.

Evelyn Waugh is a wonderful English writer. Please read his works and enjoy! You won't be disappointed.

A handful of dust

A great book especially after finishing Father and Sons. I just loved it to the very end