Black Mischief

By: Evelyn Waugh

Narrated by: Michael Maloney

Black Mischief, Waugh's third novel, helped to establish his reputation as a master satirist. Set on the fictional African island of Azania, the novel chronicles the efforts of Emperor Seth, assisted by the Englishman Basil Seal, to modernize his kingdom.

Profound hilarity ensues from the issuance of homemade currency, the staging of a "Birth Control Gala", the rightful ruler's demise at his own rather long and tiring coronation ceremonies and a good deal more mischief.

©1932 Evelyn Waugh (P)2015 Hachette Audio

Not for the feint-hearted

Evelyn Waugh was perhaps as famous for his unpleasantness as he was for his literary prowess. Some might find this novel racist, but in fact Waugh had a jaundiced view of humanity in general, and his scorn for his fellow man is bestowed without thought of race, colour or creed.
Written early in his career, Black Mischief has a lightness of touch and the kind of grip that is sadly lacking from his later work.
Michael Maloney reads it beautifully, using an astonishing variety of voices to depict the many characters, without leaving any doubt or confusion as to who is talking. A great listen.

Distracting narration

The reader’s overdone character accents made it impossible for me to listen to this book.