Officers and Few Gentlemen - Rewarding Read

This novel is more fun than this ‘review’ might reflect. After ‘Men at Arms’ I was quickly into ‘Officers and Gentlemen’ - a busier and eventful sequel. ‘O&G’ is rich in great humour – whatever the setting. Irony and judgemental reflections on the real events come more to the fore. I had not appreciated until well into this second volume that so much of what Waugh wrote about has a basis in actual events. Tripping over a website/reader’s companion (David Cliffe’s) it is so helpful in detail and explanation was a revelation and enriched my understanding and appreciation. Discovering that likely real-life figures are enshrined in the novels was added spice. My only niggle with the novel was, as in ‘Men at Arms’, the liberal use of abbreviations. These for many can be a mystery.) The triangle of officers, gentlemen and the notion of honour hurtle through the novel constantly questioning. Many of the characters measure short. The characters are well drawn and they stay well in the mind. I regret not meeting the trilogy of Waugh’s books earlier in my life; I am sure I would have returned to it to savour them. [Audible’s texts are the individual novels. When Waugh later had them republished as a single, unified volume he made numerous alterations.] Christian Rodska’s narration/performance is very creditable/engaging - and he has more opportunity for characterisation with many new and diverse characters. Looking forward to the third novel and further Waugh.

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More pleasure

Book 2 of 3. Second installment and as good as the first. Beautifully written with memorable characters. The narrator is superb

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Superb

Superb evocation of the absurdities and injustices of war, in particular the experience of many men in the British imperial forces in the Second World War.

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Good performance

I was worried I might not finish this as the military jargon, ranks etc. was all a bit incomprehensible at times, but Waugh is such an accomplished story teller and the reading so engaging that I soon got drawn in. The characters are colourful and the story is at times farce and at other times sad and poignant. This isn't the war I studied at school, it seems more honest than that: the class divide, the boredom, the disorganised command structure etc.

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Brilliant narration of a superb story.

said it all but must make fifteen words, nine ten eleven twelve thirteen fourteen fifteen

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6 people found this helpful

exceptional reading

exceptional rendition of the second book of evelyn waugh's trilogy emphasising the humour and pathos within the story.

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6 people found this helpful

Brilliant

Brilliantly written by the complete 20th century master of the novel – and perfectly read by narrator that brings each of the characters alive

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3 people found this helpful

Book two of this marvellous trilogy.

A great book, both funny and profound and superbly read. Looking forward to moving on to the third book to complete the trilogy.

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Were we really this hopeless?

Part of the Sword of Honour trilogy, based on some of Waugh's experiences during the Second World War. Superb storytelling with the cynical humour of an old soldier. I'm glad there's a happy ending for some.

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