A Handful of Dust by Evelyn Waugh
Set in the 1930s, this novel explores the disintegration of the marriage of an upper-class English couple, Tony and Brenda Last. Brenda embarks on an affair with a social climber, John Beaver, leading to the demise of her marriage. After their son's tragic death, Brenda demands a divorce and a large portion of Tony's estate. Tony, heartbroken, embarks on an ill-fated expedition to the Brazilian jungle. The novel critically examines the moral decay of British aristocracy and society.
The 472nd greatest book of all time
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This book is on the following lists:
- 3rd on The Greatest 20th Century Novels (Waterstone)
- 7th on For The Love of Books (For The Love of Books)
- 14th on D. G. Myers’ 50 Greatest English Language Novels (D. G. Myers)
- 34th on The Modern Library | 100 Best Novels (Modern Library)
- TIME Magazine All Time 100 Novels (TIME Magazine)
- Harold Bloom's The Western Canon (The Western Canon (Book) by Harold Bloom)
- 1000 Novels Everyone Must Read (The Guardian)