A Handful of Dust by Evelyn Waugh. Summary of the book.

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A Handful of Dust by Evelyn Waugh

A Handful of Dust is a novel by English author Evelyn Waugh, first published in 1934. The novel is considered one of Waugh’s greatest works and is often regarded as a classic of 20th-century literature. It tells the story of Tony Last, an English gentleman living in an isolated country estate, and his wife, Brenda. The novel explores Tony’s descent into an emotional abyss after Brenda leaves him for another man.

The Plot and Characters

The story of A Handful of Dust begins with the Last family living in their country estate, Hetton Abbey. Tony Last is a gentleman of leisure, while his wife, Brenda, is a socialite who often travels away from the estate. Tony is content in his life, but is blind to the problems in his marriage. Meanwhile, Brenda is bored with the monotony of life at the estate and begins to look for excitement elsewhere.

When Brenda falls in love with John Beaver, an aspiring writer, Tony is devastated. Brenda eventually leaves Tony and their son, John Andrew, to live with Beaver in London. Tony is left alone at Hetton Abbey and sinks into a deep depression. In a desperate attempt to forget his sorrows, he decides to take a trip to South America.

On his journey, Tony meets Mr. Todd, a mysterious figure who offers him a strange bargain. Todd proposes that Tony stay in his jungle estate for a year, and in exchange, he will give Tony a hefty sum of money. Tony agrees, and soon finds himself stuck in a loveless marriage to Todd’s daughter, Mrs. Todd. As the year progresses, Tony’s loneliness and despair deepen, and he is left to ponder what life has become.

The Teachings of the Book

A Handful of Dust is a meditation on the nature of love, loss, and loneliness. The novel explores how one’s life can be irrevocably altered by a single event, and how it is possible to recover from even the most devastating of losses. The novel also serves as a warning against the dangers of complacency and stagnation in one’s life. It encourages readers to take risks and embrace change, lest they find themselves in a similar situation.

Interesting Facts About the Book

  • The book was adapted into a 1988 film, starring Rupert Graves, Anjelica Huston, and James Wilby.
  • The novel was the basis for a BBC Radio 4 adaptation in 2015, with Bill Nighy as the voice of Tony Last.
  • The novel was originally published as a three-part serial in the magazine The Sunday Times, before being released in book form in 1934.
  • The novel was hugely successful upon its release, winning the Hawthornden Prize in 1934.
  • The novel has been translated into over 20 languages, including French, German, and Spanish.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Book

What is A Handful of Dust about?

A Handful of Dust is a novel by English author Evelyn Waugh about Tony Last, an English gentleman living in an isolated country estate, and his wife, Brenda. The novel explores Tony’s descent into an emotional abyss after Brenda leaves him for another man.

When was A Handful of Dust published?

A Handful of Dust was originally published as a three-part serial in the magazine The Sunday Times in 1934, before being released in book form later that year.

Who wrote A Handful of Dust?

A Handful of Dust was written by English author Evelyn Waugh.

Has A Handful of Dust been adapted into a movie?

Yes, A Handful of Dust was adapted into a 1988 film, starring Rupert Graves, Anjelica Huston, and James Wilby.

Has A Handful of Dust been adapted for radio?

Yes, A Handful of Dust was adapted for BBC Radio 4 in 2015, with Bill Nighy as the voice of Tony Last.

Did A Handful of Dust win any awards?

Yes, A Handful of Dust won the Hawthornden Prize in 1934.

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