BRIDESHEAD REVISITED
Thoughts on Brideshead
I first read Brideshead Revisited at a time in my
life where I felt the need to escape. I could not have
chosen a better world to escape to than the one of
Charles Ryder during his time at Oxford.
I have never read such extreme
happiness
expressed expressed in such an intoxicating way since,
and I don't think I ever will. Is there anyone, either
male or female, who cannot understand Charles' adoration
for Sebastian, who cannot feel his frustration when
Sebaastian begins his severe decline?
Even the second half of
the book, which is
intensely sad, never fails to satisfy. It is this that,
in my opinion makes Bridehead such a great book. The
flaws if they exist at all are nullified by the brilliant
style and the superb plot development and
characterization.
Can it fail to please?
If so, I know not how!
JFC