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here's an appreciation: http://snipurl.com/yh1ns Didn't I read somewhere that it was the one of which Waugh himself was most proud?
ReplyDeleteDear Buce,
ReplyDeleteYes, indeed. I don't know if it is anecdotal or documented, but I have also read frequently that _Helena_ was his favorite. It is certainly stylistically the simplest and in many ways the least dense, having a parable or fable-like simplicity that lends depth. It's a wonderful book--but if it were placed before you to name an author without looking at the jacket, you would be hard-pressed come up with Waugh's name.
Thanks also for the link.
shalom,
Steven