During his commentary on former-new-atheist-now-surprised-theist Christopher Hitchens, Fr. Barron slipped in this surprising claim:
“(Brideshead Revisited) is the best Catholic novel of the twentieth century.”
He’s not the only person I’ve heard say that. My friend Tess, a book-loving young Catholic who blogs at “Book Smart in DC,” has rhapsodized about Evelyn Waugh’s classic several times.
Being a total newbie who has never read the book, I asked Tess for guidance. She responded with a wonderful post titled, “How to Read Brideshead Revisited“. In it Tess provides context and vital background for people like me, who not only haven’t read the book but think Evelyn Waugh was in fact a woman (for years I embarrassingly told people, “Evelyn Waugh? No, I haven’t read her before.”)
Tess specifically recommends a chapter from George Weigel’s book, Letters to a Young Catholic, which gives philosophical background on Brideshead.
After reading Tess’ background, check out Word on Fire’s online Book Club. This month the reading selection is—surprise, surprise—Brideshead Revisited.
So buy the book, begin reading, and join the chat, which is already bubbling with great discussion about the book’s Catholic symbolism.
Have you read Brideshead Revisited? What do you think?