VILE BODIES

Evelyn Waugh's second novel, written in 1930, boasts an enjoyable collection of zanies. Adam Fenwick-Symes and Nina Blount, for example, are continually becoming engaged and unengaged in the most polite and indifferent manner as his financial fortunes rise and fall. Mrs. Ape, the American evangelist, adds to the strange mix by coming to England with a group of chorines whom she calls her "angels." This satire of the London smart set relies on rich conversational rhythms and repartee, and Robert Hardy works wonders of versatility in his reading. He strikes the right vocal register and speed for each character, and he finds in the subtext touches of humor that the armchair reader might easily miss. Waugh's comedy is served well by Hardy's attentive, animated performance. G.H. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2005, Portland, Maine [Published: OCT/NOV 05]