This is classic Waugh; short, savage and very funny. The Loved One was informed by Waugh's own experience of travelling to Hollywood for the first time and his marvel (crossed with incredulity) in the difference between British and American manners and mores. When fictionalized, we are in familiar Waugh territory: characters with names such as Aimée Thanatogenos, Mr. Slump and Mr. Joyboy scream satire at the reader, but the touch is deft and never heavy-handed. The central theme of the novel — beyond the British (obviously) winning the day — relates to death. In the UK, to talk of it is taboo, whereas in the US there is a whole industry waiting for commercialization. Add money and reputation into the mix, as well as constant misinterpretation of others' behavior, and you have a very funny story. Despite being short (less than 130 pages), it is no less effective. 8 out of 10.
By Evelyn Waugh