Book description
First published in 1960, Pomp and Circumstance, Coward's only novel, was greeted with wide critical acclaim. 'A South Sea Bubble of a book it is, with a Royal Visit expected on the Island of Samolo, and the narrator, a mother of three, dealing with everything from chicken-pox to the amours…
Why read it?
1 author picked Pomp and Circumstance as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?
I read this book years ago after first knowledge of Noel Coward’s gay persona as the writer of smart, witty songs (e.g. Mad Dogs and Englishmen, 1955) and plays.
Pomp and Circumstance was his only novel, and its satirical take on the upper classes set on a fictitious tropical island before a royal visit was inspiring to my own aspirations of becoming an author at some point in my life.
I think of this novel even today when I’m writing characters who are either over-the-top or complete, self-absorbed boors!
From Bruce's list on young gay or bisexual men coming-of-age.
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