THE LOVED ONE

Entertaining as Evelyn Waugh's practiced wit may be, the mockery here seems a little macabre for all tastes. Following almost on the heels of Cedric Belfrage's Abide With Me (Wm. Sloane — see report P. 175), Waugh's name and his satiric proficiency will outpace the Belfrage book at a walk. For this, pursuing an unpalatable profession, levels sardonic humor at the funeral parlor game, follows in unlovely detail the career of Dennis Barlow, English expatriate in Hollywood. Taking "one of the few jobs an Englishman doesn't take", at The Happier Hunting Ground, a pet cemetery, Barlow contributes to the final disgrace of his friend Sir Francis who strings himself to the rafters. In arranging for the interment of his Loved One, Denis meets cosmetician Aimee Thanatogenos who has found tra figuration in her work. Confused by the rather earthly attentions of Dennis, by the court ship of Mr. Joyboy who since he has fallen in love gives all his stiffs a smile of Radians Childhood, Aimee finally disposes of herself in Mr. Joyboy's icebox....Certainly not a even for Waugh addicts.