Brideshead Revisited, Finished

[Luvrte66]

Before reading Jennie's take on this, or the introduction at the
beginning of the book (I like to form my own opinions first), I wanted
to write down my thoughts.

I enjoyed this book quite a bit. I was a bit taken aback at the end at
how religion came back to play such a big part in the story. Charles
had several discussions with the Marchmains about it early on, but the
issue came roaring back with the death of Lord Marchmain. (I was
reminded of Christopher Hitchens' current struggle with cancer. How
does an avowed atheist handle the prospect of death? In the case of
Hitchens, with humor and grace.)

I was really struck by the ending, because as someone who has done a
lot of thinking about religion over the years, and who has had her own
struggles and some recent epiphanies, it came as no surprise to me
that Charles and Julia were unable to continue because of their
disagreement concerning religion. Her inability to let go of the
trappings of faith, and his inability to understand how she could
continue to cling to them, meant certain doom for their relationship.

I felt most sorry for Julia. I see her as being indoctrinated to the
point where she feels that her entire life deserves punishment; her
pushing Charles away is her final judgement. What a horrible guilt
trip, and what a way to go through life!

Charles seemed to fare better. Although he remembers Julia and their
lost love with sadness, he seems to look on his time at Brideshead
with fondness. I wonder if Julia continued to serve her self-imposed
divine retribution? Martyrdom is so boring.

I also wondered if Brideshead Castle was a symbol for Charles and his
life. Empty now, for the most part, taken over by the military, sort
of forlorn, forsaken, and abused. I did like Charles. He seemed cold
at times (especially when it came to his children), but he was
rational, intelligent, and trying to deal with his own
disenfranchisement.

A very worthwhile read for me. The religious struggle was what really
pushed it over the top for me.