Simon Raven Criticism
Simon Raven (1927–2001) was a prolific British novelist, playwright, screenwriter, essayist, and editor, celebrated for his keen storytelling abilities and satirical portrayals of Britain's upper and upper-middle classes. His works, especially the "Alms For Oblivion" series, are noted for their fast-paced narratives that intertwine themes of privilege, moral decay, and personal loyalty, as examined by Kerry McSweeney. While some critics argue that his character and plot development can be simplistic, as noted by Julian Symons, Raven's novels maintain a broad appeal due to their entertaining and well-constructed plots. His skillful integration of humor and critique of societal norms has been praised, even if some works, like Bring Forth the Body, rely on melodramatic elements, as critiqued by James Kennaway and Peter Ackroyd. Raven's work remains an insightful exploration of the complexities of modern gentlemanly virtues, artfully balancing entertainment with social commentary.
Contents
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Old Harrovian
(summary)
In the following essay, James Kennaway critiques Simon Raven's The Feathers of Death, acknowledging the clarity of characterisation and prose, while arguing that the novel presents a distorted view of British soldiers, and ultimately undermines itself with melodramatic elements that detract from its potential depth and realism.
- John Coleman
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The Novels of Simon Raven
(summary)
In the following essay, Kerry McSweeney examines Simon Raven's works, highlighting their themes of privilege, moral degeneration, and personal loyalty, while critiquing the uneven quality and lack of attention to female characters, and acknowledging Raven's insightful portrayal of male friendships and the challenges facing traditional gentlemanly virtues in modern society.
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Hot & Cold
(summary)
In the following essay, Peter Straub analyzes how Simon Raven's Bring Forth the Body, part of the Alms For Oblivion series, functions independently as a novel through its darkening tone and seamless comic moments, despite relying on a series of misleading clues to uncover a character's suicide.
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This England
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In the following essay, Peter Ackroyd praises Simon Raven's novel Bring Forth the Body for its elegant and intelligent prose, humorous depiction of political intrigue, and insightful critique of Anglo-Saxon attitudes, despite occasional lapses into sentimentalism.
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Gentleman's Strip
(summary)
In the following essay, Julian Symons argues that Simon Raven's 'Alms For Oblivion' series, while entertaining and humorous, lacks artistic merit and depth, as Raven's talents are ill-suited for the grand themes he attempts to explore, rendering his work more akin to superficial caricatures than substantial literary achievements.
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The Last of the Wine
(summary)
In the following essay, Michael Barber examines Simon Raven's "Alms for Oblivion" sequence, highlighting its themes of sin and retribution, its ambitious structure targeting both new and returning readers, and the complex portrayal of upper-class society, while noting the lack of cohesiveness compared to Raven's standalone novels.