What's Become of Waring
| Industry | Publishing |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | United Kingdom |
| Products | Books |
What's Become of Waring represents the fifth novel penned by the English author Anthony Powell. Released in 1939 through Cassell, it stands as Powell's last work of the 1930s and is unique among his early novels for not being published by Duckworth, his initial publisher. Due to the overshadowing impact of international events at the time, the book experienced modest commercial success. Nevertheless, it signifies an important milestone in Powell's literary journey by introducing a modest, first-person narrator style that foreshadows his acclaimed later work, A Dance to the Music of Time. The novel’s title is inspired by Robert Browning’s poem Waring.
Plot introduction
The story is predominantly set within the confines of the publishing house Judkins and Judkins, drawing heavily from Powell’s ten years of professional involvement in publishing and his association with Warner Brothers. The plot revolves around social gatherings such as dinner parties and seances attended by a varied group of characters, exposing the delicate facade of social etiquette. Compared to Powell’s previous novels, this work places a stronger emphasis on chance occurrences.
Plot summary
The narrative unfolds through the perspective of an unnamed employee at a publishing company who is engaged in preparing a volume concerning Stendhal and themes of violence. It opens with a seance that issues a forewarning about T.T. Waring, a popular travel writer known for his strict desire for privacy and anonymity. Shortly thereafter, Waring’s death is confirmed. Attempts to compile an authorized biography uncover numerous hidden truths regarding Waring’s true identity and the background of his travel writings.
The novel delves into conflicts within the publishing world alongside intricate interpersonal relationships among individuals connected through spiritualist practices. Its conclusion features both humorous and poignant twists, culminating in the narrator’s reflection that much of human existence centers on struggles for influence.
What's Become of Waring is dedicated to Edith Sitwell.