WILL THIS DO

'The only question left hanging in the air is the one which every journalist asks himself on submitting an article. It is also the one with which we may all eventually, in trembling hope, face our Maker: Will this do?' The question should rather be: How does one cope with being the son of a father as famous as Evelyn Waugh? From this side-splittingly funny autobiography it is clear to see that the young Auberon more than managed. A privileged background, unusual childhood and public school education are followed by Oxford and a career as a writer and columnist. Waugh's portrait of his father is affectionate yet droll, his tone self-deprecating, and his stories entertaining and sad by turns. The biting wit is addictive.