Zuleika Dobson by Max Beerbohm is a satirical and darkly comedic novel that follows the story of a beautiful and irresistibly charming young woman who captivates the hearts of all the men around her. Set in Oxford University, the novel explores themes of love, vanity, and the destructive power of obsession.

Beerbohm's writing style is witty and clever, with sharp dialogue and vibrant descriptions that bring the characters and setting to life. The character of Zuleika is both enchanting and complex, drawing in the reader just as she draws in all the men who fall for her. The novel delves deeply into the psyche of its characters, exploring their motivations and desires with a keen eye.

One of the most striking aspects of Zuleika Dobson is its dark humor and biting social commentary. Beerbohm skewers the pretensions and absurdities of the aristocracy and the academic elite, making pointed observations about the nature of love and desire. The novel is a sharp critique of the ways in which vanity and obsession can lead to destruction, as the men who fall for Zuleika are willing to go to extreme lengths in pursuit of her affections.

Overall, Zuleika Dobson is a compelling and thought-provoking read that will leave readers reflecting on the nature of love, desire, and the lengths we will go to in pursuit of them. Beerbohm's satirical wit and keen insights make this novel a timeless classic that is both entertaining and profound.

Book Description:

‘A wickedly funny 1911 satire on undergraduate life in Edwardian Oxford’ in which the entire student body of Oxford university including the young, handsome aristocrat the Duke of Dorset falls hopelessly in love with Zuleika who is visiting her grandfather, the warden of Judas college, and ultimately commit mass suicide at the end of ‘Eights Week’