The decline of the bourgeoisie and the disintegration of English society during the Interwar period in "one of the most shocking and bitter novels of the 20th century" (Guardian).

After seven years of marriage, the beautiful Lady Brenda is bored with everything, especially her home, the impressive Gothic mansion that her husband, Tony, takes pride in. She becomes infatuated with a young socialite and tries, with various tricks, not only to get a divorce but also to secure a substantial alimony. Tony refuses her and goes to explore Latin America, where he gets caught up in incredible adventures.

“Exquisite satire… a wonderful book” (John Banville), A Handful of Dust was published in 1934 and is considered Waugh's masterpiece (1903-1966), referred to as "the best writer of our generation" by Graham Greene. In 1988, it was adapted into a film starring Kristin Scott Thomas, Anjelica Huston, Alec Guinness, Judi Dench, and others.