Last Orders
Last Orders
Book Brief
352
Novel • Fiction
England • 1990s
1996
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
An homage to William Faulkner’s As I Lay Dying, Graham Swift’s 1996 novel Last Orders follows four British World War II veterans as they journey from their local South London pub to Margate to scatter the ashes of their friend Jack Dodds, uncovering personal regrets, relationships, and secrets along the way. The book contains references to abortion, disability, infidelity, and death.
Melancholic
Contemplative
Bittersweet
Nostalgic
Emotional
Reviews & Readership
15,342 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Last Orders by Graham Swift provides a deeply moving exploration of friendship and loss through a journey to scatter a loved one's ashes. Critics praise Swift’s narrative technique and richly developed characters, though some feel the shifting perspectives can be disorienting. Overall, the novel’s emotional depth and insightful prose make it a compelling read.
Who Should Read Last Orders?
Fans of complex, character-driven narratives like The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro or The Sense of an Ending by Julian Barnes will appreciate Last Orders by Graham Swift. This novel appeals to readers who enjoy introspective journeys, rich explorations of friendship, and the nuances of memory and loss.
15,342 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Last Orders won the prestigious Booker Prize for Fiction in 1996, cementing Graham Swift's reputation as a leading British novelist.
The book draws inspiration from William Faulkner's As I Lay Dying, particularly in its multi-narrative structure and journey motif.
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Last Orders was adapted into a film in 2001, featuring an ensemble cast that includes Michael Caine, Bob Hoskins, and Helen Mirren.
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352
Novel • Fiction
England • 1990s
1996
Adult
18+ years
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