While it is possible to allow the underlying racism of a story in which the populace of a fictitious African nation is depicted as bumbling, incapable and corrupt to be all you come away with, a thorough read will reveal Waugh's contempt for practically all walks of life. The English gentry, the gaggle of journalists descending on Ishmaelia, the Swedes and Germans and Russians who round out the cast of characters -- all are as unfavorably represented as any character of color and just as frequently the butt of the joke. It is primarily the sparse but unfortunate use of certain disparaging and pejorative words in the narration, and not the dialogue, that shifts what might have been a depiction of racist traits to outright in-your-face racism on the part of the author.
The wordplay in "Scoop" is where the masterful comedy can be found. Not all jokes are gold medal winners, but like a riffing comedian Waugh forges quickly ahead and the groaners get lost in the wake. I often found myself laughing out loud at the raw simplicity of the humor and the way in which, in one scene, Waugh lays bare the eccentric frailties and prejudices of each character.
The late Simon Cadell's performance of the material is flawless. He attacks every word in rapid fire approach that leaves the listener, much like protagonist William Boot, clinging on for dear while strange and befuddling events unfold around him. While I'm sure the narrators of Waugh's other books on Audible do a fine job, I can't help thinking it a shame Cadell didn't record them all.
Book Rating: 4 out of 5
Audio Rating: 5 out of 5