About the Book

"The Unbearable Bassington" by Saki (the pen-name of H. H. Munro) is one of many examples of the author's witty, bizarre, and perhaps a bit cynical writing style.

"His novel The Unbearable Bassington (1912) describes the adventures of a fastidious and likable but maladjusted hero, in a manner anticipating that of the early work of the English satirist Evelyn Waugh. Munro was killed in action in World War I.

Setting and Themes

Bassington Unbearable Bassington, Thehouse. London home of Francesca Bassington, whose house is hers only until Emmeline Chetrof marries. Thus, it is not truly a home, and its very impermanence drives Francesca's actions and suggests the shallowness of the society in which she lives.

Francesca's only visitors seem to be her son and her brother—one more indication that the house will disappear.