Julian Barnes

Author: Frederic M. Holmes

Edition: First

Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan

Pages: 178

Price: £9.99

ISBN: 9781403996930

Here’s a wonderful introduction to Julian Barnes. The book is one of the first in Palgrave’s New British Fiction series and, if the rest are as good as this one is, we are in for a treat. A timeline helpfully locates Barnes’ work in relation to historical events while individual chapters propose innovative readings of works such as Flaubert’s Parrot, the book that established Barnes’ reputation. The chapter on Barnes’ development as a novelist is simply splendid. Britain’s master of cool irony could not have a better advocate than Frederick Holmes who, with this book, has produced a little masterpiece of his own.

Who is it for? Undergraduates and the general reader seeking an overview of Barnes’ work.

Presentation Crisp, clear style, well-organised chapters and a comprehensive bibliography.

Would you recommend it? Yes. Attractively priced, and packed with information and ideas.