The Fiction of Julian Barnes

Julian Barnes's work has been marked by great variety, ranging not only from conventional fiction to postmodernist experimentation in such well-known novels as Flaubert's Parrot (1984) and A History of the World in 10 Chapters (1989), but also from witty essays to deeply touching short stories. The responses of readers and critics have likewise varied, from enthusiasm to scepticism, as the substantial volume of critical analysis demonstrates.

This Readers' Guide provides a comprehensive and accessible overview of the essential criticism on Barnes's work, drawing from a selection of reviews, interviews, essays and books. Through the presentation and assessment of key critical interpretations, Vanessa Guignery provides the most wide-ranging examination of his fiction and non-fiction so far, considering key issues such as his use of language, his treatment of history, obsession, love, and the relationship between fact and fiction. Covering all of the novels to date, from Metroland (1981) to Arthur and George (2005), this is an invaluable introduction to the work of one of Britain's most exciting and popular contemporary writers.

Autorentext

VANESSA GUIGNERY is Senior Lecturer in Literature at the University of La Sorbonne in Paris, France.

Inhalt

Acknowledgements
Introduction: Julian Barnes in 10 Chapters
A Witty Bildungsroman : Metroland (1980)
When Horror Meets Comedy: Before She Met Me (1981)
Barnes/Kavanagh, A Janus-faced Writer: Duffy (1980), Fiddle City (1981), Putting the Boot In (1985) and Going to the Dogs (1987)
Postmodernist Experimentation: Flaubert's Parrot (1984)
An Ordinary Miracle: Staring at the Sun (1986)
A Re-Vision of History: A History of the World in 10 Chapters (1989)
The Polyphony of Love and Truth: Talking It Over (1991) and Love Etc (2001)
Politics and Fiction: The Porcupine (1992)
The Brilliant Essayist: Letters from London (1995), Something to Declare (2002) and The Pedant in the Kitchen (2003)
The Simulacrum of National Identity: England, England (1998)
In Search of Lost Times: Cross Channel (1996) and The Lemon Table (2004)
Endings and new Beginnings: Arthur and George (2005)
Notes
Select Bibliography
Index.