The Porcupine by Julian Barnes

Posted: August 8, 2023 | Author: | Filed under: Books, Fiction | Tags: , , | Leave a comment

What a great visionary book, Julian Barnes’ 1992 novel feels like a gulp of fresh air today, 30 years after it was published. A not-so-black-and-white story of decommunization and search for justice, justice that could only be obtained by lies or compromise, justice somewhat tainted by them. I definitely need to read more of Barnes, that and The Noise of Time were some of the best books I read in the last decade.

The Noise of Time by Julian Barnes

Posted: December 29, 2017 | Author: | Filed under: Books, Fiction | Tags: , , , , , | 1 Comment

I have a confession to make, I’m a first time reader of Julian Barnes, bought this book by its cover (well, I clearly knew who Barnes was), yet I had no clue what and who it is was about – and I was so friggin’ impressed. This is likely the best book I’ve read recently, and by far.

A novelized biographical story about Dmitry Shostakovich, a small time Greek tragedy delivered in three acts, pondering on the relations with the Power and its great carnivorous Helmsman Iosif Vissarionovich, then with the Cornbob vegetarian Nikita Sergeevich, on cowardice, internal insecurity, irony, fear, self-reprimand, and despair by one of the most revered Soviet composers of the past century.

Beautifully written, well composed, and definitely built to withstand the grinding noise of time. I’m impressed.