History of the World in 10 1/2 Chapters - Julian Barnes

Advantages: Excellent refreshing read, a must for any literature fan!
Disadvantages: None at all

...best known works include 'A History of the World in 10½ Chapters', 'Flauberts Parrot', 'England England' and 'Arthur and George'. "Why does the writing make us chase the writer? Why can't we leave well alone? Why aren't the books enough?" (Julian Barnes) 'A History of the World in 10½ Chapters' is an excellent example of a post modernist text. Barnes challenges the things that are inherent in our modern day society and that we take for granted as ...
...much debate as to whether this work can actually be classed as a novel in the true sense, it has been cited as a short story collection, a series of essays and many other things. The reason for this is that the stories, while connected, do also stand alone as works in there own right and a reader would not necessarily have to read the novel in its entirety to enjoy a part of it. The first chapter in the novel deals with the explanation of Noah's ... Read review

Advantages: Funny, gripping, eminently readable
Disadvantages: None

...Barnes manage to condense the history of, not only the world, put the workings of the human psyche into under 11 chapters, he skilfully provides an extremely intriguing title to his novel. This gimmick is successful, as once you embark upon the journey of his tale you will not be disappointed. Each chapter of the book relates a self-contained short story and yet each chapter is inextricably linked from the rest of the book, through themes, topics, ...
...Barnes starts his epic journey by recounting the events surrounding the flooding of the earth and the 'rescue' of the animals by Noah in the Ark. This is certainly the most unique depiction of this story. The chapter is written in the first person and, it slowly transpires that it is being told by one of the passengers on board the Ark, a stowaway who is a woodworm! As I say - unique and a promising and very entertaining (if slightly blasphemous!) ... Read review

Advantages: A great read
Disadvantages:

This book is a classic. Julian Barnes gives his unique interpretation of life the universe and everything from the perspective of the woodworm and up. I read this book 10 years ago when I was at university and I have been regularly handing it out to friends and relatives as presents ever since. Whilst the literary amongst us may say that Flauberts Parrot or Metroland were Barnes' best achievements it is my opinion that most readers would enjoy this ... Read review