THE PORCUPINE [Hardcover]

Julian Barnes (Author)

Product Details

• Hardcover
• Publisher: NY, Knopf, 1991 (1991)
• ASIN: B001MSE8QQ
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)

More About the Author

Julian Barnes is the author of nine novels, including Metroland, Flaubert's Parrot, A History of the World in 10 ½ Chapters, England, England and Arthur and George, and two collections of short stories, Cross Channel and The Lemon Table.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars don't miss it, November 10, 2000

By 

M. Ioveva "mashuni" (New York, NY) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Porcupine (Paperback)

I discovered this book accidentally, just because I love Barnes' way of writing. I had no idea what it was about, no idea if it were good or bad, truthful or not. I'm from Bulgaria, the country so well depicted in this book, and I'd never imagined that a foreigner could've observed and captured so well the difficulties and sufferings that were endured during the changes. The book is quite objective and gives you a realistic view of our capital, our people, our lives. If you want to know anything about Bulgaria, this is where you should start.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Takes you into the experience of the collapse of East. Eurp., May 13, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: The Porcupine (Paperback)

You've heard about the economic and political difficulties faced by people in Eastern Europe following the great collapse. You've seen some of the people on the evening news. How often have you thought that being in the midst of it for a week would be a much more profound experience than a "City Slickers" vacation.

Julian Barnes' book, "The Porcupine" is your chance to have that adventure. Go far beyond a tourist excursion into the heart of the experience.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Witty but scary look at show trial phenomena, July 18, 2003

By 

Ian Muldoon (Coffs Harbour, NSW Australia) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Porcupine (Hardcover)

If theatre, politics, philosophy are an interest then this short novel will appeal to you. Trials can be fascinating theatre and the purpose of political show trials is partly to provide some relief or satisfaction for the suffering public out for revenge. Mr Barnes is outstanding at getting inside the heads of the protagonists, and some of the funniest moments are the monologues of the accused Petkanov. But he also provides witty asides into fashion, folklore, and history. A great read.