Title: Talking It Over
Author: Julian Barnes
First published January 1, 1991
273 pages, Paperback
Rating: 3.71
Overview
This is an alternate cover version for ISBN13: 9780099540137. Stuart is a sensible banker who always struggles to find the right woman.
That is until he meets Gillian, a picture restorer who is recovering from a damaging affair, at a singles night. Stuart’s best friend, Oliver, is his complete opposite – a brash and carefree language teacher who talks like a dictionary.
Stuart and Gillian eventually marry, but their tentative friendship with Oliver evolves into something far more complicated. Talking It Over is a captivating and personal tale of the ups and downs of love.
It starts as a comedy of errors but gradually becomes darker, drawing us into the intricacies of the heart with its irresistible pull.
About the Author
Julian Patrick Barnes is a contemporary English writer known for his postmodernist literature. He’s been a Man Booker Prize finalist three times, with Flaubert’s Parrot (1984), England, England (1998), and Arthur & George (2005), and won the prize for The Sense of an Ending (2011).
Barnes has also written crime fiction under the pen name Dan Kavanagh.
Barnes received his education at the City of London School and Merton College, Oxford. He worked as a lexicographer for the Oxford English Dictionary before pursuing a career as a literary editor and film critic.
He now dedicates his time to writing. Interestingly, his brother, Jonathan Barnes, is an expert in Ancient Philosophy.
Previously, Barnes resided in London with his wife, Pat Kavanagh, who worked as a literary agent. Sadly, she passed away on October 20th, 2008.
Editoral Review
In Talking It Over, Julian Barnes gives an insightful look into the complexities of friendship and love interspersed with moments of wit and humor. Published in 1991, Barnes work falls into the category of contemporary fiction and offers a unique take on the genre.
Plot-wise, Talking It Over revolves around the lives of three people, Oliver, Stuart, and Gillian, and their relationships with each other. As the story unfolds, readers find out that Oliver and Gillian were once married but then Stuart enters the picture, and things become complicated.
The narrative is presented as a series of letters and dialogue between the characters, giving the book a unique feel. It is set in London and various other cities, allowing Barnes to explore cultural nuances and differences.
What sets Talking It Over apart is the depth of its characters. Oliver is torn between his love for Gillian and his best friend Stuart, Stuart harbors a long-standing infatuation with Gillian, while Gillian is trying to find happiness amidst all the drama.
Barnes excels in depicting the complex emotions and motivations behind their actions, making the reader dive into their psyche. In his skillful writing, Barnes also manages to touch upon several themes that are still relevant today, such as the dynamics of relationships, friendship, infidelity, and betrayal.
He explores these issues in a way that is both thoughtful and nuanced, encouraging readers to reflect and empathize with the characters. One limitation of the book, however, is that the multiple voices and perspectives may confuse some readers who prefer a more straightforward narrative structure.
Still, this unconventional format is what sets this work apart, making it an engaging, thought-provoking experience for readers who enjoy a non-traditional approach to storytelling. In conclusion, Talking It Over is a beautifully crafted book that delves into the intricacies of human relationships.
Barnes skills as a writer shine through in his attention to detail and the depth of his characters. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys contemporary fiction.
Its a delightful read that delivers a powerful message about love, friendship, and life. I give Talking It Over a score of 9 out of 10, as it ticks all the boxes of excellent fiction.
