Metroland

Les evenements? What?The secret shame of the book's main character is having been in Paris through May of 1968 and not even noticing the student revolution, much less participating in it.But then, he was in love.This book lays foundation for almost every recurring theme of Barnes's future writing: the anxiety of growing up, the middle-class identity, the French connection, sex, love, etc.It is less enthralling than "Talking It Over" or "Before She Met Me", but still an excellent novel.Oh, and yes! It must have been noted already, and probably many times, but for me it was a small personal revelation. In "Flaubert's Parrot" the narrator ridicules the author of some first novel or other, who mentiones in his book the first forbidden edition of "Madame Bovary". The narrator's sting points at the fact that there have never been such a thing, and the poor chap must have meant "Les fleurs du mal".The passage ridiculed in "Flaubert's Parrot" is taken from "Metroland".Postmodernism rules. Or does it?

The thoughts and conversations of the two teenage boys and this book are certainly not typical of those of 'real' children. The device used by the author in attributing such sophistication to adolescents parallels one of the themes of the book, that of utilty versus aesthetics. In the first conversation we read between Chris and Tony since Chris' marriage, Chris asks Tony to explain to him the use of their childhood, heartfelt, agonising studies of reactions to the arts.As adolescents, the boys have no power but no responsibility - Tony, it seems, never develops responsibilty and is embittered by his subsequent lack of influence on the real world or, indeed, on the literary world.Chris accomodates real responsibility with a gradual softening of his views on other peoples jobs and lives, (see school reunion,) and the novel ends with Chris looking at the effect of a sodium light - this time he doesn't worry about it turning the colour of his clothes brown, but is content that his daughter is comforted by the light outside her window.Art has no 'use' other than to sustain our spirits and give support to our more duties as adults.There is no 'selling out' in this novel, just a wish to avoid the bitterness, loneliness and futility of a life driven by criticism and cynicism.

Metroland is the sort of book that, frankly, most people will not like (or even finish). However, those who do like the book will enjoy it a great deal. The theme is one that has been explored by almost every male author of note: A young man is attempting to sort out his own values while asking himself if he is living his life properly. This is, of course, a serious topic. Because of the gravity of the subject, many writers seem to cave in to the temptation to go overboard and the resulting work becomes hopelessly melodramatic. Julian Barnes, however, has avoided the cliches of this sub-genre by mocking the main character's periodic self-absorbtion. The result is a protagonist that the reader can truly care about and (ultimately) admire. Metroland's dialog is witty, and the narrative is very clever. The chapter dealing with Chris's attempts to impress his new French girlfriend are so realistic that they must be autobiographical. Metroland would be best enjoyed in small bites, a chapter or two at a time at the end of the day. You might hate this book, and I honestly wouldn't blame you, but I loved it.

The book was great, but the movie is wonderful. Christian Bale as Chris is perfection. If you liked the book, you will looove the movie. Go see it!

Metroland is undoubtedly on my top 10 list for life. The story is, above all else, touchingly honest. Vivid pictures are painted with the subtlest of language. The writing gives keen insight into the head of a young boy and his passage into adulthood. There is nothing more satisfying than when you read a book that is written as if it could have come from your own head... The absurdity and comedy of some of the conversations will make you laugh as you think about times in your own life when things don't have to be mature and sensical - you just say them, and magically, everyone understands. The scenes in the museum where the two main characters are observing peoples' minute reactions to artwork is my absolute favorite. The passage describing how art is the most important thing in life, and how people, simply by viewing art, are in some way improved, is in my wallet and I make sure to show it to everyone I know. I have read Talking It Over, also by Barnes, and enjoyed it, but Metroland stands alone because it is so completely and honestly genuine. kidTiger