Show World

Oh how I wish there was more Barhardt to read. I've just finished Show World and have done Gospel and Emma twice. His style is fresh and exciting. When I read Barhardt I am able to truly escape to the world depicted in the book....so often these days that simply doesn't happen.

I don't think there's a single novelist working today in America that can parallel Barnhardt's gift to convey with heart, soul and intelligence the real drama of this society, its people and its moral dilemmas. Show World is funny, sad, touching and profoundly clever. One of the best novels I've read in the past ten years, a glorious entertainment, soul for the mind, the soul, the heart. I've read Mr.Barnhardt's previous two novels, wonderful stuff, but I feel Show World is an even greater acomplishment, the work of a major novelist at the top of his game. A modern day Henry James, Barnhardt is a treasure. Read this novel, if only for the monumental fun ride it is. Highly recommended for anybody in need of a intelligent, funny, warm and soulful novel, one of those "they don't write anymore".

All three books are now among my favorites, especially " Gospel" and "Show World". Barnhardt has an amazing ability to keep the reader with him. In both "Gospel" and "Show World", the first chapters are not anywhere near as exciting as the rest of the book. However, I couldn't put either book down. Wow! I had been watching for Barnhardt's next book since I read "Gospel" followed by "Emma...", and it was worth the wait. I wonder how long I'll have to wait for the next one!

I read Barnhardt's previous books (Emma Who Saved My Life and Gospel) and fell in love with his storytelling genius. He is incredibly smart in his writing - and Show World doesn't disappoint! He has a unique talent of spinning a great tale, but he writes to the reader's intelligence as well as our innate salaciousness. Show World was to be trite, nearly impossible to put down. His characters and plot put the CLinton White House to shame, and you get the impression that he has an insider's view into Hollywood, Washington and the literary world. Wilton Barnhardt is a treasure to discover- If Show World isn't a hit, then it's a damn shame - finally there is an author who can really write - AND tell a hell of a good story! His description of an assimilated New Yorker's Seder is a scream - worth the whole book just to read this vignette!

I was lucky enough to read the book before it hits the shelves. It is a joyride pure and simple. The kind of hell-bent cruise that Barnhardt took us on in Gospel -- hitting cities across the globe -- he now takes us on inside the deranged, damaged, and delicious psyche of his main character in SHOW WORLD. This book is summer reading with a bite. A nasty, hilarious, foot-stomping bite. We follow the travails of his heroine, Sam, (and who does a heroine better than Barnhardt -- think Emma with an edge and a bad case of varicose veins --) as she fails upwards through the ranks of politics and show business. When you read the scrumptious beginning you will never predict the absolutely breathtaking (and I mean that in all ways possible) ending. And the whole read your eyes will spin and you will need food brought to you from the outside. Once Barnhardt has you in SHOW WORLD.... you are his until the end! Incredible Fun is Brilliance Personified. Wilton Barnhardt is both.