The Porcupine

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.

The elaborately choreographed show trials of Stalin are as well known, as they are infamous. There are few examples in History when one, malformed creature, both mentally and physically, could rule as a dictator for so long, and without challenge. Even Kirov cannot be considered more than a potential challenge, as the murdered do not compete. The number, who rules a Country that they were not born to, narrows the numbers further. Hitler did come from Austria, but in any measure of terror, killing, and longevity, he is not even close to Stalin. In, "The Porcupine", by Julian Barnes, it is the tyrant that is on trial, not Stalin, for the country of this Dictator's origin is never mentioned. Much historical detail is used, and the quandary the Prosecution faces would have been the same if Stalin had ever been tried. Some of the circumstances that span from the beginning to the end of the book, in a manner of speaking, can be witnessed today. What was "The Evil Empire" when viewed from here, is a way of governed life that would still be welcomed back by large portions of not just Russia, but members of the former union as well. Life may not have been ideal, but if "the two words" have not made them better, why not go back?Who charges the dictator, who can sit in judgement when those passing a verdict were a part of the machine themselves? Who is qualified to prosecute, what can the charges be, and what is the punishment to entail? Crimes Against Humanity as tried in Nuremberg, placed the defendants before those that had defeated them. The crimes were appalling, but even bringing that trial to the point of beginning was anything but certain, and certainly not with precedent. Mr. Barnes pens a great Counter Factual bit of "what if?" History. That it has not happened as described does not detract from the fascination the idea provokes. The issue seems easy in theory, the outcome preordained. But wishing and wanting don't just make it so, or does it?

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.

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.