In Neil's story, readers are treated to everything they cherish in Barnes: his eye for the unconventional forms love can take, a compelling swerve into nonfiction (this time through Neil's obsessive study of Julian the Apostate, following the trail of crumbs Elizabeth Finch has left for him), and the forcefully moving undercurrent of history and biography as both nourishment and guide in our daily lives.

As much as he wants to figure her out intellectually, he want to please her. While other personal relationships and even his children drift from his grasp, Neil hangs tight to Finch and her unorthodox application of history and philosophy to the practical matters of daily living.

When Neil, adrift in his 30s, takes her adult education class on Culture and Civilization, he becomes deeply fascinated by this private, withholding yet commanding woman. This novel of unrequited platonic love takes aim at the singular character of the exacting Elizabeth Finch. 'I'll remember Elizabeth Finch when most other characters I've met this year have faded.' -John Self, The Times (UK) It is truly a balm for our times.From the Booker Award-winning writer, a swift narrative that turns on the death of a vivid and particular woman, and becomes the occasion for a man's deeper examination of love, friendship and the mysteries of biography. It's a moment to reflect and to gently explore our own theories and assumptions. It's a loving tribute to philosophy, a careful evaluation of history, an invitation to think for ourselves. And underpinning them all is the story of J - Julian the Apostate, her historical soulmate and fellow challenger to the institutional and monotheistic thinking that has always threatened to divide us. Her ideas unlock the philosophies of the past, and explore key events that show us how to make sense of our lives today. With careful empathy, she guided her students to develop meaningful ideas and to discover their centres of seriousness.Īs a former student unpacks her notebooks and remembers her uniquely inquisitive mind, her passion for reason resonates through the years.

And that task becomes the more urgent when the past cannot be corrected.'Įlizabeth Finch was a teacher, a thinker, an inspiration - always rigorous, always thoughtful. 'The task of the present is to correct our understanding of the past. We invite you to take her course in Culture and Civilisation.īut she will change the way you see the world. We'd like to introduce you to Elizabeth Finch. Please note jacket colour may vary (blue or yellow)

Julian barnes elizabeth finch reviews