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Barneys Version by Mordecai Richler
`The portrayal of Barney, pen overflowing with years of accumulated weaknesses, shortcomings and flaws, is weighted by the manfs sincere fondness for what was, was lost, and still remains in his world. His words are often offensive, but his actions and failures are so very human that itfs hard to begrudge an old man crippled by actions he cannot undo. Barneys politics are less threatening than is the fleeting sense of self that slips from the pages as Barney unsuccessfully clings to his` memories. His gruff, critical voice in the present is contrasted by the delicate manner with which he describes events that occurred in the past, making apparent their fragile existence and his urgency to record them on paper.This book came highly recommended but took me a while to get into because I tried to read it in short intervals over a long period of time, a method the format of the book doesnt lend itself to at all. There are a multitude of characters and events that take place` over a broad span of time, and its best (like with most novels) to get a good feel for the characters before putting the book down after that first reading. It was quite frustrating to pick it up again after some time had passed and immediately feel lost in the many distinct, though interrelated stories, being told nearly simultaneously. Yet even that mood was appropriate for the workfs subject material. After all, Barneyfs Version was written as a memoir written by a man in the`` process of losing his very memories. Richler creates an incredibly complete world: endearing despite malcontented and despondent overtones. Itfs full of regret coupled with hope and a deep sense of attachment to everything that has ever made itself a part of Barneyfs life. Barneyfs Version is funny, sad, and beautifully written. I wish I had read it sooner and plan to read it again.` For More 5 Star Reviews Barneys Version by Mordecai Richler
Barneys Version by Mordecai Richler
`The portrayal of Barney, pen overflowing with years of accumulated weaknesses, shortcomings and flaws, is weighted by the manfs sincere fondness for what was, was lost, and still remains in his world. His words are often offensive, but his actions and failures are so very human that itfs hard to begrudge an old man crippled by actions he cannot undo. Barneys politics are less threatening than is the fleeting sense of self that slips from the pages as Barney unsuccessfully clings to his` memories. His gruff, critical voice in the present is contrasted by the delicate manner with which he describes events that occurred in the past, making apparent their fragile existence and his urgency to record them on paper.This book came highly recommended but took me a while to get into because I tried to read it in short intervals over a long period of time, a method the format of the book doesnt lend itself to at all. There are a multitude of characters and events that take place` over a broad span of time, and its best (like with most novels) to get a good feel for the characters before putting the book down after that first reading. It was quite frustrating to pick it up again after some time had passed and immediately feel lost in the many distinct, though interrelated stories, being told nearly simultaneously. Yet even that mood was appropriate for the workfs subject material. After all, Barneyfs Version was written as a memoir written by a man in the`` process of losing his very memories. Richler creates an incredibly complete world: endearing despite malcontented and despondent overtones. Itfs full of regret coupled with hope and a deep sense of attachment to everything that has ever made itself a part of Barneyfs life. Barneyfs Version is funny, sad, and beautifully written. I wish I had read it sooner and plan to read it again.` For More 5 Star Reviews Barneys Version by Mordecai Richler