What do you need to know before taking a book? That this is not a humorous novel, as written in the review. I don’t know why it was called humorous, laughter here is more likely through tears.
"«Talking It Over» – not just a modern comedy of manners, but the most intelligent and funny book of recent years." ― Chicago Tribune
A classic love triangle in an unusual presentation from Barnes in the form of an interview, where everyone tells their own story of love, betrayal and parting.
The average banker Stewart, naive and down-to-earth, unassuming and honest, gets married.
His fiancée Jill is not a beauty, but she is quite pretty, not an intellectual and not very experienced in matters of everyday life and heart. But (intentionally or not, let everyone decide for himself) creates a triangle led by himself.
The third participant is Stewart's best friend, a romantic loser, untidy, but well-read, talented in making a good impression, almost always knows what is best (especially for Stewart), is not serious in love and is not very picky. But according to the incomprehensible laws of the Universe, he falls in love with the bride of his best friend. And he, contrary to my expectations, managed to steal it from Stu and even arrange some kind of life.
It is because of this method of filing and the absence of leading questions, it is not possible to figure out who was the first to make a mistake, who is to blame. This method of presentation completely excludes the subjective assessment of the author.
I do not like any of them, I do not sympathize with anyone, everyone's actions are unpleasant. Because of the manner of the storytelling, I personally got the feeling as if "digging in someone else's underwear." Everyone has their own truth. But the truth is one. Someone always lies, hides, under-speaks, embellishes.
In general, the situation is quite vital, but, of course, I do not want to find myself in such a situation.
This story is unlike any of Barnes's books I've read before. But still it is so in his style. So much sarcasm and banter. There is no dynamics, and all the sweetness is in the monologues of the heroes. Barnes meets expectations and keeps the bar.
You can purchase «Talking It Over» at PenguinRandomHouse
This article was sponsored by Ryan Collins.
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