Reviews

Elizabeth Finch by Julian Barnes

heatherradloff's review

slow-paced

3.0

mac168's review against another edition

3.0

This book was definitely not what I expected of it, though admittedly it was a birthday gift so I had little understanding of Barnes’ work. It spoke to me as a historian, highlighting the necessity of constant reassessment and re-evaluation of what we believe to be true, and I also enjoyed the exploration of keeping people alive once they have passed away. I definitely enjoyed learning about Julian the Apostate though I have to admit I found that part two, at times, dragged on, though this is I believe because I did not expect a non fiction / biographical element to this text. As a woman, I felt that some of EF’s notes evoked contemplation regarding love, marriage, and motherhood, which I hadn’t considered in depth. I also enjoyed analysing and developing my own thoughts about Julian, monotheism, and responding to EF’s stance on the matter though religion and religious history is something I know very little about. Barnes’ exploration of all different kinds of love was also thought provoking, and I think the dynamic between Neil and EF was well written and real despite the fact I didn’t really like it too much. While the book was interesting, I do feel like there was something missing that meant it failed to be particularly remarkable for me - though this is probably due to my own unfamiliarity with Barnes and the subject matters. I can envision this being a great book for anyone who has previously engaged with the author or ancient religious history, and perhaps I’ll revisit it when I learn more on the matter. Overall, 3.5⭐️

catenelmetro's review against another edition

reflective relaxing slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character

3.5

swinans's review against another edition

challenging

3.0

thea_henrike's review against another edition

2.0

In the beginning Elizabeth Finch says that she is maybe not the best teacher for everyone. This book is also not for everyone, it surely is not for me.
There are four characters in this book, none of them are what it’s about. The narrator is not very likable and he constructs a picture of his former lecturer that is one dimensional and flat. The book is intertwined with stories about a Roman emperor, who happens to share a name with the author, and only ruled for about two years. Part 2 is just an essay he writes for her posthumously, and I did not read all of it because time is too precious.
I don’t really know what this is, but I suppose others might. It has some very interesting thoughts, but it’s also very boring.

tor_saint's review against another edition

informative reflective slow-paced

3.0

rachel_smrt's review against another edition

I read...half of this! I loved the description of this reserved and brilliant professor through the eyes of the fairly ordinary narrator who admires and obsesses over her. But then Barnes has the narrator share his version of the thesis that the professor wanted to write, about the historical figure Julian the Apostate, Roman emperor and Christianity resistor, and I fell off. I'm sorry, both Julians! I'm sure you're both worth more!

theeternaldodo's review against another edition

challenging emotional informative reflective sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

bababooeybababooey's review

slow-paced

3.0

Enjoyed much of the history. Plot was big meh for me...not really into the hyperobssession stuff.

A few lovely insights. One that stuck with me: "Getting its history wrong is part of being a nation." Rings very true in the current moment.

antmarques's review against another edition

2.0

Neste "Elizabeth Finch" de Julian Barnes, acompanhamos Neil (narrador) que resolve frequentar um curso de Cultura e Civilização para adultos, leccionado por Elizabeth Finch. Uma mulher algo excêntrica, mas extremamente inteligente e inspiradora. Alguém que não respeita convenções e incentiva o livre pensamento. Alguém que Neil respeita e admira. Mas é também uma mulher conservadora, reservada e misteriosa, mesmo na morte quando deixa a Neil as suas notas pessoais e livros.

Esta obra é dividida em três partes, sendo a primeira a mais interessante, onde conhecemos as personagens e as bases da trama.

Na segunda parte, Julian Barnes apresenta uma espécie de experiência literária... introduz no meio de uma ficção, um ensaio biográfico sobre Juliano, o último imperador romano pagão. O nosso narrador entende-o como um desejo póstumo de EF, que tinha um fascínio por essa figura. Um trecho que parece despropositado e que lentifica de sobremaneira a leitura.

Na terceira parte, a narrativa retoma mas o mal está feito. Além disso, as personagens são vagas, envoltas numa névoa de conceitos e frases filosóficas. "Sabes como ela era.. uma mistura de candura absoluta e dissimulação súbita. Além de compreensão absoluta e distanciamento ocasional."

Esta é uma jornada de descoberta por parte de Neil. Pessoalmente, retenho a ideia de que nunca conhecemos verdadeiramente os que nos rodeiam e que procuramos completar as peças do puzzle com nossos preconceitos ou desejos. A premissa interessante está lá e a escrita é bela mas o livro não me prendeu. Trata-se de um romance altamente filosófico que convida à reflexão, mas onde por vezes a narrativa fica emaranhada numa rede de interrogações e ideias abstractas. Não é um mau livro, mas a leitura não foi a mais cativante. Julian Barnes terá uma nova oportunidade para se redimir. Quanto a EF, digo-lhe adeus e já de costas voltadas duvido que venha a ter saudades.