Her vocabulary was drawn from the same word-box she used for both writing and general conversation. Yet she never sounded like a talking book. She never started a sentence without knowing how and when it would end. “You could almost hear the commas, semicolons and full stops. The student is consumed by his teacher and every word that escapes her lips is nothing short of a sermon. “I shall not attempt to stuff you with facts as a goose is stuffed with corn this would only lead to an engorged liver, which would be unhealthy.” Neil is smitten. On her very first day of teaching, EF lays down the lay of the land for her students. A shaking to which he relents himself willingly, submissively and euphorically. But it is EF’s unconventional method of teaching that catches Neil by the scruff of his neck and gives him a godawful shaking. Brown Suede brogues, perpetual stockings and below-the-knees skirt make up for her preferred ensemble. ‘EF”, as her keeps referring to her is almost asexual in her dressing. Neil, a student smitten by Miss Finch, indulges in an unabashed hero worship as he waxes lyrical about his teacher’s iridescent qualities. Even though Barnes is known for his ability to enmesh fact and fiction seamlessly in his works, a 50-page trip – that makes up Part 2 of the book – about the character of Julian the Apostate – Roman emperor, warrior, scholar, pagan and foe of Christianity, leaves the reader in some state of induced confusion.Įlizabeth Finch is both the title and the protagonist of Barnes’ book.
A short book which makes one feel and wish was shorter, Elizabeth Finch is an ambivalent and blurry blend of fact and fiction. But much to my horror, chagrin and incredible disappointment, the patented ‘Barnes enchantment’ was totally absent. Hence it was with untold enthusiasm and longing that I waited to lay my hands on his latest offering, Elizabeth Finch.
A unique and inclusive moment to savour and preserve. Personally, as a Julian Barnes fanatic, every book release of this cerebral author is for me a special event.
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