Julian Barnes is a modern master of the short story and his latest collection, Pulse, is to be published on Thursday. Already, it is attracting plaudits.
Barnes allies structural simplicity with thematic diversity. Each character is attuned to a ‘pulse’ – an amalgamation of a life-force and an Aristotelian flaw. The range of setting is impressive, veering from the mundane to the exotic. One story sees Garibaldi court the distant figure of his future wife through a telescope, as his ship lies at anchor off the azure coast of Brazil; the great-man-in-waiting ponders destiny and desire in all their forms. In other parts, Barnes returns to Metroland, with vignettes of dinners at Phil and Joanna’s, a couple of terrifyingly sincere concerns; this comedy of suburbia is redolent of Michael Frayn’s, Simon Grey’s or Alan Ackybourn’s.
The Guardian and The Spectator are hardly brothers in arms, but both believe Barnes is destined to be a regular at this year’s awards ceremonies.
Comments
Join the debate for just $5 for 3 months
Be part of the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting your first three months for $5.
UNLOCK ACCESS Just $5 for 3 monthsAlready a subscriber? Log in