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A review by amyamac
Nod by Adrian Barnes
2.0
First of all, RIP Adrian Barnes. I was very sad to hear that he died of cancer a few months after the publication of this, his final book, 'Nod'.
Now for the review. I'll get the negative out of the way first. I believe the weaknesses in this book arise from a prioritization of style over substance, panache over accurate perception, which sometimes results in shallow characterization and, at times, a hazy plot (which, some may argue, effectively enhances the dreamy unreality of the novel, but, I think, disconnects the reader from the action and the characters).
Martin Amis' fiction suffers from the same problem. Someone once said to me that Amis' style is very 'male', and now, after perceiving similarities between his and that of Barnes, I understand what she meant. As I have already stated, the characters are, for the most part, shallowly characterised, especially the women (make that 'woman', as there is only really one), and I think this is because the author, sacrificing perception and sensitivity for the sake of (often beguiling) metaphors and turns of phrases, ends up resorting to stereotypes and cliché (there is one scene in particular, a 'kill the wife to save her moment', that was even parodied by Mitchell and Webb a few years ago in their avocado bathroom sketch). There are moments when an aphorism by Barnes might sound novel and profound but, scratch at it, and it's superficial. His descriptions sometimes descend into kitsch.
So far, so negative. I almost gave the book three stars, but after writing down the negatives, decided that I couldn't justify a higher rating. I wanted to like the book. It had a good premise, and there were times that I found Barnes' writing beguiling. The crazy world that he builds seduces you, draws you into the madness and offers striking and unnerving images that get under your skin. Not since 'Alice' by Christina Henry have I felt so utterly disturbed by a novel. I read it in just two sittings, and was, for the most part, captivated, but once I put down the book, it left me feeling cold. I didn't feel any connection with the characters, and I don't think they will stay with me long after.
Now for the review. I'll get the negative out of the way first. I believe the weaknesses in this book arise from a prioritization of style over substance, panache over accurate perception, which sometimes results in shallow characterization and, at times, a hazy plot (which, some may argue, effectively enhances the dreamy unreality of the novel, but, I think, disconnects the reader from the action and the characters).
Martin Amis' fiction suffers from the same problem. Someone once said to me that Amis' style is very 'male', and now, after perceiving similarities between his and that of Barnes, I understand what she meant. As I have already stated, the characters are, for the most part, shallowly characterised, especially the women (make that 'woman', as there is only really one), and I think this is because the author, sacrificing perception and sensitivity for the sake of (often beguiling) metaphors and turns of phrases, ends up resorting to stereotypes and cliché (there is one scene in particular, a 'kill the wife to save her moment', that was even parodied by Mitchell and Webb a few years ago in their avocado bathroom sketch). There are moments when an aphorism by Barnes might sound novel and profound but, scratch at it, and it's superficial. His descriptions sometimes descend into kitsch.
So far, so negative. I almost gave the book three stars, but after writing down the negatives, decided that I couldn't justify a higher rating. I wanted to like the book. It had a good premise, and there were times that I found Barnes' writing beguiling. The crazy world that he builds seduces you, draws you into the madness and offers striking and unnerving images that get under your skin. Not since 'Alice' by Christina Henry have I felt so utterly disturbed by a novel. I read it in just two sittings, and was, for the most part, captivated, but once I put down the book, it left me feeling cold. I didn't feel any connection with the characters, and I don't think they will stay with me long after.