A review by kate66
The Lemon Table by Julian Barnes

4.0

I'm not sure I can add to anything not already said about this book. It is a collection of short stories based around the central theme of ageing in all its forms. Some of the stories are hard to listen to with themes such as physical abuse or the onset of dementia, some are amusing or merely observations on age. In general the theme seems to be that ageing is not much fun and it is more about looking back than living in the moment; it is about acceptance of your fate.

Julian Barnes writing speaks for itself. He is one of those writers you either love or hate. I love him but wouldn't recommend this book as somewhere to start reading his work if you've never read any before. If, on the other hand, you like Mr Barnes work then you'll enjoy these stories. They are clever, well observed, slightly sad and generally typical of his body of work.

I would have changed the running order round but that is personal preference.