World Book Club Julian Barnes
7 snips
Jul 31, 2003 
Julian Barnes, a prize-winning British novelist acclaimed for his inventive storytelling, dives into his book, 'Flaubert's Parrot.' He shares his fascination with Flaubert and discusses the complexities of writing a novel rather than a traditional biography. Barnes explores the ethics of publishing authors' letters, emphasizes the perspectives of those overshadowed by great writers, and reflects on the challenges of writer's block. He also touches on the omitted chapter linking creativity and sexuality, revealing the layers behind his narrative choices.
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Two Parrots Spark A Novel
- Julian Barnes describes first seeing one stuffed parrot in Rouen and feeling oddly moved as if touching Flaubert's desk object.
- He then found a second stuffed parrot and turned that discovery into the book's central playful mystery about authenticity.
Biography Can Hide Life's Messiness
- Barnes rejects a straight biography because it creates the illusion of tidy answers and reduces life to highlights.
- He instead uses multiple mini-biographies and metaphors to reveal different, truer sides of Flaubert.
Letters Survive Despite Wishes
- Barnes admits he feels human curiosity about private letters but also embarrassment about his own being exposed.
- He cites Auden's will asking letters to be burned and Stephen Spender keeping them, showing posthumous control is usually futile.
