About the book
From the Booker Award-winning writer, a swift narrative that turns on the death of a vivid and particular woman, sparking a man's deeper examination of love, friendship and the mysteries of biography.
\"I'll remember Elizabeth Finch when most other characters I've met this year have faded.\" —John Self, The Times (UK)
This novel of unrequited platonic love takes aim at the singular character of the exacting Elizabeth Finch. When Neil, adrift in his 30s, takes her adult education class on Culture and Civilization, he becomes deeply fascinated by this private, withholding, yet commanding woman. While other personal relationships and even his children drift from his grasp, Neil hangs tight to Finch and her unorthodox application of history and philosophy to the practical matters of daily living. As much as he wants to figure her out intellectually, he want to please her. Both are impossible.
In Neil's story, readers are treated to everything they cherish in Barnes: his eye for the unconventional forms love can take, a compelling swerve into nonfiction (this time through Neil's obsessive study of Julian the Apostate, following the trail of crumbs Elizabeth Finch has left for him), and the forcefully moving undercurrent of history and biography as both nourishment and guide in our daily lives. Finch is a character who challenges the reader as much as her students to think for themselves, and leaves us searching for a way to deal with one of her simplest of ideas: \"Some things are up to us, and some things are not up to us.\"
Editions of Elizabeth Finch
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9781039004887
- Paperback
- ISBN 9781039004900
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780593468920
- EBook
- ISBN 9780593535448
- EBook
- ISBN 9781039004894
Read an Excerpt
From the Booker Award-winning writer, a swift narrative that turns on the death of a vivid and particular woman, sparking a man's deeper examination of love, friendship and the mysteries of biography.
\"I'll remember Elizabeth Finch when most other characters I've met this year have faded.\" —John Self, The Times (UK)
This novel of unrequited platonic love takes aim at the singular character of the exacting Elizabeth Finch. When Neil, adrift in his 30s, takes her adult education class on Culture and Civilization, he becomes deeply fascinated by this private, withholding, yet commanding woman. While other personal relationships and even his children drift from his grasp, Neil hangs tight to Finch and her unorthodox application of history and philosophy to the practical matters of daily living. As much as he wants to figure her out intellectually, he want to please her. Both are impossible.
In Neil's story, readers are treated to everything they cherish in Barnes: his eye for the unconventional forms love can take, a compelling swerve into nonfiction (this time through Neil's obsessive study of Julian the Apostate, following the trail of crumbs Elizabeth Finch has left for him), and the forcefully moving undercurrent of history and biography as both nourishment and guide in our daily lives. Finch is a character who challenges the reader as much as her students to think for themselves, and leaves us searching for a way to deal with one of her simplest of ideas: \"Some things are up to us, and some things are not up to us.\"
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Elizabeth Finch about?
From the Booker Award-winning writer, a swift narrative that turns on the death of a vivid and particular woman, sparking a man's deeper examination of love, friendship and the mysteries of biography.
\"I'll remember Elizabeth Finch when most other characters I've met this year have faded.\" —John Self, The Times (UK)
This novel of unrequited platonic love takes aim at the singular character of the exacting Elizabeth Finch. When Neil, adrift in his 30s, takes her adult education class on Culture and Civilization, he becomes deeply fascinated by this private, withholding, yet commanding woman. While other personal relationships and even his children drift from his grasp, Neil hangs tight to Finch and her unorthodox application of history and philosophy to the practical matters of daily living. As much as he wants to figure her out intellectually, he want to please her. Both are impossible.
In Neil's story, readers are treated to everything they cherish in Barnes: his eye for the unconventional forms love can take, a compelling swerve into nonfiction (this time through Neil's obsessive study of Julian the Apostate, following the trail of crumbs Elizabeth Finch has left for him), and the forcefully moving undercurrent of history and biography as both nourishment and guide in our daily lives. Finch is a character who challenges the reader as much as her students to think for themselves, and leaves us searching for a way to deal with one of her simplest of ideas: \"Some things are up to us, and some things are not up to us.\"
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Elizabeth Finch?
Fiction > Fiction: literary and general non-genre
Where can I read a sample of Elizabeth Finch?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9781039004887
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Elizabeth Finch?
Julian Barnes
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Elizabeth Finch is available as hardcover(ISBN 9781039004887) and paperback(ISBN 9781039004900) and paperback(ISBN 9780593468920) and ebook(ISBN 9780593535448) and ebook(ISBN 9781039004894)
Where can I buy Elizabeth Finch online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy Elizabeth Finch from below
Where can I buy Elizabeth Finch?