Book 3 Review

Love.  A complicated battle between two individuals, that tends to turn out like a high school relationship….dramatic.  Julian Barnes, in his novel, Love etc., takes a complicated theme, and turns it into an even more complicated web of love that exemplifies society.  Adding a love triangle, possible rape, and a “crazy in love” man, named Stuart, yes that was a Beyoncé reference, creates a ten times more complicated than a high school relationship, story.  Perhaps…a little too complicated.  

Gillian, who was originally married to Stuart, quickly divorces and remarries Stuart’s best friend Oliver.  Stuart who has always been a successful business man, whereas Oliver is what most readers would consider a bum, cannot comprehend why Gillian would ever leave him for a character such as Oliver.  After much disapproval from others, Gillian declares that she “loved each of them truly” (Barnes 16).  This is the epitome of the problem in Gillian’s aspect of her life, whereas Stuart has never moved on from his marriage to Gillian.  The story proceeds to describe the events of Stuart wedging his way back into Gillian’s life, and eventually he becomes closer to her...maybe a little too close.  The reality, as well as problem about Stuart, is that he has never been able to get over Gillian.  There are two very clear differences about the feelings between Stuart and Gillian, which drives the plot.  The ending results in a differing perspective on the same situation.  Stuart believes the…excuse my language, sexual activity between he and Gillian was mutual, whereas Gillian claims to have been raped.  The story reflects the true complication of love and how there really is no conclusion to love. 

Although the plot itself, love triangle and all, is a tad far-fetched for the everyday average Joes of society, the tangled web of love can easily be understood and applicable to most readers.  I applaud Barnes for taking a common theme in literature, and adding a dramatic plot twist.  As far-fetched as it is, it definitely is unique.  The writing style as well as set-up of the novel is told from three first person narratives. This easily showcases how subjective each opinion/perspective on the same situation can be.  The form is unique, appealing, and truly emphasizes each perspective, such as when Stuart says, “But I think it’s best you hear my story first” (Barnes 11). 

Barnes has always been classified as a postmodern writer and that truly reflects in his writing.  The ending of the novel, when Gillian’s mother says, “…for something [to] happen.  Or for nothing to happen” (Barnes 227), which reflects a technique of non-linear plot line, meaning there is no solid conclusion to the story, used throughout most postmodern literature.  Barnes utilizes this technique to represent the uncertainty of most relationships and love stories, in society.  Although most societal relationships aren’t as dramatic, Barnes perfectly captures the inconclusive endings of love.   

Barnes crafts Stuart and Gillian beautifully, but the character, Oliver, seems to be an underdeveloped character.  Almost as if Oliver was the middle child that got left behind, or is always forgotten.  I’m a middle child…can you tell?  Just kidding my parents aren’t really like that.  Barnes puts so much detail into Stuart and Gillian that it almost seems as if he completely forgot about Oliver.  Oliver is as deep in the situation just as deep as Gillian and Stuart are….hence the equilateral love triangle.  Towards the end of the novel, it’s almost as if Oliver fell off the face off the earth, or there’s a game of hide and go seek and Oliver is the hider….a really good one. I was waiting for someone to call out olly olly oxen free and Oliver would all of a sudden appear in plain sight, however this did not happen.  Some readers may blame it on the multiple  “mini-breakdown[s]” Oliver has had, but come on, put the emotions aside, and look after your wife! (Barnes 106).

All in all, Love etc., like many other of Julian Barnes’ novels, leaves me with some deep thinking.  Although, a little annoyed by the ending and how open-ended Barnes leaves readers, my memory of this book will consist of a mixed hate/love emotion.