Barney's Version

This is my first Richler book, I did not enjoy it much as the characters (main and supporting) were not likeable or transferable to myself, the reader. Though I thought the son's editing was an interesting twist on the reading aspect. Though I will check out the movie and see how it represents Mr. Richler's writing - though I will probably check out his book Duddy Kravitz and we will see how that goes.

Mordecai Richler was once considered one of the greatest shining stars of his literary generation.

The author, essayist, journalist and screenwriter was known for his controversial opinions on contemporary Canadian politics and culture. He often wrote with biting wit and sharp satire. With the release of his book, "Barney's Version," Richler was called "a novelist at the top of his game," by the Wall Street Journal. MacLean's magazine said the book was "a feast of non-stop storytelling and arguably Richler's funniest book yet."

"Barney's Version," is the autobiography of fictional character Barney Panofsky, a flambuoyant, perverted and stubborn Montreal producer who believes no one can get along and that life is completely absurd. He is proven somewhat right when his sworn enemy accuses him of abuse, fraud and murder. The story unfolds with Barney recalling his life, three marriages, and the disappearance of the friend whose murder he is charged with.

On the surface Barney is an impossible individual, but his story unfolds to be one of to demonstrate the power of love and family, the frigtening process of aging and one's own death. Barney Panofsky is very much a worthwhile individual not far from you or I. It is a story anyone can relate to and a very good read. The Montreal Gazette referred to it best in saying that "Barney's Version," is, "by turns gripping, hilarious, ridiculous and poignant."

The book would become the winner of the Giller Prize, the Stephen Leacock Award for Humour and the Commonwealth Writer's Prize for Best Book. It was also a 2004 Canada Read's selection.

Ten years after Mordecai Richler's death, and 13 years after the book's original release, "Barney's Version," is making a comback. A film version will premiere at the 2010 Toronto International Film Festival. Starring Paul Giamatti, Dustin Hoffman and Minnie Driver, it already has received rave reviews. A preview of that film is available here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sIu7kLKpZxE

I would give this novel the nod over "Solomon Gursky was here." It deserved the Giller and should have won the Booker also. Barney is a fantastic character: charming, despicable, funny, dour; all rolled into one. His intellectual fraud and selective memory combine for a very enjoyable "memoir." Probes the rationalizations and delusions that we all enact to make ourselves just a little bit better than we really are. Though Barney fails as the "man of the year," this book will be a treasure for generations to come. Meant to be savored and enjoyed like the Romeo y Julieta featured on the cover.

Richler can certainly create a curmudgeonly character, but Barney's cynical wit is irresistable. I found myself chuckling out loud throughout. If you enjoyed Apprenticeship's anti-hero protagonist, you'll likely enjoy this read. Duddy even meanders into minor anecdotes in this one.