Richler's latest contribution to the world of literature serves as
yet another reminder why he is one of Canada's best fictional
writers (one should, on the other hand, stay away from his
non-fiction in the Post or Saturday Night). Barney's Version is the
tale of a tragic character, deeply flawed yet highly sympathetic
and likeable at lengths. The ending is stilling, and the literary
techniques, including multiple modes and POV's, and the "footnotes"
by Barney's fictional son, add an element of uniqueness to this
book. Barney's life story is told with amazing detail, and the
sub-plot of the book lingers throughout: Did Barney kill his best
friend?
I highly recommend it; almost as good as The Apprenticeship Duddy
Kravitz.