METROLAND

Philip Saville's acclaimed film version of this novel necessarily omitted the narrating hero's inner monologue--a crucial element, not only in understanding him, but in understanding Barnes's achievement. For, more comprehensively than anywhere else, this book explores the inner life of the "geek," for want of a better word, the young, awkward intellectual--shy and inept outside the esoteric world of his fellow egg heads. Metroland is a British suburb, where Christopher and his bestfriend, Toni, iconoclastic Francophiles and bookworms, are entering manhood and independence. Can they successfully negotiate adult lives and still retain the mental humor and vigor of their carefree adolescence? The full pain and glory of Christopher's story is read here by young Greg Wise, who accurately communicates the meaning of the lines and the character of the dramatis personae, but who fails in showmanship. He is simply dull. The original book is not, and I highly recommend it. Y.R. © AudioFile 2000, Portland, Maine [Published: APR/MAY 00]