Plot Summary

England, England

Julian Barnes
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England, England

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1998

Book Brief

Julian Barnes

England, England

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1998
Book Details
Pages

272

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

England • Contemporary

Publication Year

1998

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

England, England by Julian Barnes is a dystopian satire focusing on Martha Cochrane, who, after being deeply affected by her father's abandonment during childhood, becomes involved in a project led by Sir Jack Pitman to create a theme park on the Isle of Wight that replicates England's iconic landscapes and cultural elements. The theme park gains massive popularity and eventually overshadows "Old England," which consequently falls into decline.

Humorous

Contemplative

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Julian Barnes’ England, England is praised for its sharp wit and incisive satire, critiquing commercialization and national identity. While some reviewers found its premise clever and entertaining, others felt the narrative lost momentum midway. The characters and plot were sometimes seen as secondary to the thematic exploration, leading to mixed overall reception.

Who should read this

Who Should Read England, England?

Ideal for fans of satire and postmodern storytelling, readers who enjoy England, England by Julian Barnes will appreciate its witty take on national identity and commercialization. Comparable to George Orwell's 1984 and Thomas Pynchon's The Crying of Lot 49, this book appeals to those who enjoy clever, thought-provoking narratives.

Book Details
Pages

272

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

England • Contemporary

Publication Year

1998

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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