45 pages • 1 hour read
Julian BarnesFlaubert's Parrot
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1984A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
In Julian Barnes' Flaubert's Parrot, retired doctor Geoffrey Braithwaite delves into the life of Gustave Flaubert, obsessively researching which of two stuffed parrots inspired the parrot in Flaubert's story "Un Coeur Simple." Braithwaite's journey intertwines biographical exploration, literary criticism, and his personal reflections, emphasizing the elusive nature of objective truth in historical research. The book addresses infidelity and suicide.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Flaubert's Parrot by Julian Barnes offers a rich, intricate exploration of Gustave Flaubert's life through the eyes of an obsessed narrator. Praised for its wit, clever narrative structure, and deep literary insights, it captivates readers who appreciate intellectual fiction. Some critique its dense, nonlinear format, finding it challenging. Overall, it's a rewarding read for literary enthusiasts.
Who Should Read Flaubert's Parrot?
A reader who enjoys Flaubert's Parrot by Julian Barnes is typically an aficionado of literary fiction, keen on intricate narratives blending history and fiction. They appreciate works like A.S. Byatt’s Possession and Umberto Eco’s The Name of the Rose that challenge the intellect and explore the complexities of literary obsession.