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Product Description
Review
`An unflinching portrait of a man in decline. Barney Panofsky is one of Richler's finest creations. He smokes too many cigars, drinks too much whisky and has a life of dashed hopes to reflect on as he approaches old age. He is also the alleged murderer of his best friend- something resolved in a fine twist.'
--Daily Telegraph
`a comic masterpiece' --The Oldie
--Daily Telegraph
`a comic masterpiece' --The Oldie
Book Description
Now a major motion picture starring Paul Giamatti and Dustin Hoffman
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
A very funny novel, with some realistically sad events. Understandably much subtler than the recent film. I was warned I would need a Yiddish dictionary, but Richler was clever enough to make sure the meaning was always clear, so the reader learned a word rather than misunderstanding it.
Format:Paperback
I have kept a signed copy of this book on my shelf for several years, waiting for the perfect moment. It came on the day of my 50th birthday. I started reading and immediately knew that Richler, that bloody genius, had delivered another gem. It is a fantastic book. The timing is perfect, the comic moments offset by truly tearful passages, specially at the end. Barney Panofsky clung to two cherished beliefs. Life is absurd, and no one truly understands anybody else.
Right you are, Mr Richler. Rest in peace, wherever you are in Jewish/Quebequois Purgatory (your preferred area, I trust) and thank you for your wonderful wit.
Right you are, Mr Richler. Rest in peace, wherever you are in Jewish/Quebequois Purgatory (your preferred area, I trust) and thank you for your wonderful wit.
Format:Paperback
I was a fan of Mordecai Richler back in the 70s and 80s and read virtually all his books.
However, for some reason, I forgot all about him until I recently found this book which was published in 1997.
It is a rambling memoir by an aging Canadian television producer called Barney Panofsky in response to the autobiography of an old rival, a writer called McIver, who Panofsky claims has misrepresented him.
I opened the book with some trepidation as I was not sure if would still like Richler after such a long absence.
Within a page I realized I had nothing to worry about as I found myself back on familiar territory - growing up in the Jewish quarter of Montreal in the 1940s among anti-Semitic French Canadians and overbearing Jewish mothers, Paris in the 1950s with young expatriates trying to become writers and chasing every woman in sight, their subsequent marriages, divorces and illnesses as the 60s and 70s fade out, leaving them ignored and forgotten by the younger generation and facing the prospect of old age.
All written in Richler's inimitably funny style that allows him to set upon his pet bugbears ranging from feminism to supporters of independence for Quebec.
The ending is poignant and, as Richler himself died shortly after the book was published, one cannot help but wonder whether certain of the sadder parts referred to him.
It is notable how much better Richler was at this kind of bittersweet material than his counterparts like Mailer, Bellow, Heller, Roth (all Jewish) Updike and Ford.
When Richler died in 2001 he was hailed not only as one of Canada's but also North America's finest writers in English.
If you are not familiar with his material then you are in for a rare treat.
However, for some reason, I forgot all about him until I recently found this book which was published in 1997.
It is a rambling memoir by an aging Canadian television producer called Barney Panofsky in response to the autobiography of an old rival, a writer called McIver, who Panofsky claims has misrepresented him.
I opened the book with some trepidation as I was not sure if would still like Richler after such a long absence.
Within a page I realized I had nothing to worry about as I found myself back on familiar territory - growing up in the Jewish quarter of Montreal in the 1940s among anti-Semitic French Canadians and overbearing Jewish mothers, Paris in the 1950s with young expatriates trying to become writers and chasing every woman in sight, their subsequent marriages, divorces and illnesses as the 60s and 70s fade out, leaving them ignored and forgotten by the younger generation and facing the prospect of old age.
All written in Richler's inimitably funny style that allows him to set upon his pet bugbears ranging from feminism to supporters of independence for Quebec.
The ending is poignant and, as Richler himself died shortly after the book was published, one cannot help but wonder whether certain of the sadder parts referred to him.
It is notable how much better Richler was at this kind of bittersweet material than his counterparts like Mailer, Bellow, Heller, Roth (all Jewish) Updike and Ford.
When Richler died in 2001 he was hailed not only as one of Canada's but also North America's finest writers in English.
If you are not familiar with his material then you are in for a rare treat.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
great book. delivered online and smoothly
great book. delivered on time and very smoothly. the price appears on an accompaninng note and on the book itself, which is not ideal for a gift - i had not asked for gift wrapping... Read more
Published 4 months ago by et
Great fun with genuine depth
Barney Panofsky is amusingly, Larry David-ishly grumpy to begin with, but his story goes on to be surprisingly and subtly moving thanks to some very skilful writing. Read more
Published 9 months ago by MR. D I WILLIAMS
Didnt read it yet
... but a friend of mine recommended it , saying it's a great book !
I will read it one of these days.
I will read it one of these days.
Published 13 months ago by Adina
Barney's version
I bought this book online after I watched the movie. It is an economic printing, but it looks really good. Read more
Published 14 months ago by kiboss
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