Love, etc.

Style and Technique

Julian Barnes' novel «Love, etc.» is distinguished by its unique style, characterized by the use of polyphonic narration. Barnes employs the technique of shifting perspectives, allowing each of the main characters—Stuart, Gillian, and Oliver—to tell their version of events. This creates a multi-voiced effect and allows the reader to see the situation from different angles, adding depth and complexity to the plot. The language of the novel is witty and rich, with elements of irony and sarcasm, typical of Barnes' style. Literary devices such as internal monologue and dialogue are used to reveal the inner world of the characters and their relationships. The fragmented structure of the narrative emphasizes the subjectivity of perception and the relativity of truth in interpersonal relationships. Barnes masterfully balances humor and seriousness, creating a work that both entertains and provokes thought about the complexities of love and friendship.