Waiting for the Barbarians

Interesting Facts

• The book explores themes of colonialism, power, and morality through the lens of the relationship between the Empire and the barbarians.
• The protagonist, the Magistrate, symbolizes moral struggle and internal conflict, trying to maintain his humanity amidst cruelty and injustice.
• The work is inspired by Michel Foucault's essays on discipline and punishment, as well as the writings of Franz Kafka.
• The title of the book refers to the poem «Waiting for the Barbarians» by Constantine Cavafy, which also explores the theme of fear of the unknown.
• The book was adapted into a film of the same name in 2019, starring Mark Rylance, Johnny Depp, and Robert Pattinson.