England, England
by Julian Barnes
Knopf

From veteran novelist Julian Barnes comes a work that lovingly mocks and mockingly loves his native land of England. Shortlisted for the Booker Prize in 1998, Barnes' latest novel England, England features a jigsaw puzzle motif. Highly appropriate, for Barnes' latest work is a bit of a puzzle itself.

Central to the book is entrepreneur and visionary Sir Jack Pitman. An egocentric mogul, Pitman seeks the "top dollar and long yen" and has finally found a project in which to do so. His brainchild: to replicate all historical and tourist spots of England in one location for the convenience of tourists. At the Isle of Wight, visitors can visit Big Ben, Princess Di's grace, Wembley Stadium, Stonehenge and the cliffs of Dover. They can also dine with Dr. Samuel Johnson and visit the hideout of Robin Hood and his Merry Men. The powerful Pitman even convinces the real King and Queen to live on the Island.

The project succeeds beyond Pitman's hope and becomes his "final symphony". That is, until his Appointed Cynic, Martha Cochrane, blackmails him after discovering Sir Jack's bizarre, baby-emulating sex fetish.

What follows is Martha's quest for truth and purpose in an imaginary world that's becoming increasing real and surreal – Robin Hood actually starts stealing from the rich and the actors playing smugglers actually begin to smuggle. This happens as the old England becomes the world's outcast and isolates itself, imposing trade embargoes against every nation and allowing no immigrants.

Barnes' text exudes social commentary and wit. The project itself could not be more amusing and humorous, and the project's outcome could not be more soulless and thought provoking.

The writing in England, England flows richly and offers readers many delightful gems. What it lacks however, is character development. Martha, a cynical, smart and savvy woman, has a great deal of promise that's never cashed in. Similarly, none of the characters will win readers' hearts and imagination. They are left dangling, unfulfilled, much like the country of old England.

England, England consists of three parts. The first two are brilliant, and full of wit and satire. The third does not fit with the original energy; it takes on the feeling of a lamenting elegy.

But overall, England, England will delight and fascinate readers. It has a wickedly good plot and a wickedly witty writer. In a strange combination of The Truman Show and 1984, Barnes' newest novel mystifies, entertains and alarms.

— Diane Grypp (gryppd@hotmail.com)