Guardian Newspaper 1000 Novels discussion

In January we will be reading Waiting for the Barbarians by J.M. Coetzee for our State of the Nation category - who's in?

Yes, but not till the end of the month when I get back home.

I'm in - I started yesterday.

I'll be reading this too

I am in.

I’m in!

I'm hoping to join later in the month.

This is a beautifully written book. I’m only 45 pages in and I didn’t read anything about it before starting so was initially a bit confused by not being able to pinpoint a time and place for its setting. I now know that’s deliberate.

But it has a beautiful ambivalence and precision that reminds me of both Kafka, Calvino and Brookner.

I’m very intrigued as to what’s happening next.

I was enjoying it but find the fact that the racial dynamics haven't changed in the past 30+ years disturbing. I am about 2/3 through and find that I am dreading what will happen next - no complaints about the writing intended.

Leslie wrote: "I was enjoying it but find the fact that the racial dynamics haven't changed in the past 30+ years disturbing. I am about 2/3 through and find that I am dreading what will happen next - no complain..."

I have been having some difficulty picking this up again after my last post but I am determined to finish it before the end of the month!

Is anyone else currently reading this? Phil, how are you progressing?

I am reading this and am about halfway through. I find it disturbing yet compelling. I've read several of Coetzee's books before and they've been really good reads. I liked Disgrace very much and am getting the same kind of feeling from this book too. I will definitely finish it and it will probably be a 4 star read for me.

I just realized that I have been reading a completely different book - The Bonfire of the Vanities. I guess that I have been in more of a fog than I realized. Apologies all!

I will have to see if I can get a copy of the right book from the library.

I have found a copy of the right book but it will be several days before I can start it. I am so embarrassed by my inattention!

I’m reading this book and finding the prose compelling and the overall idea interesting. The subject matter is a little hard to take. I’m reading in small doses. Will finish it though.

Leslie wrote: "I just realized that I have been reading a completely different book - The Bonfire of the Vanities. ..."

I haven't read Waiting for the Barbarians yet, but from what I know about it, I couldn't quite understand your first statement about the racial dynamics. Now it's a little clearer.

LOL - yes, I bet it is Bryan! I am still embarrassed by making such an error.

I finished reading this book and while it was quite dark it also made me think about all the questions/issues raised in the book. I really liked it and gave it 5 stars.

I’m finding this is taking a long time to get through. I can’t read it for long periods, maybe 15 - 20 pages at a time. I’m enjoying it, especially the style, but it’s needing time to settle in my brain for some reason.