Barry Lyndon (1844)

This satire of manners is narrated by the eponymous 'hero', though only he gives himself that epithet. Barry Lyndon is possibly the most unreliable narrator in English literature, and there is a great deal of entertainment to be had in contrasting his version of characters and events with the truth that peeps out through the pages. It is good fun to be shown aspects of eighteenth century high society with all its hypocrisy and foibles in the company of a (largely) lovable scoundrel, though his relentless boasting does occasionally become tedious. I learned a lot about fashionable society and its dirty linen, laughed a lot at Lyndon's cock-eyed self-image (as delusive as Don Quixote's), and even felt a tinge of sadness at his demise, however deserved. ( )

I'm listening to an audio dramatisation. Irish adventurer Barry Lydon is drawn in to the Seven Years War. ( )

Le avventure raccontate dal cattivone, che inizia svantaggiato e non si vive come cattivone, anche se racconta tutto quello che ha fatto. Ben scritto, interessante il quadro dell'epoca. Non sono riuscita a apprezzarlo davvero. Ma non si danno voti a Thackeray.

Three Reasons to read The Memoirs of Barry Lyndon, Esq.
1. Thackeray is a fine writer and it is a fine tale - a bit better than Vanity Fair, I think. Thackeray's non-fiction writing is even better yet.
2. Compare Kubrick's adaptation in the film Barry Lyndon. He departs from the story in several respects but is true to the story in general. A remarkable adaptation.
3. Reflect upon the life of Ryan O'Neal and its unfortunate correspondences to the life of Barry, after whom he named his son, Redmond. ( )

http://www.lonelymountain.net/books/jan05.html#thackeraybl ( )