The Man in the Red Coat

The Man in the Red Coat by Julian Barnes is a masterful exploration of Belle Époque Paris through the life of Samuel Pozzi, a remarkable figure whose story intertwines with some of the most fascinating aspects of the era. Barnes invites readers on a journey through the decadence and splendour of late 19th-century France, focusing on Pozzi, a pioneering surgeon, society doctor, and a man of vast intellect and complex personal life.

Set against the backdrop of Paris during its most flamboyant and tumultuous period, the narrative begins in the summer of 1885. Three Frenchmen make their way to London on a shopping trip: an aristocratic Prince, a fashionable Count, and at the centre, the commoner Samuel Pozzi. Pozzi, known for his progressive views and innovations in gynaecology, had already gained fame and notoriety, heightened by his depiction in one of John Singer Sargent’s most famous portraits.

Pozzi’s life unfolds amidst a vibrant but often morally ambiguous society. The Belle Époque, a time often remembered for its artistic and cultural achievements, also had a darker side filled with hysteria, narcissism, and violence. Barnes skilfully draws parallels between Pozzi’s era and our own, highlighting ongoing societal dilemmas and human behaviours.

As readers delve into The Man in the Red Coat, they encounter a series of vivid historical figures, their lives and scandals exquisitely portrayed, thereby constructing a comprehensive tapestry of the times. The narrative embraces the dualities of glamour and decadence, science and superstition, order and chaos, presenting them through Barnes’ characteristically sharp wit and eloquent prose.

In addition to the rich historical narrative, Barnes’ work is deeply researched, offering insights into both the grand characters and the lesser-known details that shaped them. With a narrative that is both highly entertaining and intellectually stimulating, this book promises to engage and delight.

SHORTLISTED FOR THE COSTA BOOK AWARDS 2020

As praised by the Evening Standard, this book is “a bravura performance, highly entertaining”. Julian Barnes, the Booker Prize-winning author of The Sense of an Ending, brings his unique voice and insightful perspective to this mesmerising examination of an extraordinary period and an extraordinary man.

SHORTLISTED FOR THE DUFF COOPER PRIZE 2019