Geoffrey Braithwaite is a retired doctor haunted by an obsession with the great French literary genius, Gustave Flaubert. As Geoffrey investigates the mystery of the stuffed parrot Flaubert borrowed from the Museum of Rouen to help research one of his novels, we learn an enormous amount about the writer's work, family, lovers, thought processes, health and obsessions. But we also gradually come to learn some important and shocking details about Geoffrey himself.

Why You Should Read?

• Delves into the life and work of Gustave Flaubert, offering a unique literary investigation.
• Features a narrative structure that gradually reveals hidden details about the protagonist, Geoffrey Braithwaite.
• Examines the nature of obsession and the human desire to understand the past through literary artifacts.
• Provides a thought-provoking blend of fiction, biography, and literary analysis.

About the Author

Julian Barnes is an acclaimed English writer known for his insightful explorations of history, art, and the human condition. His work frequently blends fiction and literary criticism, offering a unique perspective on famous figures and complex themes. Barnes has received numerous accolades for his work, including the Man Booker Prize for *The Sense of an Ending*. His novels are celebrated for their intellectual depth and elegant prose.