Barry England (1932–2009)

No Man's Land - Barry England ***

Barry England only ever had two novels published during his lifetime, the first being ‘Figures in a Landscape’ and some 27 years later ‘No Man’s Land’. His first novel narrowly missed out on the booker prize so I am unsure why he left it so long between novels.

What is it about?

It follows John Savage, a mercenary that lives with a band of survivors on the outskirts of civilisation. There has been a cataclysmic event that has devastated the country, man must live by his wits and treat all strangers as potential enemies, including the army. Unwillingly leading his motley crew he must choose the safest path possible while keeping the death count low.

What did I like?

The basic story is one of redemption, the finding of a spark of humanity in a world that appears devoid of goodwill. Barry manages to capture the desolation experienced by the characters really well and the action when it comes wouldn’t be amiss in a James Bond Novel.

What didn’t I like?

For me the novel fell down because I felt that Barry was never really sure of the type of book he wished to write. The language used was far too unconventional for your typical action book, and at times slowed up the pace of the story when all you really wanted to do was rattle through to the next scene. It was almost as if he was trying to make up for his first novel not winning the booker prize by placing as many obscure words as he knew and hoping someone would recognise this as having literary merit. The word ‘said’ after practically every speech became a little annoying, as did the at times confusing plot.

Would I recommend?

Oddly enough, I suppose I would, although not as an introduction to the author (seems strange to say that with only two novels), but as a follow up to his earlier book. It would be a shame if you enjoyed Figures in a Landscape to not read his entire collection.… (més)

Figures in a Landscape - Barry England *****

I have always been a fan of the action and adventure novel, in particular the type of book where prisoners escape and are tracked whilst fleeing across a difficult terrain. So when having a browse in a second hand book store I came across Figures in a Landscape I decided it was worth a shot. Interestingly Barry England has only ever written two novels, this and No Man’s Land which was published 27 years later.

What is it about?

As far as storylines go, you can’t get much simpler than this. Two prisoners of war (Ansell and MacConnachie) escape from a forced march into the surrounding countryside. Made to keep moving through a desolate and unforgiving terrain they meet danger at every turn. Constantly being tracked and assaulted by air and land troops they are unable to rest or obtain refuge. Each passing hour sees them become more and more fatigued and sooner or later they must either stand and fight or surrender. Mistakes begin to happen as small cracks appear in their strength and logic. As much a tale of friendship and trust we follow the duo through each painstaking footstep where either ones mistake could spell the ultimate disaster.

What did I like?

England is a writer that isn’t afraid to pull any punches and when the action arrives it is fast and extremely graphic with no words wasted, and yet these passages are intermixed with brilliant descriptions of the surrounding lands. There is no background information and we are never made aware of the reasons for the conflict or nationalities of those involved, for me this keeps the reader focussed on the here and now and you really do feel as if you are part of the escaped duo. I found myself willing them on to survive against the ever increasing odds of capture, and struggled to put the book to one side. It really makes you stop and think if your own survival instinct could ever be as strong

What didn’t I like?

The only real thing that I found annoying (and this is a small whinge) was that it was quite difficult to judge the distances that were travelled throughout the novel. Occasionally it seemed a little inconceivable that they were overlooked or not apprehended and maybe if a map was included showing the areas described it would have added to the reading experience.

Would I recommend?

For anyone that enjoys these type of stories then yes, my only regret is that England really doesn’t have much of a back catalogue, if he had I am sure I would have ordered the lot and be working my way through it. It was also nominated for the booker prize, shame it wasn’t successful, it may have catapulted the author into the limelight and fuelled his creativity.… (més)

"Figures in a Landscape", by Barry England, is a great book you won't want to put down. An appropriate title for England's story about two POWs that escape captivity. This is the story of their escape over a grueling 11-day period as they are relentlessly pursued, their main nemesis being an astute helicoper pilot that anticipates their every thought and movement. England creates a vivid landscape in our minds as he describes the tactics and maneuvers of the POWs and their pursuers over a harsh terrain. Two lone figures' courage and struggle to overcome insurmountable odds.… (més)