Barbarian Days is a surfing memoir by William Finnegan. The book tells the story of Finnegan’s lifelong passion for surfing and his adventures in some of the world’s most treacherous waves. Along with recounting his own experiences, Finnegan offers insights into the history and culture of surfing, and highlights the challenges faced by surfers today as they seeks to preserve this unique sport.
For who is this book for ?
If you’re a fan of surfing, or just looking for an interesting and inspiring read, then Barbarian Days is definitely the book for you. With its blend of personal memoir and historical insights, it offers something unique for both surfers and non-surfers alike.
Pros :
- The author writes about his experiences with great detail and makes the reader feel as if they are right there alongside him.
- The book provides a unique look at the history and culture of surfing, something that is not often covered in other surf memoirs.
- Finnegan highlights the challenges faced by surfers today, which helps to show why this sport is so important to many people.
Cons :
- The author goes on too many tangents that don’t really have anything to do with the book.
- The author is often quite self-indulgent and doesn’t always make for interesting reading.
- Some of the technical language about surfing can be a bit dense for non-surfers.
Learn more about the author
William Finnegan is a staff writer for The New Yorker and the recipient of numerous awards, including a Pulitzer Prize. He has been surfing since he was a teenager and has traveled the world in search of the perfect wave.
Reader Reviews
“The finest surfing writing I’ve ever read, bar none.”
“An exquisite piece of writing.”
“This is a beautiful, lyrical book about one man’s lifelong passion for surfing-and the waves that have tested, and sometimes broken, him. It is also an insightful look at the culture of surfing and its long history.”
“Finnegan is an elegant writer and Barbarian Days is a pleasure to read. It’s full of interesting stories about people, places, waves and boards… Anyone interested in surfing – or in just wanting to escape into a good book for awhile – will enjoy this one.”
