What is the author's style in Waiting for the Barbarians by J. M. Coetzee?

John Michael Coetze is one of the most acclaimed South African authors, who won the Booker Prize as well as the Nobel Price. He worked at first as a computer programmer after moving to South Africa from England. He studied linguistics at the University of Texas, and now teaches literature at the University of Cape in South Africa. Various perspectives used in this book involve also theoretical aspects with references to the post-colonial literary theory. Coetze changes his tone depending on the mood, action, and situation of the story.

The narration is constructed in the present tense without names of places, people, and time. These constraints provide context that allows for universalism. The story is told from the point of view of the narrator. The style used is deliberate, deep, and bare. It is deprived of details in some parts while using a great many details in other parts. The main character is isolated from the rest of the world, and hence he speaks in a way that involves analysis and reflection. The main narrative voice is thoughtful yet deliberate. Both images of what occurred as well feelings experienced are analyzed. The changing mood of the story, where a quiet life is intertwined with the horror of war intensify with anger mixed with empathy. The clarity of the tone reverberates throughout, engaging with its tone of raw simplicity, being at other times full of nuances.

The balanced yet reflective perspective is pervaded by questioning motives and events. Within the world of the magistrate, Colonel Joll, and the girl we can experience permanence, sentiment, and the simplicity of nature.