Julian Barnes «masked» as Dan Kavanagh: a game of detective (based on the novel «Duffy»)

The article attempts to «rehabilitate» the novel of the well known English writer Julian Barnes, written by him «masked» as Dan Kavanagh and unfairly neglected not only by Russian but also by the majority of foreign experts in literature. Parodying the tradition of detective fiction in its various styles, Barnes satirically depicts all the residents of Soho: mafia, policemen, journalists and ordinary citizens, - in attempt not only to understand the psychology of the criminal mind, but also to show different variants of man's interrelation with society. The game nature of the novel's poetics is manifested in the system of reflections, photographs and allusions, behind which Barnes's character, whichever mask he may wear, endeavors to seek for the truth and remain a human.