Waiting for the Barbarians
by J.M. Coetzee
Waiting for the Barbarians by J.M. Coetzee holds a well received rating of 3.94 out of 5, based on 14.8K reader ratings. First published in 1980. The book spans 152 pages.
About Waiting for the Barbarians
For decades the Magistrate has been a loyal servant of the Empire, running the affairs of a tiny frontier settlement and ignoring the impending war with the barbarians. When interrogation experts arrive, however, he witnesses the Empire's cruel and unjust treatment of prisoners of war. Jolted into sympathy for their victims, he commits a quixotic act of rebellion that brands him an enemy of the state.J. M. Coetzee's prize-winning novel is a startling allegory of the war between oppressor and oppressed. The Magistrate is not simply a man living through a crisis of conscience in an obscure place in remote times; his situation is that of all men living in unbearable complicity with regimes that ignore justice and decency.
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Author | J.M. Coetzee |
| Published | 1980 |
| Pages | 152 |
| Genres | Fiction, Classics, Historical Fiction |
| Average Rating | 3.94 / 5.00 |
| Total Ratings | 14,830 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What genre is Waiting for the Barbarians?
Waiting for the Barbarians is categorized as Fiction, Classics, Historical Fiction. Its primary genre classification is Historical Fiction.
Is Waiting for the Barbarians worth reading?
Based on 14.8K reader ratings, Waiting for the Barbarians has an average score of 3.94 out of 5.00, which is considered "Well Received."
How many pages is Waiting for the Barbarians?
Waiting for the Barbarians has 152 pages. It is a relatively quick read.
Who wrote Waiting for the Barbarians?
Waiting for the Barbarians was written by J.M. Coetzee. It was first published in 1980.
What is the ISBN for Waiting for the Barbarians?
The ISBN-13 for Waiting for the Barbarians is 9780140283360.0.
Data sourced from community book ratings and reviews. Last updated: April 15, 2026
