Elizabeth Finch Author:Julian Barnes Julian Barnes's novel of unrequited platonic love takes aim at the singular character of the exacting Elizabeth Finch. When Neil, adrift in his thirties, takes her adult education class on Culture and Civilization, he becomes deeply fascinated by this private, withholding yet commanding woman. While other personal relationships and even his chil... more »dren fall away from him, Neil hangs tight to Finch and her unorthodox application of history and philosophy to the practical matters of daily living. As much as he wants to please her intellectually, he wants to figure her out. Both are impossible.« less