Is Waiting for the Barbarians based on a book?

Common questions

Is Waiting for the Barbarians based on a book?

Yes. Waiting for the Barbarians is based on the book Waiting for the Barbarians by J. M. Coetzee (1980).

Who wrote the book Waiting for the Barbarians is based on?

Waiting for the Barbarians was written by J. M. Coetzee and first published in 1980.

Should I read the book before watching?

If you like knowing the full story and characters first, read Waiting for the Barbarians before you watch. Adaptations often change or cut plotlines, so the book is a different experience even if you've seen the movie.