The Sense of an Ending has been on my reading list for so long that I can’t remember, and unfortunately, I never wanted to read it. However, when I saw the movie trailer, I thought that I should watch it and I started the book. Julian Barnes is a much more wonderful author than I expected. I can say that I am looking forward to his novels.
The Sense of an Ending begins with Tony, now an older man, reminiscing of the past and examining his life. As he examines school life and his friends, we begin to learn more or less about Tony. However, when his ex-girlfriend Veronica’s mother dies and leaves him a diary, both the reader and Tony’s perspective on Tony begins to change. I have to say that I love Julian Barnes’ style. Although this book is concise, I felt like I had read a long novel when I finished it. I have to admit that I was pretty confused at the end of the book. However, after a short research, I realized that many readers were confused. If you feel confused after reading it, feel free to search online, there are fascinating theories out there. Enjoy!
The Sense of an Ending
Tony Webster and his clique first met Adrian Finn at school. Sex-hungry and book-hungry, they would navigate the girl-less sixth form together, trading in affectations, in-jokes, rumour and wit. Maybe Adrian was a little more serious than the others, certainly more intelligent, but they all swore to stay friends for life.
Now Tony is retired. He’s had a career and a single marriage, a calm divorce. He’s certainly never tried to hurt anybody. Memory, though, is imperfect. It can always throw up surprises, as a lawyer’s letter is about to prove.
Julian Barnes
Julian Patrick Barnes is an English writer. Barnes won the Man Booker Prize for his book The Sense of an Ending, and three of his earlier books had been shortlisted for the Booker Prize: Flaubert’s Parrot, England, England, and Arthur & George. He has also written crime fiction under the pseudonym Dan Kavanagh.
Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
