Buddy Reads: The Sense of an Ending by Julian Barnes

[George]

Please comment here on The Sense of an Ending by Julian Barnes.

[George]

I read this short novel 4 years ago. Rereading it and knowing the powerful ending does not detract from reading this beautifully written story. I am enjoying reading this novel even more than the first time. The sentences are very well constructed, giving the reader lots to think about. A highly recommended read.

I am appreciating Tony's reflections on his past, life in the 1960s, the brief sketch of his ordinary life, his marriage, his daughter, his life as a retiree, and what he remembers of his conversations with two school friends, Adrian and Veronica.

I am two thirds of the way through.

[Anne]

Really sorry. After starting the book last weekend and suggesting a side read I've been caught up with work and various family issues. Will start again tomorrow.

[George]

Good to hear from you Anne. I finished the novel and think it's a great read. Looking forward to your thoughts. Thanks for getting me to read this gem of a novel again. On my first read I had rated it 4 stars but it was such a good reread that I have changed my opinion and now rate it 5 stars.

[Carol]

I am joining you two in this read. I've just finished Part One. I'm enjoying the writing, & intrigued by expectations of a surprise ending.

[Carol]

Well, I am astonished.

[George]

Hi Carol. Your 5 star rating means you too enjoyed the novel.

What did you think of the novel. Remember no spoilers as Anne may not have finished reading the novel.

I loved the way he discusses memory. So true to life.

If you enjoyed The Sense of an Ending, another very short book, again about recalling the past is the brilliant, beautifully written, So Long, See You Tomorrow by William Maxwell, (1979), 135 pages. A must read. (5 stars for me!).

On Goodreads it rates 3.94 with 5,626 ratings. The Goodreads introduction states, "William Maxwell delivers a masterfully restrained and magically evocative meditation on the past." The novella won lots of prizes.

[Carol]

Yes, I really enjoyed it! I was kind of waiting to hear from Anne, because after finishing I just wanted to talk about the ending ; ) As you mentioned memory - and yes, I had the same reaction - I remembered how much I also appreciated his treatment of time and history.... I guess all 3 are bound up together.

I think this book would have spoken to me at 20 or 30 or 40 - there's so much - but not as fully as it speaks to me reading it now at 60. Perhaps that's overstating the obvious.

I'm going to put the title you mentioned on my to read list - thanks!

[George]

I think the main focus of the novel is memory and one's perceptions of the past. Tony, with acquiring facts about the past that he was unaware of, has had to re-think the past and in doing so, remembers things he had forgotten about and has changed his views on people's past behaviours. There is so many facts we do not find out about. For example, what was in the diary? How did the relationship Adrian have, start? Would Adrian's relationship have happened if Tony did not write the nasty letter? Veronica's behaviour becomes more understandable once the truth is revealed.

Carol and Anne, there is some excellent discussion on this novel in the 'Past Reads' thread.

[Carol]

Oh, thanks! Didn't think of that.