The Sense of an Ending by Julian Barnes (163 pages)

Winning the 2011 Man Booker Prize
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The Sense of an Ending by Julian Barnes (163 pages)

“The Sense of an Ending ” Is An Intense and Moving Novel

The Sense of an Ending is an intense and moving novel that follows the life of Tony Webster. It is not safe to assume that every Man Booker Prize winner will be to your taste. I have tried a few in the past that didn’t work for me, and I struggled to get beyond the first few chapters. However, that is not the case with this book. Tony is a middle-aged man faced with his past and forced to revisit his actions, reflect on their consequences, and contemplate his position in the world. His formative years’ center around three male friends–that is, until he discovered the female sex, and the dynamic between the group changed forever. 

Divorced and with a child of his own, Tony receives a solicitor’s letter advising that he has been left the sum of £500 along with two documents from a person who, at first, he could not recall. Thinking that his past was behind him, Tony embarks on a difficult and somewhat painful journey. Our memory is not always perfect and can throw up many surprises, as Tony was about to find out.

 

Full Of Emotion and Gripping

Beautifully written and full of emotion, it is a gripping novel that totally absorbs you and only releases you when you read the final line and close the cover. If you’re like me, it may still grip you even then and you will have no choice but to pick it back up again immediately and start from page one.  

Having never heard of Julian Barnes until coming across The Sense of an Ending in the book exchange at my local gym, I am blown away by his incredible talent and expert ability to deliver such descriptive and provocative work. I was gripped from the very first page and completed the book in under 24 hours with just one short break. 

The Bottom Line: 5/5 Brookie Stars

I couldn’t put this book down and nor did I want to. I can honestly say that I have never had such a strong reaction to a book and cannot wait to get ahold of more of his work. I am only sad that I did not come across Julian Barnes earlier as he is truly a literary genius. 

Is there a book that’s stuck with you long after you finished it? Then it’s probably a great option for book club! If you’re not already a Host, sign up here to create your BooknBrunch event and start planning.

Jacqui Hodges

With 30 years of general management experience in the global insurance industry and having lived in 4 countries, Jacqui now spends her time between London and New York where she continues to pursue her passion for writing, food, books and travel.

A Reiki practitioner, yogi and huge animal advocate, her home isn’t complete without a furbaby or three. In addition to being a BooknBrunch contributor, she writes for  industry publications.

Favourite book: To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee.
Favourite brunch dish: avocado toast with tomato and chilli

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