The Sense of an Ending by Julian Barnes | Book Review

[janetenby]

It is indeed a haunting novel. It had quite an impact on me! Some elements of the narrative were very close to home. It was thought-provoking and painfully true in parts. I'd recommend it most definitely. Unlike so many modern novels, it wasn't drawn out into a door-stop!

[frederickkesin]

My thoughts? Masterful writing, powerful use of language, thought provoking quotes on adolescence, grief, memory, relationships, and the passage of time. And a mind-blowing mystery at the heart of it all.
So much to love in such a tiny book. I know I'll be re-reading this one more than once.



"History is that certainty produced at the point where the imperfections of memory meet the inadequacies of documentation."

[LifeisGoodLiveFully]

I just finished this and it took me forever to get through as kept stopping to think and reflect on what I had just read! Definitely the type of book one needs to read more than once. Great video and review!

[lasaves]

You should really record an audiobook, your voice is so nice to listen to :)

[trainghiemsanpham]

The book touched me on many personal levels and I want to do justice to it. I do enjoy the author's writing style, the thoughts behind it and the prose. I might check out this author other books. This is one of those books that remind you why you read literature. Thanks

[stairsonjupiter]

i love that phrase: a book hangover :)

[magiccat]

Thanks. Who is the father of Adrian Jr? Why the seeming significance of Veronica's mother cooking eggs, the horizontal wave to him, the legacy of £500 and the diary? Is Tony deluding himself about the fatherhood of Adrian Jr??

[markhourihan]

You might have ended it with, "and after a few weeks you will want to read it again" I had just finished listening to it on Audible and needed opinions. Speaking as a 65 year old man, I was brought to tears, both by the lyrical beauty of the language and, in the final minutes, the realisation that aging is ultimately humiliating, there are no do-overs. Live your best life Claire, and thanks 🥲

[TheVCRTimeMachine]

I just stayed up past midnight to finish it. Great book!

[cb]

Well done, Claire. One of my favorite books

[saly]

It’s 4 am now I just finished this book and wow its amazing

[bharathirajarajamani]

Happy to hear the award winning book review with your voice 💙💙

[長谷川緑-bn]

How many books do you usually read a month ??

[ali-cia-]

oooh I'm gonna pick this one up, it sounds really intriguing.

[markcarey]

It's not a whodunit. I think a lot of people here miss that point. Who Adrian jnr's father is doesn't matter. That's what Barnes is saying . What's 'the true story' anywhere or for anyone? There are misrecordings, patchy memories, reconstructed memories, lies, omissions. That's the point. Postmodernism.
Bit if you still want the 'truth' then the barman in the north London pub was the father. That's why Adrian behaved differently there. And the thing about the hand-made chips? The Grand Metaphor of the whole book. Don't ask too many questions, mind your business, things are never quite what they seem.
OK. Just.kidding. Great book. Thanks for the review.

[stephenconlon]

I find novels about straight relationships rather oppressive