Imagine a world without new stories from one of our most cherished authors. That's the reality we're facing, as Julian Barnes, the celebrated writer behind The Sense of an Ending, has announced that his upcoming novel, Departure(s), will likely be his last. But here's where it gets controversial... Is it truly possible for a writer to know when they've said all they need to say?
Barnes, who is about to turn 80, has enjoyed a remarkable 45-year career, gifting us with 15 novels and 10 non-fiction works. He candidly shared his perspective with The Telegraph, explaining that while publishers might still be willing to print his books, he feels he's reached a point of completion. His rationale is simple, yet profound: he shouldn't write a book just because it can be published, but rather when he has something meaningful to add. He confessed that he feels he has reached that point. "You ought to go on until you’ve said everything you’ve got to say, and I’ve reached that point."
Now, don't worry, he's not completely abandoning the written word. Barnes, a lifelong journalist, plans to continue writing reviews and journalistic pieces. It's just the novel-writing chapter that seems to be closing.
Departure(s) is described as a fascinating blend of memoir, essay, and fiction. It delves into Barnes's role as an intermediary between two friends, Stephen and Jean, whose love affair takes an unexpected turn. And this is the part most people miss... The novel promises to weave together the key themes that have defined Barnes's oeuvre: memory, love, friendship, aging, and the inevitable presence of death. It sounds like a fitting culmination of a lifetime's exploration of the human condition.
Adding another layer of complexity to the story, Barnes revealed that he was diagnosed six years ago with a rare form of blood cancer, which he manages with daily chemotherapy pills. He describes his current state as a "score draw," acknowledging that while the illness remains stable, it inevitably weakens his overall health. But he seems to have accepted this reality with a stoic grace.
It's worth noting that Barnes has faced significant personal loss in the past. He was widowed at 62 when his wife, the literary agent Pat Kavanagh, passed away from a brain tumor in 2008. However, life has also brought him unexpected joy. Last August, he secretly remarried Rachel Cugnoni, a publisher he's known for nearly three decades and who has been his partner for the last eight years. A testament to finding love and companionship later in life.
Barnes's literary journey began in 1980 with Metroland, but his breakthrough came in 1984 with Flaubert’s Parrot, which earned him a Booker Prize nomination. He received two more nominations for England, England and Arthur & George, before finally winning the prestigious award in 2011 for The Sense of an Ending. He even dabbled in crime fiction under the pseudonym Dan Kavanagh.
Reflecting on his career, Barnes expressed immense gratitude. "I’ve led a lucky life. If you’d told me when I was 30 I’d write lots of books which a lot of people like to read, I’d have been staggered. So I’m very pleased about that.”
Finally, when asked about his fear of death, Barnes, a self-proclaimed atheist, offered a surprisingly nuanced perspective. "I used to be terrified of death, but after spending about 10 years with a body falling apart or not behaving well, I don’t feel resigned to it. But it’s obviously different when you die in your 80s from dying in your 40s or 50s. But losing your life when you’re just holding on … who can tell?” This sentiment raises a profound question: Does our perception of death change as we age and experience the physical challenges of life?
This announcement leaves us pondering: Is it truly the end of Julian Barnes's novel-writing journey? Or might he surprise us with another story down the line? What are your thoughts on authors retiring from their craft? Do you believe artists should create until their last breath, or is there value in knowing when to step away? Share your opinions in the comments below!
