The Sense of an Ending, by Julian Barnes, is a short book; a novella (my copy is only 150 pages long), but a healthy bundle of reality is included in the small package. The book slowly pieces together a mysterious tragedy; it is skillfully written, and highly readable. The narrator — Anthony (Tony) Webster — struck me as willfully dense, yet I empathized with his character weaknesses.

As old-age and death approach, Tony struggles with elusive memories in an attempt to make sense of his life: “History is that certainty produced where the imperfections of memory meet the inadequacies of documentation.” (p. 17 & 59)

The book ended on a resonant, minor key; and, although not necessary, I think a re-read might provide additional insights.

Recommended

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