Book - 51, The Sense of an Ending

The Sense of an Ending (2011)

by

Julian Barnes

Book Read: 18-19 January 2016

Note Written: 28 January 2016

'The Sense of an Ending' begins with certain questions on memory, history, time, etc through the experiences and memories of an adolescent boy. The bonds that he had with boys of his age whom he considered his close friends, the addition of one more person to his close circle, the classroom experiences all felt so personal, was a bit nostalgic for me. 

The book has a seemingly honest portrayal of young love life - normal (not fairy-tale like), with so many doubts and apprehensions. There is a big jump of the protagonist's life, spanning decades, which happens within a few lines. Tony Webster, now aged, through his story (what he reveals to us or remembers from the past), is on a quest, an investigation to find out who he was during his youth, when an incident sparks something in him. What he finds out about himself and about the people who used to be close to him forms the novel.

Through this story we find that memory is selective, depends on and differs from person to person. Our perceptions are determined by our understandings and perspectives of the time and built according to whatever that makes us feel good about ourselves. Nobody wants to believe that he/she is a bad person. Later reflections, the return of memories, and reminders from other people make us see another side of things, and sometimes we are in for a bit of shock. 

'The Sense of an Ending' is a neatly crafted personal mystery. It gave me a lot to think and reflect upon.

Than you, Minu Sara Paul, for gifting me this book.