Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Sense of an Ending


This is not a long book, I read it in two settings - although really I spent more time with it but do not recommend trying to read it at the end of the day.  You want to be wide awake for this one.  I liked the beginning setup of friendships made at school, and it was clear this would frame the book.  Having just returned from a weekend reunion with my dearest college friends this struck a chord with me.

I just love and treasure writers who know how to write!  The story was interesting but the writing was amazing.  Julian Barnes sets a mood that is impossible to avoid - even if you wanted to, which I didn't.  It was enigmatic and melancholy - intelligent and plain spoken - the perspective is from Tony Webster, the main character, and he tries to be honest and truthful with his life, even when it's difficult to look back and remember what actually must have happened.

A lot has been written about the ending, and I had to reread it myself to make sure I understood.  In any case, I am so glad I spent time with this book.

No comments:

Post a Comment