Renowned author Julian Barnes, a Booker Prize laureate, has announced that his latest novel, 'Departure(s)', will be his final literary work. Barnes, reflecting on his illustrious career spanning over four decades, expressed a sense of completion, stating, 'I've played all my tunes.'
In an interview with the Telegraph, Barnes, who celebrates his 80th birthday this week, shared his thoughts on the longevity of his writing career. He humorously noted, 'One way of thinking about how long you go on is, 'As long as they'll still publish you.' But that can be misleading. I shouldn't write a book just because it would be published. You ought to go on until you've said everything you've got to say, and I've reached that point.'
'Departure(s)' is a unique blend of memoir, essay, and fiction, focusing on the complex relationship between two friends, Stephen and Jean, who became lovers but eventually separated. The novel explores themes that resonate with Barnes's previous works, including memory, love, friendship, aging, and death. Barnes's personal experiences, such as his battle with a rare type of blood cancer and the recent remarriage to Rachel Cugnoni, a publisher he's known for almost three decades, add depth to his storytelling.
Despite his decision to retire from novel writing, Barnes plans to continue his journalistic endeavors, drawing from his lifelong experience as a journalist. He expressed satisfaction with his career, stating, '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.'
When asked about his views on death, Barnes, an atheist, revealed a shift in perspective. He said, '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?'
