Julian Barnes Settles Score with Final Novel, Departures(s), as He Confronts Mortality
In a poignant reflection on his literary legacy and personal life, Booker Prize-winning author Julian Barnes has confirmed that his forthcoming novel, Departures(s), will be his last book. The 80-year-old writer, who turns another milestone birthday this Monday, has stated that he feels he has played all the notes in his creative repertoire and is ready to conclude his literary journey.
Barnes' decision comes at a time when he's grappling with mortality, having been diagnosed with a rare blood cancer six years ago. While managing his illness through daily chemotherapy, Barnes has acknowledged that his health has contributed to a "weakening of the organism." Despite this, he remains resolute in his determination to continue writing.
The new novel, which blends elements of memoir, essay, and fiction, is centered around his role as go-between for two anonymized friends who become lovers but eventually part ways. This narrative thread weaves together many of Barnes' recurring themes, including memory, love, friendship, aging, and death – all familiar territory in the author's oeuvre.
In a candid conversation with The Telegraph, Barnes touched on his life experiences, revealing that he has led a "lucky" life, far surpassing even his wildest expectations. He credits his long-term partnership with Rachel Cugnoni, whom he secretly remarried last August, as a source of comfort and strength.
While Barnes' avowed atheism may have tempered his fear of death in recent years, he acknowledges that mortality remains an inevitable reality – one that can take different forms depending on the individual. As he looks back on his life's work, Barnes expresses gratitude for the literary success that has allowed him to share his thoughts and stories with readers over the past 45 years.
With Departures(s) marking his final foray into fiction, Barnes is poised to shift gears towards other creative pursuits. Having maintained a lifelong passion for journalism, he intends to continue writing reviews and engage in other literary endeavors. As he embarks on this new chapter, Barnes' commitment to his art remains unwavering, even as he confronts the impermanence that underlies all creative expression.
In a poignant reflection on his literary legacy and personal life, Booker Prize-winning author Julian Barnes has confirmed that his forthcoming novel, Departures(s), will be his last book. The 80-year-old writer, who turns another milestone birthday this Monday, has stated that he feels he has played all the notes in his creative repertoire and is ready to conclude his literary journey.
Barnes' decision comes at a time when he's grappling with mortality, having been diagnosed with a rare blood cancer six years ago. While managing his illness through daily chemotherapy, Barnes has acknowledged that his health has contributed to a "weakening of the organism." Despite this, he remains resolute in his determination to continue writing.
The new novel, which blends elements of memoir, essay, and fiction, is centered around his role as go-between for two anonymized friends who become lovers but eventually part ways. This narrative thread weaves together many of Barnes' recurring themes, including memory, love, friendship, aging, and death – all familiar territory in the author's oeuvre.
In a candid conversation with The Telegraph, Barnes touched on his life experiences, revealing that he has led a "lucky" life, far surpassing even his wildest expectations. He credits his long-term partnership with Rachel Cugnoni, whom he secretly remarried last August, as a source of comfort and strength.
While Barnes' avowed atheism may have tempered his fear of death in recent years, he acknowledges that mortality remains an inevitable reality – one that can take different forms depending on the individual. As he looks back on his life's work, Barnes expresses gratitude for the literary success that has allowed him to share his thoughts and stories with readers over the past 45 years.
With Departures(s) marking his final foray into fiction, Barnes is poised to shift gears towards other creative pursuits. Having maintained a lifelong passion for journalism, he intends to continue writing reviews and engage in other literary endeavors. As he embarks on this new chapter, Barnes' commitment to his art remains unwavering, even as he confronts the impermanence that underlies all creative expression.
He's been dealing with cancer and yet still finds the strength to write a final novel... that's just incredible 
I mean, we've all been there at some point or another where we're faced with mortality and it's like, "What's next?" But for someone as talented as Barnes, it's like he's saying goodbye in a way that feels both bittersweet and satisfying 
. And his book, Departures(s), sounds like it's gonna be a real reflection on life... love, friendship, aging... all the things we're still figuring out at our own ages 
. I'm excited to dive into it when it comes out.
Like, for real? I need some context here. What's the story behind Departures(s)? Is it a bunch of ramblings about mortality and love or is there something specific he's trying to say with this book?
. And don't even get me started on the coincidence of his diagnosis with blood cancer just as he's finishing up this book. What are the chances? 
It's like he's trying to leave us a puzzle to solve, but I think we already know the answer: it's all about leaving behind a legacy, and making sure we remember him when he's gone 
. And have you seen the date he revealed this news? His 80th birthday is just around the corner... what if it's more than that? 
just heard about Julian Barnes' last novel Departures(s)!!! i'm literally sobbing rn 
he's been such a huge influence on my writing style and it's mind-blowing to think this will be his final book 
what if our fave author has been sending us messages through his work all along? like, what if the themes of mortality & aging in his novels were actually about him preparing for his own 'Departures(s)'?? 
. I love how he's being open about his health struggles and mortality, though – it takes courage to confront those things head-on 
. And it's great that he's still got a passion for journalism and wants to keep creating in other ways – I'm excited to see what he'll be working on next! 
. He's not afraid of death, but he is grateful for the chance to share his stories with us over 45 years 
. I'm gonna miss him as an author, but I know he'll stay creative and keep writing in new ways 
. It's like he's saying, 'I may be done with fiction, but my words will always live on' 
!
.
. Will it be through words, music, art... or something else entirely? Either way, I think we can all learn a thing or two from Julian Barnes about living life fully and sharing our stories with the world 