30 pages • 1 hour read
The Sense of an Ending
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Book Brief
163
Novel • Fiction
England • 1960s
2011
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Sense of an Ending by Julian Barnes follows Tony Webster, a retired man reflecting on his past relationships with his ex-girlfriend, Veronica Ford, and his enigmatic friend, Adrian Finn, after receiving a mysterious bequest. Tony's quest to understand the inheritance and its implications leads him to confront the reliability of his memories, revealing complex truths and altering his perception of the past. The book contains references to suicide and sexual abuse.
Contemplative
Melancholic
Bittersweet
Mysterious
Nostalgic
Reviews & Readership
196,050 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Reviews of Julian Barnes's The Sense of an Ending commend its concise and thought-provoking exploration of memory and regret. Critics appreciate its insightful prose and compelling narrative. However, some find the plot slow and the characters underdeveloped. Overall, it garners praise for its deep thematic elements but may not captivate all readers.
Who Should Read The Sense of an Ending?
A reader who enjoys contemplative, character-driven narratives and themes of memory, regret, and the passage of time will appreciate The Sense of an Ending by Julian Barnes. Ideal for fans of Ian McEwan's Atonement or Kazuo Ishiguro's The Remains of the Day, this book offers deep introspection and thought-provoking prose.
196,050 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Veronica Ford
Veronica Ford
Tony's enigmatic ex-girlfriend, known for her independence and assertiveness, who serves as a catalyst for Tony's exploration of the past.
Adrian Finn
Adrian Finn
Tony's intellectually curious school friend, whose legacy and diary play a crucial role in Tony's reassessment of his memories.
Sarah Ford
Sarah Ford
Veronica's pragmatic mother who influences the narrative by leaving Adrian's diary to Tony, prompting his deeper introspection.
Jack Ford
Jack Ford
Veronica's brother, whose initially snobby demeanor towards Tony reflects societal class tensions, later appearing more approachable.
163
Novel • Fiction
England • 1960s
2011
Adult
18+ years
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