Story perspectives
Julian Barnes Bids Farewell to Fiction with 'Departure(s)'
1/14/2026
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Story summary
- Julian Barnes, a novelist known for blending fact and fiction, says Departure(s) will be his final novel as he nears his 80th birthday.
- Granta recognized Barnes in 1983 as one of its top young novelists.
- He will cease publishing but will continue writing journalism and advocate for writers' rights against AI.
- The title Departure(s) symbolizes life transitions, including his farewell to fiction.
- Barnes thanks readers.
