Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Julian Barnes Bids Farewell to Fiction, Embraces New Love

1/18/2026

28 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Julian Barnes, the Booker prize-winning author, announced that Departure(s) will be his last, and he recently remarried.
At age 80, he reflects on a 45-year career and will continue journalism, though he has said all he needs.
Departure(s) explores memory, love, and aging through two friends who become lovers.
Barnes has managed a rare blood cancer for six years and notes a shift in his view of death.

1 of 1

Story summary

Julian Barnes, the Booker prize-winning author, announced that Departure(s) will be his last, and he recently remarried.
At age 80, he reflects on a 45-year career and will continue journalism, though he has said all he needs.
Departure(s) explores memory, love, and aging through two friends who become lovers.
Barnes has managed a rare blood cancer for six years and notes a shift in his view of death.