Julian Barnes Announces ‘Departure(s)’ as His Final Book: NPR

Booker Prize-winning author Julian Barnes, who celebrated his 80th birthday on January 19, has been quite active recently. Reflecting on his experiences and the impact of life events, he is set to release his final book, entitled Departure(s), just a day after this milestone. This work, which blends elements of memoir and fiction, touches on his battle with cancer, the death of his wife, and his thoughts on mortality.

Health and Life Reflections

In 2017, Barnes received a diagnosis of a rare form of blood cancer. Instead of succumbing to fear, he approached the situation with curiosity, referring to it as his “novelist’s interest.” He finds discussions with medical professionals intriguing, despite the discomfort of frequent blood tests.

Living on chemotherapy, Barnes does not show signs of bitterness regarding aging or his physical decline. He reflects on the human condition, suggesting that increased lifespans lead to a breakdown of the body and rising medical expenses.

About Departure(s)

Departure(s) delves into Barnes’ cancer journey and contemplations on death. He describes the book as part memoir, part fiction, and considers it a companion piece to his earlier work, Levels of Life, which focused on the bereavement he experienced after the loss of his wife, Pat Kavanagh, in 2008. Kavanagh’s passing from a rare brain tumor profoundly affected Barnes, and he hopes to explore these themes further in his latest offering.

Public and Personal Life

Recently remarried in August, Barnes continues to find joy despite the serious themes he addresses in his writing. He looks forward to his upcoming birthday celebration and the publication of Departure(s), which he considers to be his last work.

Insights from Recent Interviews

In interviews, Barnes discussed his preference for “hybrid” literature, which combines autobiographical elements with fiction and other genres. He acknowledges that this approach may confuse publishers but finds it satisfying as a writer.

He also shared insights on death, advocating for the daily contemplation of mortality to demystify it. Referencing 17th-century philosopher Montaigne, he expressed a belief that thinking about death can facilitate a more graceful acceptance of it.

On Personal Loss and Memory

• Barnes described the devastation of losing his wife, who passed away just 37 days after receiving her terminal diagnosis.
• He revealed that he grapples with suicidal thoughts but ultimately chooses to live in honor of the memories he shared with her.
• His reflections on memory reveal a deeper understanding of how it changes and shifts over time.

Throughout his career, Julian Barnes has utilized his unique perspective to explore themes of life, death, and personal experience. As he embarks on this new chapter with Departure(s), his legacy as a significant literary figure remains assured.