We gave ourselves a relatively easy read to enjoy over the Christmas break, with Sense of an Ending weighing in at 150 pages. I am hesitant to say only 150 pages, as I think the general consensus from last night was the book felt a nice length. We appreciate the fact Julian Barnes didn't feel compelled to make the book 250 pages with a good amount of waffle thrown in for the sake of it.
The book is essentially about someone in later life looking back over their life, the decisions they made, what they said and how that has had a knock on effect to bring them where they are. The book starts back at school and shows the comradeship between a group of adolescent males; full of hopes and dreams, with that feeling that somehow they already know the worth of life. Naturally a few tragic events are thrown in, leaving the protagonist looking back and realising he was more than a bystander in other peoples lives, he is somehow woven in.
I personally found the book more interesting towards the start than the end, that said I read the entire book over one evening and the next morning, so it was gripping enough to want to get through. I'm not sure it is going to be a life changer for me, however I would certainly recommend it to other people, especially those pushed for time who don't fancy taking on a 500+ page novel. All in all I would be happy to award this book 4 stars
"I liked the style of writing and found it easy to read" explained Jenny, "Like Steve, I enjoyed the beginning of the book more than the later parts. However, I found the overall tone of the book slightly depressing I'm afraid! I've not quite finished it (but will do!)" I would rate it 3 stars overall so far...
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