The Sense of an Ending

The Sense of an ending is a Man Booker prize winning novel by Julian Barnes, that I read recently. Ending of ‘the sense of an ending’ did not make much sense to me, and I later realized from some other blogs that I was not alone. I am not a critique, not even a regular fiction reader. Here is my take on the ending. If you have not read the book till now, look away and go to the library.

Adrian was the most mature and intelligent member of Tony’s clique. Hyper-mature Adrian fell in love with a hyper-mature woman (Sarah) who had a husband, daughter (Veronica) and a son (I forgot the name). So here is the equation:

Man Booker Prize (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Adrian was in love with Sarah.
Tony was in love with Veronica.
Veronica was in love with Tony.
Tony was Adrian’s friend.
Tony introduced Veronica to Adrian.

At this point Sarah knows everyone, though everyone doesn’t know this. So Sarah gave some hints to Tony, that impressed him.

Sarah leaves her husband.
Sarah marries Adrian.
Veronica and Tony split up.
At this point Adrian is Veronica’s step-father.

Adrian writes a letter to Tony that he is in love with Veronica to show him her true worth and probably to instil jealousy, for which he receives a spiteful reply. Adrian basically wanted to bring them together again.

Adrian fathers a child (veronica’s brother) who happens to be downs and commits suicide.
Veronica doesn’t want to give Adrian’s diary that explains everything to Tony.
Veronica still wears the red glass ring that Tony gave her. (of course Tony doesn’t remember this!)

If you are in doubt, read the equation in the book again…

YOU STILL DON’T GET IT… DO YOU??

Related articles

• The Sense of an Ending, by Julian Barnes
• the sense of an ending by julian barnes
• The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt
• Julian Barnes says new Booker rules will hurt British writers