A writer’s farewell

Julian Barnes’ first novel Metroland was published in 1980, and I read it soon after it was published. I’ve read perhaps as many as ten of his other books and been particularly impressed by his writings on death and dying. My relationship with Barnes (or rather his books) has lasted more than 40 years, and now he says goodbye to me and his many other readers in what he says is his final book Departure(s). His farewell I found the most affecting part of his readable but unsatisfactory final book. He tells me and all his other readers: “I hope you’ve enjoyed our relationship over the years. I certainly have. Your presence has delighted me – indeed, I would be nothing without you.” You can, of course, be singular or plural, and I read it as singular. I have never met Barnes in person and haven’t wanted to, but I have certainly enjoyed our relationship. He will recognise that I have been far from faithful and had such a relationship with many others, men and women, dead and alive. Indeed,…