Julian Barnes has been named the winner of this year’s £50,000 Man Booker Prize for Fiction for The Sense of an Ending, published by Jonathan Cape.
London-based Barnes has been the bookies’ favourite to win since the shortlist announcement on 6 September. The source of the description of the prize as ‘posh bingo’, Barnes has been shortlisted three times in the past for Arthur and George (2005), England, England (1998) and _Flaubert’s Parrot _(1984).
Barnes’ first novel for six years, The Sense of an Ending went straight into the bestseller list on publication. It is the story of a seemingly ordinary man who, when revisiting his past in later life, discovers that the memories he holds are less than perfect. Laced with trademark precision, dexterity and insight, this is the work of one of the world’s most distinguished writers.
Dame Stella Rimington, Chair of the 2011 judges, commented: ‘Julian Barnes’ The Sense of an Ending has the markings of a classic of English Literature. It is exquisitely written, subtly plotted and reveals new depths with each reading.’
If your reading group is feeling inspired to read one of the Man Booker Prize 2011 titles, then check out the reading group guides that will help kick start your discussion on this year’s hotly debated list.
