Men In Blazers

Men in Blazers 05/31/18: Julian Barnes Pod Special

May 31, 2018
In this engaging conversation, Julian Barnes, a Man Booker Prize-winning author, dives into themes from his latest novel, The Only Story. He discusses the intricate relationship between love, memory, and suffering, revealing how our memories can be unreliable. Barnes also shares his passion for Leicester City, reflecting on the emotional highs and lows of fandom. He describes the miraculous title win and even recalls a humorous encounter with football manager Roy Hodgson, merging his literary insights with his love for the game.
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INSIGHT

Follow Your Nose In Choosing Subjects

  • Julian Barnes follows his curiosity rather than a master plan when choosing book subjects.
  • He changes themes to keep writing interesting and avoid repeating himself.
INSIGHT

Love And Memory Defy Our Control

  • Barnes argues we don't control how much we love and memory shapes our sense of control.
  • He writes increasingly about time and memory as he ages.
ANECDOTE

Chicken Story Shows Memory's Faults

  • Barnes recounts differing childhood memories with his brother about their grandfather killing chickens.
  • He uses this to illustrate how memories diverge and become vividly false.
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