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Departure(s)

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Departure(s)

By: Julian Barnes
Narrated by: Julian Barnes
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About this listen

Departure(s) is a work of fiction – but that doesn't mean it's not true.

It is the story of a man called Stephen and a woman called Jean, who fall in love when they are young and again when they are old. It is the story of an elderly Jack Russell called Jimmy, enviably oblivious to his own mortality. It is also the story of how the body fails us, whether through age, illness, accident or intent. And it is the story of how experiences fade into anecdotes, and then into memory. Does it matter if what we remember really happened? Or does it just matter that it mattered enough to be remembered? It begins at the end of life – but it doesn't end there. Ultimately, it's about the only things that ever really mattered: how we find happiness in this life, and when it is time to say goodbye.

©2026 Julian Barnes (P)2026 Bolinda Publishing Family Life Genre Fiction Literary Fiction
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Thought provoking for all who are trying to grapple with aging and death. Always love his detailed narration and this book is no different.

The sense of an ending

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Thoughtful, observational storytelling and the author’s easy conversational delivery draws the listener right into the room.

A great listen/read

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This is a beautiful book . So eloquent , funny , thoughtful and at times very sad . The reality of ageing as one somehow and surprisingly finds themselves doing and reflecting on how things change not only physically but emotionally with memories perhaps changed it is a story that not everyone gets to tell . Im a big fan of Julian Barnes and this is a gem . Really hope that he and Jimmy live long enough to make another story .

The last book I really hope not

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More accessible than other of his novels I’ve read. And no less engrossing and enjoyable.

Simple yet profound.

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In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.