Sue's Review of "The Sense of an Ending" by Julian Barnes

When I was looking for a book to discuss at our next meeting (with Arthur and George by the same author on my mind as a possible option), Hannah suggested this book. It’s a short novel, and a good book club pick because it’s one of those provocative books that people tend either to love or hate. I put it on hold, and didn’t get it on time for our last meeting, but that’s not why I didn’t pick it. I just wasn’t sure I could pick a book that was apparently about “sex-hungry” young men without reading it first!

I finally picked it up this week and read it very quickly because it’s due today. I wasn’t surprised that I really enjoyed reading this book, because I remembered appreciating Julian Barnes’ writing style when I read Arthur and George more than five years ago. His sense of humour is apparent, and although I have never been an adolescent boy or an old man, I found that he described Tony’s life events in a way that rang true. I am not sure all the characters were equally credible – I’m thinking of Veronica, his first serious girlfriend, who is a main character in the book – but somehow it still worked, at least for me.

I don’t usually appreciate stories that focus excessively on sex or infidelity, or characters whose lives seem to revolve solely around these elements. Reflecting on this book, I think that it’s fair to say that Tony’s story does revolve around his obsession with sex (or the lack thereof!) and would be nothing without this element. I found, however, that his frequent thoughtful reflections on time and memory redeem this book and make it a worthwhile read. Early on in the book, in the final history lesson of the year, Tony’s teacher attempts to sum up centuries of history by asking his students to define history. Tony’s response is “History is the lies of the victors,” to which the teacher responds, “... as long as you remember that it is also the self-delusions of the defeated.” This comes up again in the book as the older Tony realizes the limitations of his own memories while grappling with his friend’s suicide, his frustrating relationship with Veronica, and his sometimes-meaningless life as a divorced older man.

If I had chosen this book, I am sure we would have had a great discussion about how the story evolved and ultimately ended, and about many other things too! Even though Arthur and George is quite a bit longer, and maybe less controversial, I hope you’ll appreciate Barnes’ writing and the story he tells. Here’s a quote from the back of the book that confirms what I remember about it: “A wonderful combination of playfulness, pathos and wisdom, Arthur and George is a powerful novel about the fateful differences between what we think we know and what we can prove.”

Arthur & George

Sue's pick for the August meeting:

The Day the Falls Stood Still

Rachel's pick (plus a Skype session with the author!)

The next book ...

Our next meeting has been moved to Tuesday, August 27... I realize that's a busy week for teachers, but it's not as busy as the following week when school starts! Anyway, we will be discussing "Arthur and George" by Julian Barnes. I'll post discussion questions and a reminder of the date in mid-August.

The Next Book...

Here is the book choice for the May 31 meeting:

Another Chimichanga Recipe

OVEN-FRIED CHICKEN CHIMICHANGAS

2/3 cup salsa

1 tsp cumin

½ tsp crushed oregano

1 ½ cups cooked chicken, diced

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

2 green onions, chopped with some tops (about ¼ cup)

6-8 medium tortillas

2 tbsp margarine, melted

Shredded cheddar cheese chopped green onions, salsa, for serving

Mix chicken, salsa, cumin, oregano, cheese, and onions.

Place about ¼ cup of the chicken mixture in the centre of each tortilla.

Fold opposite sides over filling; roll up from the bottom, and place seam-side down on a baking sheet.

Brush with melted margarine.

Bake at 400 F for 25 minutes or until golden.

Garnish with additional cheese and green onions, and serve salsa on the side.

Recipe--Finally!!

Ladies, here is the recipe for Chimichangas.  Sorry that it has taken me 4 months to post this!

CHIMICHANGAS

1-1   ½ lb ground beef

1 onion

2 or 3 cloves of garlic, crushed or minced

2 tsp chili powder

½ tsp cumin (I always use at least 1 tsp)

1 can refried beans

½ cup tomato sauce (reserve the rest of the can)

8 medium tortilla wraps

Butter or margarine

Sour cream

Shredded cheddar cheese

·         Fry the ground beef; drain fat.

·         Add onions and garlic; fry until onions are soft.

·         Add the rest of the ingredients; stir well, and heat thoroughly.

·         Spread a small amount of butter or margarine on one side of each tortilla.  (Another option is to spray them with cooking spray AFTER you have filled and rolled them.)

·         Place 1/3-1/2 cup of meat mixture in the middle of each tortilla. Tuck in each side and roll up neatly.

·         Bake at 350 F for 20-25 minutes. Tortillas will be crispy.

·         Heat remaining tomato sauce.  (Possible variation is to add hot sauce or a small can of green chili peppers to the tomato sauce, or to use salsa instead of the tomato sauce.)

·         Serve with tomato sauce, sour cream, and shredded cheese.