The Sense of Ending by Julian Barnes - Fiction

Julian Barnes in writing the novel entitled The Sense of an Ending portrays the realities of retirement. The main character, Tony Webster encounters his childhood friends--one of whom is no longer alive and the other has become ever present in his, now middle-aged life.  

It begins with a legacy left behind in a will that obliges him to meet up with his divorced wife and childhood friend.  This creates a new beginning which entails interacting with his past and reviving old relationships that cause him to rethink his own being and his sense of place in the world.  

It is a fascinating read as it enables the reader to reflect on his/her own lifestyle and the possibilities for the type of middle-aged life one could encounter or prepare for.