If I can't be sure of the actual events any more, I can at least be true to the impressions those facts left

If I can't be sure of the actual events any more, I can at least be true to the impressions those facts left

Julian Barnes is a master of blending fact and fiction in his writing, often blurring the lines between reality and imagination. In his works, he explores the idea that memory is fallible and that the truth of events can be subjective. This is evident in his novel "The Sense of an Ending," where the protagonist grapples with the unreliability of memory and the shifting nature of truth.

The quote "If I can't be sure of the actual events any more, I can at least be true to the impressions those facts left" encapsulates Barnes' approach to storytelling. He acknowledges that the events of the past may be hazy or distorted, but the emotions and impressions they evoke are real and enduring. In his writing, Barnes delves into the complexities of memory and how it shapes our understanding of the world.

Barnes' characters often struggle with the elusive nature of truth and the unreliability of memory. They grapple with the idea that their recollections may be flawed or incomplete, leading to a sense of uncertainty and ambiguity. This theme is central to many of Barnes' works, as he explores the ways in which our memories can shape our identities and perceptions of reality.