Key facts
- British novelist Julian Barnes has announced he will retire from writing fiction.
- Barnes will receive the 2026 Princess of Asturias Award for Literature on October 23, 2026.
- The 80-year-old author stated his latest novel, 'Despedidas', will be his final work of fiction.
- He has had a career spanning over 45 years, including work as a lexicographer, columnist, and critic.
- Barnes previously won the Booker Prize for 'The Sense of an Ending' in 2011.
British novelist Julian Barnes has announced his retirement from fiction writing, coinciding with his receipt of the 2026 Princess of Asturias Award for Literature. Barnes, who turns 80 this year, stated at a recent event in Barcelona that his latest novel, 'Despedidas', will be his final work in the genre, concluding a literary career of over 45 years.
Barnes will become the second British recipient of the prestigious award on October 23, 2026, following Doris Lessing in 2001. His career began after graduating from Oxford University, with early work as a lexicographer, columnist, and critic before dedicating himself fully to literature. He has also received France’s Ordre des Arts et des Lettres and the E.M. Forster Award.
Barnes gained significant recognition with his third novel, 'Flaubert's Parrot' (1986), which was shortlisted for the Booker Prize. His distinctive style blends fiction and essay, a characteristic that set him apart from his contemporaries. He eventually won the Booker Prize 25 years later for 'The Sense of an Ending'.
During his visit to Barcelona on May 16, Barnes also discussed his diagnosis of "manageable" blood cancer. The Princess of Asturias Awards include a Joan Miró sculpture, a diploma, a badge, and a €50,000 cash prize. This year's other announced winners include Patti Smith for Arts, Studio Ghibli for Communication and Humanities, and Timothy Garton Ash for Social Sciences.