Levels of Life

Levels of Life by Julian Barnes is an intricately woven narrative that masterfully intertwines the seemingly disparate worlds of love, loss, and human flight. Through a blend of historical exploration and personal memoir, Barnes presents a poignant meditation on the human condition.

In this extraordinary book, Barness takes readers on a journey starting with Nadar, a pioneering balloonist and one of the first aerial photographers, capturing the awe and wonder of early aviation. Then we delve into the life of Colonel Fred Burnaby, a larger-than-life British soldier known for his bravado, who becomes a reluctant admirer of the illustrious actress Sarah Bernhardt. Through these historical figures, Barnes sets the stage for the third and most personal segment of the book.

The final section confronts the raw intensity of Barnes's own grief following the loss of his beloved wife, Pat Kavanagh. It is portrayed with an unflinching honesty that cuts to the core, peeling back the layers of sorrow and celebration of their love. This part transforms Levels of Life into a deeply emotional and reflective piece, offering profound insights into the nature of healing and remembrance.

The narrative structure of the book is unconventional, seamlessly blending different genres to create a cohesive and moving story. Barnes's prose is marked by a clarity and precision that invites readers to ponder their own experiences of love and loss.

This book is not only a tribute to the resilience of the human spirit but also a testament to the transformative power of putting things together in new, unforeseen ways, and how such fusions can forever change our perception of life.

One of The Guardian's 100 Best Books of the 21st Century