The Noise of Time

For the first time in Russian, a new novel by an outstanding contemporary English writer and Booker Prize laureate is being published. This author is known for his mastery in working with various literary forms and a refined style of writing. The book titled «Exodus(es)» is released simultaneously in several countries in January 2026, timed to the writer’s 80th birthday—whom The Independent called «the best and most delicate among our literary heavyweights». Barnes claims it is his final work, and it is a truthful story, even if with certain conventions.

The novel tells about a man, Stephen, and a woman, Jean, who fall in love first in youth and then again in adulthood. It also describes the story of a Jack Russell terrier named Jimmie, who doesn’t understand whether he is young or old—and doesn’t even realize he is a dog. This narrative explores our relationship with memory, both in everyday life and in a deeper, more reflective sense. It asks whether there is something more to a person than the sum of their memories.

Barnes masterfully conveys the fragility of memory, especially when it comes to key events in our lives and our relationships with close people—making his works unique (in NewsChain’s view).