Michael Frayn and Julian Barnes, two giants of British literature, have announced their retirement from writing. Frayn, aged 92, told Radio 4, “Sadly it’s over. Writing has been my life.” Barnes, on his 80th birthday, declared his novel Departure(s) would be his last, saying, “I’ve played all my tunes.” Both have cited health issues, but the decision is more existential than physical.
Retirement is rare for writers. As Frayn quipped 20 years ago, “Nobody comes in and gives you a clock.” Yet, the clock has caught up. Frayn’s career includes plays like Noises Off and Copenhagen, novels such as Skios, and memoirs. Barnes, winner of the 2011 Booker Prize for The Sense of an Ending, leaves a legacy of acclaimed works.
Other writers have made similar announcements. Philip Roth declared he was “done” in 2012, while Stephen King first quit in 2002. Maeve Binchy retired at 60 but wrote six more novels after readers objected. Lee Child handed his Jack Reacher series to his brother to retire peacefully. Yet, many continue: Annie Ernaux, Anne Tyler, and Margaret Atwood write into their 80s.
Frayn’s career began 66 years ago, reporting on a press conference by Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev. His 1967 novel Towards the End of the Morning captures the Fleet Street tradition of “banging out” – colleagues banging desks as a journalist leaves for the last time. Frayn won’t get a clock, but he deserves a thunderous send-off.
