From Clarín · Redacción Clarín · · 1m 20s
Julian Barnes Wins 2026 Asturias Literary Prize
80-year-old British writer Julian Barnes wins Asturias Literary Prize with final novel.
In brief
80-year-old British writer Julian Barnes wins Asturias Literary Prize with final novel. Julian Barnes, 80, receives 2026 Asturias Literary Prize for final novel 'Despedidas' after 45 years of writing. Originally reported by Clarín.
Barnes wins Asturias Literary Prize
80-year-old British writer Julian Barnes receives 2026 Asturias Literary Prize with final novel Despedidas after 45 years of writing.
“Sigo pensando que la literatura es la que cuenta la verdad humana, la del corazón y el espíritu”
Prize described as posmodernista
The award was described as 'posmodernista' and 'one of the greatest revelations of English literature in recent decades' by the Asturias Foundation.
Socorro Suárez Lafuente proposed name
Retired University of Oviedo professor Socorro Suárez Lafuente proposed Barnes for the award.
Barnes' writing origins
Barnes, born in Leicester in 1946, became a writer due to his shyness and love of literature.
Early writing influences
At 15, Barnes preferred Dostoevsky over military exercises, reading Crime and Punishment during lunch.
Barnes' literary career
Barnes published 15 novels since 1980, winning the Somerset Maugham Prize in 1980 and the Booker Prize in 2011.
Final novel announcement
Barnes announced 'Despedidas' as his final novel after 45 years of writing, stating he has 'touched all the notes he can play'.
Barnes' views on Brexit and Sally Rooney
Barnes called Brexit a 'economic, political and moral disaster' and supported Sally Rooney, who cannot publish in the UK due to her pro-palestine activism.
At a glance
Julian Barnes, 80, receives 2026 Asturias Literary Prize for final novel 'Despedidas' after 45 years of writing.
