The Only Story (2018) by Julian Barnes follows the life of Paul Roberts, a man who reflects on his passionate, tumultuous love affair with Susan Macleod, a much older woman, that began when he was nineteen. Set in 1960s Surrey, England, their relationship begins when Paul, an undergraduate, becomes infatuated with Susan, a married woman with a troubled past. As the affair evolves, Susan's alcoholism deepens, leading to her decline into dementia, which Paul struggles to manage. The novel explores themes of first love, loss, and self-deception, offering a poignant look at a generation's disillusionment. Through Paul’s narrative, the story examines how love, memory, and regret shape one's life.
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