Let's make this birthday one to remember.

80 years old (Born on January 19, 1946)

Happy Birthday, Julian Barnes! Another year older, yet not so close to any sense of an ending—we're still waiting for your latest twist. It seems you're becoming quite the expert at mastering that literary charm—endlessly teasing readers’ thoughts with novels like "The Sense of an Ending" and delighting us all the while.

From chasing Flaubert’s elusive parrot to unraveling captivating journeys in "Arthur & George," you've made countless readers ponder life's mysteries and chuckle at the curious absurdities you've freshly illuminated. May you continue crafting witty narratives and collecting those shiny Booker nominations—because let's face it, bookshelves deserve more Barnes!