Julian Barnes, The Sense of an Ending

I enjoyed this book more than anything else I've read in the last two or three years. The story spans 40 years in the life of an Englishman named Tony, who is also our narrator. Now living in retirement, he tells us much about himself. Then there is what others reveal about Tony, the shocking character he used to be when he was in his twenties. 

This book portrays first sexual experiences with great sensitivity and insight. It explores how our memories edit and even erase the complicated twists and turns of our lives. 

The Sense of an Ending has won many awards, including the Man Booker Prize in England.