Author Julian Barnes marries in secret ahead of his 80th birthday
Author Julian Barnes married in secret ahead of his 80th birthday while battling a rare form of blood cancer. The Booker Prize-winning novelist tied the knot with his former publisher Rachel Cugnoni, in front of just eight people at a register office in August last year. Mr Barnes said he never expected to 'start again' when his first wife, literary agent Pat Kavanagh, died from a brain tumour in 2008 - adding that she gave him her blessing to find love again. His romantic relationship with Ms Cugnoni began eight years ago, just a of couple years before his cancer diagnosis. The pair kept the news of their marriage a secret until recently, when they invited 100 friends and family to a party to celebrate Barnes's upcoming birthday. Speaking to his guests, Barnes reflected on a dinner he had hosted in 2011 to celebrate winning the Booker Prize for his novel The Sense of an Ending.At the time, Ms Cugnoni had said his celebratory speech was so fantastic she would like him to eventually make a speech at her wedding. Dropping the bombshell Barnes told the party guests: 'Well, I suppose this is it.' The Booker Prize-winning novelist tied the knot with his former publisher Rachel Cugnoni (pictured) in front of just eight people at a register office in August last year Mr Barnes said he never expected to 'start again' when his first wife, literary agent Pat Kavanagh, (pictured) died from a brain tumour in 2008He added: 'And then, when they realised what I meant, they all stood up and applauded. It was really moving.'The newly weds have known each other for 30 years as Ms Cugnoni was Mr Barnes's publisher at Vintage. Speaking to the Telegraph he said: 'It was a long time before I thought I might have another relationship.'knew that Pat would want me to meet someone else. Fortunately, she didn't tell me – she told other people, when she was ill.'Next week, his final novel Departure(s) will be published.He has had a fantastic literary career, publishing 15 novels, starting with Metroland in 1980.
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Author Julian Barnes marries in secret ahead of his 80th birthday as he battles cancer as he reveals late wife gave him blessing to find love again when she was dying from cancer
