British writer Julian Barnes and his novel about a man forced to come face-to-face with his past is the winner of the Booker Prize — one of the most prestigious awards for English-language literature.

Head judge and former British spy agency chief Stella Rimington calls Barnes' The Sense of an Ending a beautifully written book that speaks to 21st century humankind.

The novel is the story about a man in 60s who looks back on his life after he unexpectedly gets a letter in the mail.

Barnes was nominated for the Booker Prize four times before finally winning. He says he is relieved as much as he is delighted.

The Booker Prize is awarded each year to an outstanding writer from Britain, Ireland and 54 former British colonies.