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cosmic_nova_'s review against another edition
dark
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
jamesyoungman's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
jayseewhy's review against another edition
4.0
The story of two old friends in the aftermath of their former lover’s death.
I loved the exploration of unscrupulous decisions. The setting was fun (upper echelons of London society, hiking in the Lakes District etc.).
I loved the exploration of unscrupulous decisions. The setting was fun (upper echelons of London society, hiking in the Lakes District etc.).
ruby4sure's review against another edition
4.0
Short and sweet and very McEwan - once piece the hints together you can see the plot twists a mile off but the pacing means that it rapidly descends into chaos as soon as you do
erinalbion's review against another edition
2.0
I'm not sure how to rate this. It had moments of brilliance, but overall it left me with a bad taste in my mouth.
aidenalex's review against another edition
4.0
Let's be honest: the ending could've been a hell of a lot more satisfying.
But, for me, there's just no denying the utter readability, deliciousness of prose, and moral ambivalence that characterises this novel.
At the end of the day, Amsterdam is a satire and a character study, with its viewfinder firmly set on two brilliantly drawn caricatures of British pomposity and self-important hypocrisy.
So I feel I can forgive the story's somewhat outlandish end note.
But, for me, there's just no denying the utter readability, deliciousness of prose, and moral ambivalence that characterises this novel.
At the end of the day, Amsterdam is a satire and a character study, with its viewfinder firmly set on two brilliantly drawn caricatures of British pomposity and self-important hypocrisy.
So I feel I can forgive the story's somewhat outlandish end note.
sidharthvardhan's review against another edition
3.0
Amsterdam is a poor story greatly told.
Some of the passages are greatly written, if good writing is your thing and you may go on to discount for an average plot for that, Amsterdam is the book for you.
My six Man Booker winner and its the only time I rated one below five stars. It is a small book but given the story it should had been smaller. The best part is McEwan's description of psychology of the two friends. Author's description of music as well as issues faced by newspaper are well worked. It is the plot which fails on me. The climax too fails to impress.
Some of the passages are greatly written, if good writing is your thing and you may go on to discount for an average plot for that, Amsterdam is the book for you.
My six Man Booker winner and its the only time I rated one below five stars. It is a small book but given the story it should had been smaller. The best part is McEwan's description of psychology of the two friends. Author's description of music as well as issues faced by newspaper are well worked. It is the plot which fails on me. The climax too fails to impress.
stamouliswill's review against another edition
dark
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
McEwan's writing always strikes the perfect balance for me between austere and engrossing, walking a thin tightrope that keeps me engaged in each of the books that I've read by him. He is a writer who loves to track the downfall of his characters in an almost tragic and entirely self-inflicted way. The way in which he wraps up this story of fragile egos and misguided glory is one that I'm confident will stick with me long beyond putting it back up on the bookshelf.
minusfigures's review against another edition
5.0
A question of morality, sanity and self importance.