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belindareads's review
dark
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
watermelleon's review
3.0
this read very beautifully. Its pretty much what you would expect to come from McEwan, and was a nice short read. It's the first libretto I've ever read, so I can't confidently comment on how well it was written in terms of that but I had no complaints as a casual reader. As it was short it did lack a little bit of depth and possibly suffered a bit in terms of originality, but for anyone who enjoys McEwan it's a lovely one to flick through.
mikifoo's review
4.0
Never one to miss an opportunity to try and shock, horrify and even disgust readers, this short gem doesn't disappoint.
As Antonia prepares for surgery, she feels her demise fast approaching. She conveys her fears to her doctor, Simon. Simon attempts to assuage her fears:
Simon: ...nothing to fear, and when you wake...
Antonia: If I wake. What did the poet write of death?
The anaesthetic from which none comes round.
Simon: Best not to think of Larking at such times. (McEwan, 11)
Antonia, although in love with Simon, knows she is married to man who continues to cheat on her and refuses to leave her because he wants to possess her. Her husband even admits that Antonia belongs to him.
This libretto highlights how men and women can miscommunicate and misunderstand one another. It also highlights the tension among European immigrants moving to England and gaining employment there. It's a good read, and I recommend it. That being said, although I've always loved Ian McEwan's dark and disturbing plots, almost all of his published work incorporates the darker side of characters to the point that it's not shocking anymore. I will continue to read McEwan, but I'm going to take a break from his work.
Note: This was only a 4-star read for me because I think it would have been better to see this performed live.
[Physical, borrowed from a friend]
As Antonia prepares for surgery, she feels her demise fast approaching. She conveys her fears to her doctor, Simon. Simon attempts to assuage her fears:
Simon: ...nothing to fear, and when you wake...
Antonia: If I wake. What did the poet write of death?
The anaesthetic from which none comes round.
Simon: Best not to think of Larking at such times. (McEwan, 11)
Antonia, although in love with Simon, knows she is married to man who continues to cheat on her and refuses to leave her because he wants to possess her. Her husband even admits that Antonia belongs to him.
This libretto highlights how men and women can miscommunicate and misunderstand one another. It also highlights the tension among European immigrants moving to England and gaining employment there. It's a good read, and I recommend it. That being said, although I've always loved Ian McEwan's dark and disturbing plots, almost all of his published work incorporates the darker side of characters to the point that it's not shocking anymore. I will continue to read McEwan, but I'm going to take a break from his work.
Note: This was only a 4-star read for me because I think it would have been better to see this performed live.
[Physical, borrowed from a friend]
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