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sweetsxrrxw's review against another edition
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
i had to read this book for class and if i had to summarize it in one word it would probably be: ugh. that's exactly what i felt every time i had to read a new chapter. not only they're extremely long but it felt like the author was constantly mainsplaining, oh my god. it just felt like he was constantly like "hey look at me i know a lot about geography, laws, music... anything you want to know!"
i guess the only pro i can see in the book is the portrayal of the legal world, i think that can be interesting. but everything else? ugh again. since i first picked up the book i kept thinking "please don't let this turn into pedophilia"surprise! it did, wtf then there's the lack of communication in fiona's marriage and just the author pretending she was better, more free and more intelligent for not having a religion? uhm, yeah, fuck him. even if you're an atheist, acting like people who have a faith are dumb and blinded by it is an awful thing to do.
so yeah, although the court drama was interesting, this author really needs to realize his mainsplaining won't take him anywhere.
i guess the only pro i can see in the book is the portrayal of the legal world, i think that can be interesting. but everything else? ugh again. since i first picked up the book i kept thinking "please don't let this turn into pedophilia"
so yeah, although the court drama was interesting, this author really needs to realize his mainsplaining won't take him anywhere.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Terminal illness, Suicide, and Cancer
Moderate: Child death, Medical content, and Adult/minor relationship
Minor: Infidelity, Eating disorder, Blood, and Stalking
uhm_kai's review
dark
emotional
sad
tense
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
4.25
surprisingly enjoyed this, makes me feel melancholy
Content Warnings
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Infidelity, Medical content, Suicide, Alcoholism, Cancer, Eating disorder, Child abuse, and Death
shelby1994's review against another edition
challenging
informative
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
As someone who has little interested in having children of my own, but who is deeply invested in the children of my friends and family and, I found this book timely and thought-provoking.
McEwan follows Fiona, a beleaguered and dedicated High-Court judge who is challenged with determining the fate of a 17 year old boy, who's community faith prevents him from receiving a life-saving blood transfusion. The withering of the boy's health parallels the rot in the judge's own marriage, where her husband has abruptly announced that he needs to have one last lusty affair before his old age renders him inept and undesirable.
McEwan is unrivaled depicting English practicality, especially in his women. Turning tropes on their head, his male characters are typically the ones creating annoyances and disasters by giving in wholeheartedly to emotions, biases, and perceived slights. This story adds the complicating element of spirituality in teenagers, especially when that spirituality can border on naive martyrdom if left unchecked by reality.
I'm slowly working my way towards being an Ian McEwan completist (I read Atonement and On Chesil Beach last year), and while not my favorite of his so far, I'm happy to be able to have this on my shelf to pick up again in the future.
Read If:
- you're conflicted about having kids
- you're a lawyer, partners with a lawyer, have a friend who won't shut up about being a lawyer, or want to go to law school
- you think people should leave some room for grey area in their marriage vows.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death
Minor: Eating disorder
hkantarek's review against another edition
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
The greatest issue this book faced way trying to convey passage of time and a large change in Fiona's relationship with Jack within the limited number of pages. The short length did not prevent the book from capturing Fiona's character believable or from making me invested within these people's lives. The integration of legal proceedings was fascinating and discussions ageing will stick with me.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer
Moderate: Suicide
Minor: Alcoholism, Domestic abuse, and Eating disorder
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