Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.34 AVERAGE
3.34 AVERAGE
Fabulous twist at the end! Overall though, not as mind blowing as some of Ian's other novels - enjoyable read!
Even with the twist at the end it was incredibly slow.
Gave up on this one. I just don't get it. There are so many references to social, political, and governmental things British that I often can't tell what they are talking about. And I read a lot of British, espionage, thriller books. The main character is rather a twit as well. After reading almost half the book, the narrator states that the story is just starting. Life is too short; this one goes on my "gave-up-on-shelf!"
Abandoned on page 111 (of 301). I liked it okay, and the writing it good, but it just wasn't engaging. I feel bad for leaving it behind, but life's too short.
challenging
dark
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Lit within lit, MI5, female protagonist, best sentences I've seen in a spy novel.
main character could have been an interesting female protagonist
instead was completely defined by her sexuality, completely ignoring anything except how she is defined by men. Like, to a point where I was just rolling my eyes.
McEwan described her as wanting to lick Solzhenitsyn's feet.
Decent plot I guess, but what an absolute potter of a main character.
As for the metafictional elements, if you want to write 2/3 of shit book and pretend it's all a trick, well good work, you tricked me into reading your shitty writing.
instead was completely defined by her sexuality, completely ignoring anything except how she is defined by men. Like, to a point where I was just rolling my eyes.
McEwan described her as wanting to lick Solzhenitsyn's feet.
Decent plot I guess, but what an absolute potter of a main character.
As for the metafictional elements, if you want to write 2/3 of shit book and pretend it's all a trick, well good work, you tricked me into reading your shitty writing.
An interesting story, but a bit underwhelming if you base your expectations on the glowing critics' reviews. The best and most unexpected part doesn't happen until the last few pages. The female protagonist is a huge plus.
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The last chapter saved this book from being one star. The main character was totally flat, but at least there was a reason. It was like McEwan had been reading a bunch of Graham Greene or Le Carre, but he could not come up with a good idea for a spy thriller, so we got this. If you want to read McEwan, go with Atonement.