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badmom's review against another edition
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.75
Interesting narrative conceit (an unborn child aware of his mother & uncle’s murder plot) but beyond that and some occasional inspired bits of prose, it is overwrought (punch-in-the-face Hamlet & Macbeth references) and borderline ridiculous (this child’s awareness/understanding of a world he has literally never seen) in the unwinding. And the digs at transgender & nonbinary people were unnecessary + ugly.
I’ve enjoyed McEwan before, so this foray was extra disappointing.
I’ve enjoyed McEwan before, so this foray was extra disappointing.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcohol, Infidelity, Murder, and Sexual content
Minor: Emotional abuse, Rape, Toxic relationship, and Transphobia
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