Reviews tagging 'Sexual content'

Nutshell by Ian McEwan

5 reviews

cassie7e's review against another edition

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dark funny reflective slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated

3.5

What a strange, interesting POV! Another book with blunt poetical prose, words chosen for their aptness rather than prettiness. A book for people who like experimental novels, and perhaps murderous characters, without so much regard for plot or neatly tied endings. It's about the perspective, not what actually happens.

Perhaps to be avoided if pregnancy is a sensitive topic for you, as it is the foundation of the story and alcohol is copiously consumed throughout the book. Also LOTS of sex in gross detail.

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amycam's review

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challenging funny reflective slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0


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dexkit10's review against another edition

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dark mysterious reflective slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.75


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badmom's review against another edition

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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.

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ladysanctuary's review against another edition

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challenging slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

1.5

A perfectly passable murder plot and a unique point of view character are about all this book has going for it. I found McEwan's constant polemics interminable and dull. Graphic sex scenes added to the challenge. At least it's short!

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