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![Saturday by Ian McEwan 4th (fourth) Edition [Paperback(2006)] by Ian McEwan](https://assets.thestorygraph.com/assets/placeholder-cover-a3ae92250eb3301e32dc3eabf8d50576c2f047dda89f6ee7cfa9a859cb1fd746.jpg)
3.48 AVERAGE
3.48 AVERAGE
Keeping the high McEwan niveau the book deals with the usual setting: the seemingly peaceful and harmonious life of the protagonist is threatened to be shattered in the blink of an eye by a chance encounter and its violent consequences. The actual narrative covers one day, but whole personalities and complete life stories enfold in front of our eyes in McEwan's observant and analytic, but simultaneously poetic tale of aging. The descriptions of political debates over the necessity of war create the all-too familiar picture of the anxieties of our age while the detailed insights into the neurosurgical procedures provide a possible escape and symbolize a certainty to hold on to in such times of turmoil. Beautifully and intelligently written (again), deserrving read.
Reading this book, I felt attuned to Perowne's struggle to reconcile his normal "privileged" life with political affairs threatening to invade this personal sphere. McEwan does a great job chronicling how events (political, social or otherwise) hover over our private, "structured" lives in a way that is simultaneously threatening and distant.
I did not want to like or care about this rich, privileged POV character and his pretentious family, but McEwan runs right at that predictable reaction to good effect. Not entirely sure how I feel about the Iraq War angle, certainly it makes the story feel dated, but then, that's kind of the point.
While I was reading this, I described the plot to my husband. And while I was doing so, I thought, This is a preposterous story, a potboiler! It is a great credit to McEwan that he has turned a completely unbelievable story into a tightly paced, beautifully written and insightful novel. Remarkable.
The deep thinking of the main character could be at turns be relatable or rambling from my perspective. I did find myself distilling some worthwhile thoughts from it. But there was an element of anticipated danger in the plot that I do not enjoy, which forces me to read too quickly to see how things turn out.
I took this book on as a challenge - a woman at work bet that no one could get through the entire thing. So I had pretty low expectations going in. And I do understand why she couldn't get through it. McEwan is extremely detailed in his writing and not a whole lot will happen in the course of the story. But what does happen is meant to be deeply meaningful and thought-provoking.
So although it took me awhile to get into the story, in the end I did enjoy it. Seemingly meaningless instances throughout the story come together in the end in an interesting way. Not life-changing by any means and I don't see myself going back and reading it again, but I'm glad I did read it.
If you can appreciate McEwan's style then I think it is a book worth reading.
So although it took me awhile to get into the story, in the end I did enjoy it. Seemingly meaningless instances throughout the story come together in the end in an interesting way. Not life-changing by any means and I don't see myself going back and reading it again, but I'm glad I did read it.
If you can appreciate McEwan's style then I think it is a book worth reading.
A London neurosurgeon wakes unexpectedly in the very early hours of a wintery Saturday morning. He witnesses an event out his bedroom window that will influence his entire day. This day will be long, and it will change his life in a profound way.
Ian McEwan is one of the finest writers of his generation. Lyrical, crafted, nuanced, his writing captures plot and the inner life of his characters. At the end of Saturday, I wanted McKewan to continue with Sunday. Comparisons to Ulysses are very appropriate.
Ian McEwan is one of the finest writers of his generation. Lyrical, crafted, nuanced, his writing captures plot and the inner life of his characters. At the end of Saturday, I wanted McKewan to continue with Sunday. Comparisons to Ulysses are very appropriate.
This book is a Saturday in the life of a neurosurgeon. Being such a short window of time, allows the narrator to get very detailed about his thoughts and actions. It is therefore a very slow-moving book, very deep and dense at times. There are only a few flashbacks to help locate the story, but most of the narration is on the present time. If you're patient enough, it can be a very rewarding book. It moved me and made me think.
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No