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3.34 AVERAGE
3.34 AVERAGE
2 stars - Book club read - accomplished writing, as you'd expect from McEwan but a tedious plot populated by vapid, unlikable characters. This is billed as a spy novel, which goes some way to explaining my disappointment. The MI5 link is a plot device in what is ultimately a love story and a navel-gazing commentary on literature and how it sheds light on its authors. As one of the characters says, looking back on his writings regarding the events of the novel "it simply wasn't interesting".
The smug cleverness of the ending of this book only diminished my overall enjoyment of it very slightly. I really enjoyed reading this.
I had high hopes but was sorely disappointed by Sweet Tooth - or more precisely Serena's character and her actions. This character is an insult to women. What kept me going was reading about the cold war and and the "guest" appearances by real life writers. I despised Serena more than I despised Briony but Atonement was a far more superior read.
When reading all the reviews below, one thing will become clear: whether you liked or hated this book, having to choose between the journey and the destination; all (mostly) agree, the journey is typical well-written McEwan excellence. It is the destination that haters seem to protest. I can understand why, but for me, it is never the destination, it is all the sights and fun along the way.
I loved the spy aspect, the moral dilemmas of the main character, the almost Film Noiresque scenes at certain points.
However, don't expect Tom Clancy or such-like high-paced spy-thriller high jinks, this is subtle but gripping. Well-written and well-executed is my opinion.
I loved the spy aspect, the moral dilemmas of the main character, the almost Film Noiresque scenes at certain points.
Spoiler
Spy vs Spy vs Spy.However, don't expect Tom Clancy or such-like high-paced spy-thriller high jinks, this is subtle but gripping. Well-written and well-executed is my opinion.
Enjoyable in that McEwan way - clever, well-written, sad ending. Left me wanting to reread, I think a closer reading would give me more satisfaction... so many questions at the end!
Not his best one, and I was probably not that into the mood to read such a "slow" novel. The stories within the story were more captivating for me. But, this is still an Ian McEwan novel and his writing is excellent. I just wish it was a bit more.
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
What worked for me in this book is the narrative. The story, the concept is simple and unexaggerated, I would have liked a bit more clarity about certain aspects by the end. But I really loved the writing style. It draws you in and engages you. And I like that in the book. Many a times, I had to put the book down as I was still digesting what I had just read. The concepts, the ideas, the facts; just brilliant. I have only read one other book by McEwan (Atonement) and after this book, I want to read more.
Read for Pop Sugar challenge 'An espionage thriller'.
Actually love reading Ian McEwan, never disappoints!
Actually love reading Ian McEwan, never disappoints!
McEwan never disappoints me and this novel was no exception. Though a spy book seemed out of McEwan's wheelhouse, this turned out to be a love story and a story of deceit, stories he is well-experienced in writing for us. I loved the surprise turn at the end and the way the novel ends in a question. I definitely recommend this book.