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naomi_hyde's review against another edition
4.0
I love Ian McEwan's style of writing, and so I was not disappointed when I read The Innocent. McEwan is a genius at creating suspense within the book and the plot has been cleverly crafted to generate moments of surprise at completely unexpected places within the novel. The only thing I did not really like about the novel was the complex plot - I am ignorant to the background history of the time period which this book is set in, so at times I did not fully understand what the characters were talking about. However, the main storyline was a typical McEwan plot - odd, quirky and compelling.
I really liked this book because it follows the protagonist as he journies from innocence to corruption and the story is brilliantly told.
I really liked this book because it follows the protagonist as he journies from innocence to corruption and the story is brilliantly told.
syren96's review against another edition
3.0
This was the first Ian McEwan book that I really struggled to get into. The last 50 or so pages were more like previous books of his that I've read, and brought the rating up for me.
damc's review against another edition
2.0
a bit of a roller-coaster love story (with not entirely believable peaks and troughs) set amid the backdrop of post ww2 berlin. i can't decide if the gruesome dismemberment scene was powerful or gratuitous.
ergative_'s review against another edition
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
ioannaprapa's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
anshupa's review against another edition
2.0
What an odd story to have come across, I went ahead expecting it to be a spy mission or spy thriller but it got mixed up with a murder mystery and the things took bizzare turn with gruesome and graphic details.
Rather odd and eerily bizzare narrative for me! You can skip this one for sure.
Rather odd and eerily bizzare narrative for me! You can skip this one for sure.
go_jan's review against another edition
3.0
I was really enjoying this until it was spoilt for me towards the end with gratuitous goriness.
councillor's review against another edition
3.0
I had to read "The Innocent" for school, which made it quite annoying to struggle my way through this novel. I never really related to the protagonist or the love story, and the mystery part was badly-executed, in my opinion. In addition, there was a lot of political and military talk about the post-WWII situation in Berlin which might have been shortened. Nevertheless, "The Innocent" was an engaging read with some interesting parts; sometimes implausible, but on the whole satisfying. I'm definitely prepared to read other novels by Ian McEwan later on.