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3.86 AVERAGE
3.86 AVERAGE
This is like a high 3/low 4. I did eventually enjoy it but what a slog the book was, and there wasn't really a plot, rather stuff that just happens - which I get, but sometimes the stuff was just boring.
This is my second McEwan and I want to say he is a good storyteller by writing books so long that if you're one of the people who stick with them, EVENTUALLY you will end up being familiar enough with the characters to be invested in their lives. But apart from that, there were some real moments of decent writing (without giving too much away, the scene with the ashes is both hilarious and heartbreaking, but of course you have to commit to over half of the book to get there).
But if the book was supposed to tell me about how world events shaped day to day events... I dunno. It didn't really feel like it did that any more than any other book, less than a lot of books even. I feel like Roland let a lot of water roll off his back except the water was acid and he was still fine.
So, to sum, it was good. Long but good.
This is my second McEwan and I want to say he is a good storyteller by writing books so long that if you're one of the people who stick with them, EVENTUALLY you will end up being familiar enough with the characters to be invested in their lives. But apart from that, there were some real moments of decent writing (without giving too much away, the scene with the ashes is both hilarious and heartbreaking, but of course you have to commit to over half of the book to get there).
But if the book was supposed to tell me about how world events shaped day to day events... I dunno. It didn't really feel like it did that any more than any other book, less than a lot of books even. I feel like Roland let a lot of water roll off his back except the water was acid and he was still fine.
So, to sum, it was good. Long but good.
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Groots relaas, wat een genot om te lezen. Zonde echter van de typ- en andere fouten die in de vertaling terecht gekomen zijn. Het waren er opmerkelijk veel.
Thoroughly enjoyed this. Imperfect and complex characters are wrapped within an exciting and vivid political landscape, with so many brilliant lamentations on living life and the sheer length (and miracle) of it.
challenging
reflective
slow-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
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
relaxing
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Death, Pedophilia, Rape, Sexual assault, Death of parent
Moderate: Cancer, Child abuse, Terminal illness
Minor: Addiction, Violence, Pandemic/Epidemic
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
ian mcewan is a weird bloke, but he writes a good story.
i’m glad this is over because it was a hardback and very heavy.
i’m glad this is over because it was a hardback and very heavy.
adventurous
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
It's giving Any Human Heart