A review by stanro
Nutshell by Ian McEwan

challenging dark funny tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

This is a finely written balancing act. 

Our first-person narrator is unschooled and knowing, innocent and cynical, powerless and effective. McEwan expertly and eruditely swings between these poles as two lovers, a pregnant woman and her husband’s brother,  develop a plan. A plan to do what? And what role for our narrator? I’ll leave that to readers. 

McEwan writes well. Good turns of phrase without overdoing it. The book’s plot has a welcome inevitability.   #areadersjourney