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d_ran86 's review for:
The Cement Garden
by Ian McEwan
When I'd seen a few reviews about this one and the topic of incest was mentioned, I instantly thought back to 'First Love, Last Rites' which was the first McEwan novel I decided instantly, I'd never need to read again.
There was no complexity in the characters or stories. Just shock value themes and events.
So, I was apprehensive to be visiting another book containing what seemed to quickly be becoming an early works of McEwan trope. It gave me a weird impression of the writer I have loved for over 10 years! However...
He handles the material a lot better here. In fact, it makes it seem like 'First Love' was just a warm up exercise for him eventually writing this book.
The story paints the picture of four children, left behind after their parents die, trying to navigate life as normal as possible without drawing attention to themselves to outside authorities who would otherwise get involved. You're never quite sure where the story will go and it builds to an unsettling and devastating end.
This probably sits in my top 5 McEwan books!
There was no complexity in the characters or stories. Just shock value themes and events.
So, I was apprehensive to be visiting another book containing what seemed to quickly be becoming an early works of McEwan trope. It gave me a weird impression of the writer I have loved for over 10 years! However...
He handles the material a lot better here. In fact, it makes it seem like 'First Love' was just a warm up exercise for him eventually writing this book.
The story paints the picture of four children, left behind after their parents die, trying to navigate life as normal as possible without drawing attention to themselves to outside authorities who would otherwise get involved. You're never quite sure where the story will go and it builds to an unsettling and devastating end.
This probably sits in my top 5 McEwan books!