A review by nyom7
The Children ACT by

4.0

Like the majority of McEwan’s novels there is a focus on a small number of central characters with the bit players being given adequate description to make them 3D rather than replaceable 2D stand-ins. Likewise, there is a central flowing theme that is often articulated via some relatively inconsequential aspect of the plot. In this case it is the nature of inter-personal relationships as told through poetry and music. I am still a good 20+ years behind the main character in life but the writing created a life rather than a snapshot. There was a sense of the what came before to create the now.
It’s a short wee book (relatively speaking) and easy to read. Yet whilst I did very much enjoy it, unlike some of his other works like Saturday and of course Atonement, which I read prior to seeing the film thankfully, it did not grab me and hold me. Hence 4 and not 5 stars.