A review by lynnenad
Lessons by Ian McEwan

challenging reflective slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

I enjoyed this book but I would not recommend it to many other people. It tells the story of one man’s life from 11 years old to beyond 70 years. Critical readers say that nothing happens in this man’s life but his life is very similar to the lives of pretty much everyone I know, including me. There are some personally dramatic moments that create ripples that last for decades, and for generations. The events of the larger human world also impact the man’s life, creating their own consequences, as they do for most of us. The lessons learned and the reflections are  well written and thought out. The several pages dealing with loss and grief are extremely well written. A fine book. I may well read it more than once. 

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