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stanleytuccii 's review for:
Lessons
by Ian McEwan
reflective
medium-paced
A thoughtful book, mediating on continuity, history, human relationships and human nature, crossing back and forth through a simple but unique man’s life.
I found that the beginning and ends of the book had more substance, a faster pace and were more gripping. The middle was a little bit stale for me, too much repetition of Roland’s lack of direction and questioning of his life path. However, I appreciate that this is the main message of this section about his middle-age; Roland is stagnant and struggling to come to terms with how his life has turned out.
I enjoyed getting to know Roland and found him to possess a calming, and for the most part, self-assured presence and rational and unique point of view. It is clear how his traumatic experiences shaped him, but also that he retained his identity and values which guided him through his life. I felt that he was mentally strong and did not take things too seriously. This was quite refreshing in a day and age where people and judged on their every move and internalise this attitude, becoming riddled with self-doubt, anxiety and low self esteem. I also found Roland’s political views quite refreshing, a baby boomer who held liberal views, allowed his child freedom to make his own choices, respected and kept up healthy friendships with women and even past partners. Overall I think he led a peaceful life and his mental strength and tranquility served him well.
Finally, Roland’s relationships were for the most part, great examples of stable, lasting, healthy relationships with family and friends. I find that in a man this is quite rare because women tend to be more sociable in male-female partnerships, and men can lack socialisation when their female partner dies. He had people who really loved him, appreciated who he was and took care of him into his old age.
I found that the beginning and ends of the book had more substance, a faster pace and were more gripping. The middle was a little bit stale for me, too much repetition of Roland’s lack of direction and questioning of his life path. However, I appreciate that this is the main message of this section about his middle-age; Roland is stagnant and struggling to come to terms with how his life has turned out.
I enjoyed getting to know Roland and found him to possess a calming, and for the most part, self-assured presence and rational and unique point of view. It is clear how his traumatic experiences shaped him, but also that he retained his identity and values which guided him through his life. I felt that he was mentally strong and did not take things too seriously. This was quite refreshing in a day and age where people and judged on their every move and internalise this attitude, becoming riddled with self-doubt, anxiety and low self esteem. I also found Roland’s political views quite refreshing, a baby boomer who held liberal views, allowed his child freedom to make his own choices, respected and kept up healthy friendships with women and even past partners. Overall I think he led a peaceful life and his mental strength and tranquility served him well.
Finally, Roland’s relationships were for the most part, great examples of stable, lasting, healthy relationships with family and friends. I find that in a man this is quite rare because women tend to be more sociable in male-female partnerships, and men can lack socialisation when their female partner dies. He had people who really loved him, appreciated who he was and took care of him into his old age.