Helpful Score: 4
Simply excellent. Saw the film first, which I thought was good, but this far exceeds the film. Mcewan is a wonderful writer.
Helpful Score: 3
McEwen is a master of point of view. I love how he takes one moment and writes a whole novel about that moment and all the implications.
Helpful Score: 3
Incredibly good book, very creepy story. It was a page turner, I couldn't put it down.
Helpful Score: 2
A very strange and interesting book. You'll probably find yourself trying to out think the plot, but the book keeps you guessing until the VERY end.
Helpful Score: 2
Currently, I am on an Ian McEwen tear. After reading Atonement, Saturday, and On Chesil Beach, I've made it my goal to read all of his writings.
The premise of this book is very interesting, and McEwen does not disappoint--much. The moment when several men converge to save a boy in a runaway hot air balloon is brilliant; however, the characters affected by the tragedy do not live up to this. McEwen never gives the reader any reason why events and people come together, which leaves a large hole that the reader cannot fill in. Additionally, the ending is anti-climatic.
While this sounds negative, I always enjoy reading McEwan's books because his writing is excellent, and his attention to the characters' thoughts are interesting.
The premise of this book is very interesting, and McEwen does not disappoint--much. The moment when several men converge to save a boy in a runaway hot air balloon is brilliant; however, the characters affected by the tragedy do not live up to this. McEwen never gives the reader any reason why events and people come together, which leaves a large hole that the reader cannot fill in. Additionally, the ending is anti-climatic.
While this sounds negative, I always enjoy reading McEwan's books because his writing is excellent, and his attention to the characters' thoughts are interesting.