Atonement is probably his most famous novel and it is definitely my favourite. It spans many decades, following the life of Briony Tallis. We first meet her as a thirteen year old in 1935, when she witnesses an encounter between her older sister and their housekeeper's son. The way she interprets what she witnesses from afar and her actions in the aftermath have far reaching consequences for all 3 of them and she will spend the rest of her life trying to atone for her actions. This is a very powerful novel about love, war and regret, as well as an interesting look at how differently actions and words can be interpreted. Very moving and highly recommended.
Enduring Love is utterly compelling from the very first page - very difficult to put down and may well be read in one sitting. Following the story of Joe Rose whose whole life changes when a ballooning accident forces a chance encounter with Jed Parry who almost immediately becomes obsessed with Joe. Rose's life, relationships and sanity quickly begin to crumble under the weight of this obsession. McEwan is a master at creating tension and an atmosphere of foreboding, paranoia and suspicion. A very clever and affecting novel.
The Child in Time won the Whitbread Award in 1987. It opens with every parents worst nightmare when a father takes his three-year-old daughter to the supermarket and she goes missing. What follows is a heart wrenching exploration of bereavement and grief as well as a reflection on the nature of childhood. Powerful and affecting stuff.
Saturday is a complex and reflective novel following a day (Saturday 15th February 2003) in the life of neurosurgeon Henry Perowne. McEwan is accomplished at ratching up the tension in this slow-burner which is beautifully written and provides a window on the world in 2003 - definitely valuable as social history, and definitely worth a read.
The Children Act tells the story of Fiona Maye, a high court judge caught up in a number of complex cases of family law, whilst also facing a crisis in her personal life. The themes explored are common to many of McEwan's novels: aging, obsession and stagnating relationships, but the subject matter is very thought provoking and the reader is frequently invited to examine their own morality. An interesting and compelling read.
On Chesil Beach is a very short novel, but its emotional intensity makes it an unforgettable one. It tells the story of Edward and Florence, arriving on the Dorset Coast on their wedding night in 1962 as virgins, and their fears of what is to come. It is at times almost unbearably poignant and you cannot fail to be moved by this story of awkwardness and miscommunication. It is beautifully written and brilliantly observed. Fantastic stuff.
What is your favourite Ian McEwan novel? Have I missed any that you would recommend?
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