Enduring Love: A Novel by Ian McEwan Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Enduring Love: A Novel
Book Review: Contemporary Masterpiece
Summary: 5 Stars
One one level, at least, McEwan descends to that of the ordinary: the mere plebian. This is the first book of his I have read where one of the main characters isn't a busom buddy or lover or former lover of some exhaltingly talented and ambitious MP or cabinet minister. The routine, even mundane middle-class existence represented chiefly by Joycean literature is often underappreciated. Joe's rational(?) narration is very everyman. The detailing of the balloon accident is exquisite and presents the role of fate and happen-chance in tragedy. ... Also, the hypothetical argument presented on pages 170-171 alone makes this worth reading.
In my opinion this is the best McEwan novel I have read and one of the very best novels I've read that is set in the present day. Maybe the best. This is only my third 5 Star book.
Book Review: Could have been a downer but it rises much higher
Summary: 5 Stars
Only Ian McEwan could have saved this story from being a real downer. It's a story of obsession, mixed liberally with suspense, fear, and the crumbling of important relationships. McEwan's superb skills illuminate the lives of his characters, who have come together in the rescue of a little boy at a picnic, with clarity, compassion, and insight, and you care about every one of them. It's hard to write a mad character without descending into caricature, but McEwan succeeds so thoroughly that, as the inner thoughts of all the characters are revealed, including the madman, readers find themselves wondering, Who is right? What is the `real' truth?
Book Review: Could not put it down!
Summary: 5 Stars
I have read several of Ian McEwan's books and this one is by far his best. It's the kind of story you read and ask "who sits around and dreams this stuff up?" McEwan is a master. I could not put the book down. The story itself is quite simple. It's the psychological aspects to the story that hook you. The magic is in the details, in the descriptions of thoughts and feelings, in the flawed characters who so vividly come to life. "Enduring Love" is a wonderful ride, all the way to the last page.Book Review: Couldn't Put the Book Down
Summary: 5 Stars
Very entertaining and very well written. I didn't expect the ending which is great. I couldn't believe the 1st chapter.Book Review: Did not live up to the hype for me
Summary: 3 Stars
There are many admirable things about the book, including beautiful language, gripping plot and interesting ideas on fragility and relativity of love, trust, faith and reason.
However I did not feel that these pieces come together to create a whole and believable picture. The crack in the relationship between Joe and Clarissa feels too abrupt and implausible. Clarissa's character is not developed or explained enough to support her reactions and conclusions, and on the whole many of the main characters' behaviors seem manufactured and flat.