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cassie7e's review against another edition
dark
funny
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
3.5
What a strange, interesting POV! Another book with blunt poetical prose, words chosen for their aptness rather than prettiness. A book for people who like experimental novels, and perhaps murderous characters, without so much regard for plot or neatly tied endings. It's about the perspective, not what actually happens.
Perhaps to be avoided if pregnancy is a sensitive topic for you, as it is the foundation of the story and alcohol is copiously consumed throughout the book. Also LOTS of sex in gross detail.
Perhaps to be avoided if pregnancy is a sensitive topic for you, as it is the foundation of the story and alcohol is copiously consumed throughout the book. Also LOTS of sex in gross detail.
Graphic: Infidelity, Sexual content, and Pregnancy
Moderate: Animal death, Death, Death of parent, Murder, and Alcohol
la_lela's review against another edition
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Graphic: Infidelity, Death of parent, Murder, and Pregnancy
badmom's review against another edition
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.75
Interesting narrative conceit (an unborn child aware of his mother & uncle’s murder plot) but beyond that and some occasional inspired bits of prose, it is overwrought (punch-in-the-face Hamlet & Macbeth references) and borderline ridiculous (this child’s awareness/understanding of a world he has literally never seen) in the unwinding. And the digs at transgender & nonbinary people were unnecessary + ugly.
I’ve enjoyed McEwan before, so this foray was extra disappointing.
I’ve enjoyed McEwan before, so this foray was extra disappointing.
Moderate: Infidelity, Sexual content, Murder, and Alcohol
Minor: Emotional abuse, Rape, Toxic relationship, and Transphobia
wormgirl's review against another edition
challenging
dark
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Graphic: Infidelity, Murder, and Pregnancy
ladysanctuary's review against another edition
challenging
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
1.5
A perfectly passable murder plot and a unique point of view character are about all this book has going for it. I found McEwan's constant polemics interminable and dull. Graphic sex scenes added to the challenge. At least it's short!
Graphic: Confinement, Infidelity, Sexual content, Death of parent, and Pregnancy
Moderate: Violence and Murder
Minor: Alcoholism, Body horror, Death, Gore, Sexual assault, Transphobia, Xenophobia, Islamophobia, Car accident, and Death of parent
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