Reviews tagging 'Sexual content'

Nutshell by Ian McEwan

7 reviews

lydiarh's review against another edition

Go to review page

dark slow-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

2.5

Expand filter menu Content Warnings

greatingsburg's review against another edition

Go to review page

challenging dark funny reflective medium-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

3.0

the premise is catchy - our protagonist is a conscious fetus who is silent observer to a plot of murder. However, the exucution was a bit lacking, especially the strange choice to have multiple explicit scenes of the fetus experience the mother having sex with the uncle (one would've gotten the message across). I liked the protagonist's dry humor and his pure hatred for his uncle (the audiobook narrator does a great job capturing Claude as well as the fetus' disdain for him too) - really saved the book and made it a bit goofy. Overall, nice read (or listen) but nothing world changing.
Expand filter menu Content Warnings

cassie7e's review against another edition

Go to review page

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.
Expand filter menu Content Warnings

amycam's review against another edition

Go to review page

challenging funny reflective slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

Expand filter menu Content Warnings

dexkit10's review against another edition

Go to review page

dark mysterious reflective slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.75

Expand filter menu Content Warnings

badmom's review against another edition

Go to review page

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.
Expand filter menu Content Warnings

ladysanctuary's review against another edition

Go to review page

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!
Expand filter menu Content Warnings
More...