Menace within Europe

Through the narrative framework of Jeremy researching for a memoir of his estranged parents in law, Bernard and June Tremaine, McEwan's 1992 novel explores the dire situation in Europe, which is remarkably appropriate to now.

Bernard and June were committed communists but their separate intellectual development separated them. Through the disjointed account of the relationship between these two and of key events such as the fall of the Berlin Wall, and of the June's terrifying encounter with wild dogs on her honeymoon, McEwan presents an intellectual analysis of the rupture of Europe.

Although the characters are clearly explored through the decades, the most important element of the novel is intellectual and metaphorical, the current situation giving it extra bite.

Extremely well read.

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9 people found this helpful

Among his best books

Deep, disturbing book playing upon quite a few personal strings. Oscillating between giggles and shivers all the way. Echoes of his later books. Trademark crispy turn of phrase and "bomb drop" moment. Deserves listening-to twice over, to which I am proceeding. P.S. Brilliant narrator!

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5 people found this helpful

Metaphors that don't bark but rip your soul apart

Again Ian McEwan brings to life characters and events while placing questions and conundrums that are devastating for the protagonists and the reader, like how can we pretend we know how to change the world when we can not fix the most familial of problems, do we recognize evil when we see it or do we pretend it is just history or a story.

The story of two lovers viewed from an angle that is unromantic at first glance but hides true love and the desperation of not having salvation. Two historical events that change Europe, two beliefs and two metaphors that grow out of this histories and out of the primordial evil of war and creed.

This book is literature that reverberates in the reader.

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5 people found this helpful

Intelligent but forgettable

For fans of Ian McEwan, this has the quality and intelligence you would expect. It's a slow, slightly odd narrative that unfolds carefully and thoughtfully without ever generating much feeling for the characters. I found the narrator uninspiring. With a better reader I might have given it 5 stars but as it was I found it rather unforgettable.

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1 person found this helpful

Brilliant - and timely

Like many Ian McEwan novels this is a history of a lifetime but it turns on a single relatively short incident that will haunt those affected for the rest of their lives. If you enjoy his writing, and are up for a debate about whether the answers to life’s problems are to be found in science, politics, or meditation and spirituality, this book is for you. The performance is great too - I was spellbound.

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1 person found this helpful

don't miss this book!

it's a book that makes you think - very much showing not telling and pure enjoyment sits with working out the deeper meaning. The man is a genius..

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1 person found this helpful

Black Dogs by Ian McEwen

A semi biographical book based on a life changing experience, it is both thought provoking and insightful. Well worth listening to, read splendidly by Philip Franks.

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Attention

Quite a complex story so needs your full attention I found and speakers voice very staccato though I did eventually get use to it,

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Great talent. Poor outcome

The writing is sometimes superb but the ideas that underpin it are weak. I’ve known and basically enjoyed IM’s work since about 1980 when I heard him read live in Manchester. It’s always the same sense of disappointment that someone with his talent, application and cleverness allows himself to lapse into hazy oversimplifications. Apologies to IM!!

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