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skeeffe's review against another edition
3.0
The first chapter in this novel is one of the most immediately gripping pieces of writing I have ever read. The sickening inertia of the events and the narrator's constant diversions, which suggest an unwillingness to relay the horror he has experienced, all come together brilliantly. Fastidious and poetic description convincingly evoke a very mundane and believable tragedy. After reading it, I was convinced that McEwan had experienced something similar. Could something so vivid really be narrative invention?
Unfortunately, after this promising beginning, McEwan's narrative quickly skews toward the uninteresting, unlikely and puerile. If it were not for McEwan's prose, which is often lovely, I would have abandoned this book.
Still, I would recommend seeking out this novel, even if it is just to sneakily read the first chapter while you're pretending to browse at your local bookshop. When you're done, you're not going to miss anything good by setting it back on the shelf.
Unfortunately, after this promising beginning, McEwan's narrative quickly skews toward the uninteresting, unlikely and puerile. If it were not for McEwan's prose, which is often lovely, I would have abandoned this book.
Still, I would recommend seeking out this novel, even if it is just to sneakily read the first chapter while you're pretending to browse at your local bookshop. When you're done, you're not going to miss anything good by setting it back on the shelf.
gillian_cruz's review against another edition
dark
informative
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
oldtraine's review against another edition
5.0
Engrossing yet uncomfortable read. Powerful portrayal of obsessive love and the effect on other relationships. Much to discuss and argue about!
myhomeisthesea's review against another edition
dark
reflective
tense
medium-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
3.25
meanieheadbookreviews's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
What a fucking opening. The first two chapters are so haunting and well done. McEwan might be one of my favorite authors now. Such impressive writing. The imagery, the pacing, the character development. Stupendous. No wonder he’s won a million awards. The protagonist witnesses what is essentially a hot air balloon accident, and a majority of the story is about what it does to him psychologically in the aftermath. I actually was steered toward this one by a casual mention of it in Magpie Mysteries. It said Enduring Love had a very accurate description of what happens to a human body when it falls from a great height. Morbid, yes, but an enticing teaser. I liked this a lot. I might seek out the movie they made (never heard of it, though). Obviously, I’ll continue to read McEwan. I’d recommend this to the right reader. It’s pretty literary.
jonfaith's review against another edition
3.0
Without a doubt, I regard the opening 60 pages as sublime,so evocative and precise. As with most of "McCabre's" novels, there is a falling off, a twitch away from focus and, sadly, the magic is gone.