Beautiful, moving and subtle observations of life, thoughts and ideals. The incident of the black dogs doesn't happen until the end and in the classic McEwan way where a single, short episode charts the course for major character change - it's just in this case we see the change before the incident.

The writing here is stunning - particularly memorable for me was when the narrater tells of an incident with a family in a French hotel; particularly evocative and moving and a perfectly drawn observation of character.

If you enjoy this book then I'd also recommend The Lighthouse by Alison Moore.