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martas_universe's review against another edition
dark
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? No
2.0
eva5000's review against another edition
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
ziggymusic's review against another edition
4.0
(Advanced Reader Copy) This is a relatively short novel (just over 200 pages) that is more substantial than many twice its length.
A High Court Judge (Fiona) who has, progressively throughout her life, created distance between herself and those around her in favor of rule-driven dependability, faces her deteriorating marriage while becoming embroiled in a court case concerning the preventable death of boy (Jack) whose parent are devoutly religious and want to refuse care for their sick son because it defies their beliefs. However, because the boy is only a few months away from legal adulthood, the court must consider whether the boy is able to understand the realities of his potential fate, beyond piety, and if he can decide for himself whether to die piously or to receive life-saving treatment in defiance of his family's religion. The peak of the 'conflict' in this story surrounds Fiona's relationship with Jack and her reticence to become further entwined in his life.
This is the kind of story stays with you. It forces essential and difficult questions on the reader: the kind of story I like most. While it is not an 'easy' read in terms of subject, it is a quick read for its uncomplicated writing and smooth storytelling. It's also quite beautiful in spots.
A High Court Judge (Fiona) who has, progressively throughout her life, created distance between herself and those around her in favor of rule-driven dependability, faces her deteriorating marriage while becoming embroiled in a court case concerning the preventable death of boy (Jack) whose parent are devoutly religious and want to refuse care for their sick son because it defies their beliefs. However, because the boy is only a few months away from legal adulthood, the court must consider whether the boy is able to understand the realities of his potential fate, beyond piety, and if he can decide for himself whether to die piously or to receive life-saving treatment in defiance of his family's religion. The peak of the 'conflict' in this story surrounds Fiona's relationship with Jack and her reticence to become further entwined in his life.
This is the kind of story stays with you. It forces essential and difficult questions on the reader: the kind of story I like most. While it is not an 'easy' read in terms of subject, it is a quick read for its uncomplicated writing and smooth storytelling. It's also quite beautiful in spots.
paola_mobileread's review against another edition
3.0
I enjoyed various aspects of this novel, above all the insight into the day to day life of a high court judge - what struck me particularly is the pace at which they have to deal with very difficult decisions, as well as the art that writing up a judgment is.
While mcEwan has clearly done his homework on High Court judges, on the academic side he falls rather short - the husband in the story is really not credible as an academic!
Both husband and wife are however very credible as human beings, and so is the mid-life crisis their marriage is going through, until we get to the point when the wife slips - don't want to give this away, but let us say that the second part of this novel is less convincing.
Something which keeps the attention going is a scattering of red herrings that come to nothing - and the writing is very engaging and flows well.
While mcEwan has clearly done his homework on High Court judges, on the academic side he falls rather short - the husband in the story is really not credible as an academic!
Both husband and wife are however very credible as human beings, and so is the mid-life crisis their marriage is going through, until we get to the point when the wife slips - don't want to give this away, but let us say that the second part of this novel is less convincing.
Something which keeps the attention going is a scattering of red herrings that come to nothing - and the writing is very engaging and flows well.
goel_1996's review against another edition
2.0
Rating: 2.5
A good insight into the turmoil inside a judge's mind while delivering decisions weighing all the ups and downs.
The initial outline will make anyone believe the book is a thriller which doesn't work in it's favor.
Unfortunately, I read the book under the same assumption which led to disappointment.
It was okayish.
A good insight into the turmoil inside a judge's mind while delivering decisions weighing all the ups and downs.
The initial outline will make anyone believe the book is a thriller which doesn't work in it's favor.
Unfortunately, I read the book under the same assumption which led to disappointment.
It was okayish.
annavanna's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
clairy04's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
jrmarr's review against another edition
4.0
Love McEwan's use of language to describe what another author would see as the mundanity of life.
leonora_isabella's review
emotional
sad
tense
medium-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? Yes
3.75