👶👶👶 The Children Act, by Ian McEwan

After having heard the praises of Ian McEwan for so long, I had high expectations for this novel. What I read, instead, was a novel in a bit of disarray. There were certain points in this work that were beautifully written, his prose, impressive. At other times, it was almost as if he chose to rush through, and lent little in the way of his expressive style.

The story, in general, was interesting. I enjoyed getting a perspective I’ve never thought of before, that of a female High Court judge. I was glad to learn a bit about some of the controversial decisions that must be made on a daily basis by such individuals. However, there were certain things thrown in that were unnecessary, and were perhaps added more for shock value (ie. the husband’s ridiculous request after so many years of marriage, the absurd kiss, etc…). Unfortunately, these shocks prompted more of a guffaw, than a gasp, in my humble opinion.

I’m not sure, based on this novel, that this is an author I’d like to further pursue; but in the same breathe, this novel was absorbing enough to finish, with several glints of interest along the way.

Read 9/18/15