On McEwan

First i got to thank my good friend Pat for introducing me to Ian McEwan. I’ve read somewhere that he’s been recently described as one of the greatest living British writers, and although i don’t read that many British authors, I’ve got to agree with that. I’ve to add cheekily that I do not own ANY of his book, all of the ones I’ve read have been mooched off Pat 🙂

It all started with Atonement, probably his most popular work. I’ve loved it, and wrote a piece about it. Then came On Chesil Beach, a tiny little book of about 100 pages. I think it took me less than 2 hours to finish. Equally brilliant book, the ending alone kept me thinking days after finishing the book.

After that came a dry period. I read Enduring Love. What an intriguing title! But i found the storyline a little tad disturbing to enjoy it. But still, McEwan’s craftsmanship in writing is impeccable. This was followed by Saturday. Well, as i described to Pat, not his best book.

I get the idea that while i’ve not even read half of his writings, for me personally, his books fall in 2 categories – those that i love, and those that i don’t. They don’t fall in between. I’ve not read Cement Garden, but I’ve got a pretty good idea which of the 2 categories it will fall into.

Earlier today I just finish another of McEwan’s book – a children’s book call The Daydreamer (now that’s a conundrum in itself, McEwan writing children’s books!). Now that, was an excellent book. Definitely right up there with Atonement and On Chesil Beach in my list.