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Original poster

Ian McEwan - which one first?

61 replies

AnonYonimousBird · 21/04/2013 11:32

I'd really like to read one of his, not sure how I never have.

Which one would be a good one to start me off please?

TIA

OP posts:
Autumn12 · 21/04/2013 14:23

I really want to like his books but he really overwrites IMO.

highlandcoo · 21/04/2013 14:22

I thought On Chesil Beach was excellent and also enjoyed Atonement, Saturday and Enduring Love. I agree with tangled about A child In Time .. it's a painful read but extremely well written.

MamaMary · 21/04/2013 14:21

Solar is my favourite. It's pretty heavy going at first but it's brill.

Didn't like Saturday so much.

I also liked Amsterdam.

Original poster
AnonYonimousBird · 21/04/2013 14:17

I am being SO DENSE. I have read On Chesil Beach quite recently. Blush

I did enjoy it, actually so need to select my second McEwan. He has a new one out, Sweet Tooth, which was in yesterday's Times which is what got me to thinking about him...

Atonement is on my TBR list! Is it really heavy?! Seems to divide opinions!

OP posts:
DuchessofMalfi · 21/04/2013 13:47

Atonement's the only one of his novels I've read so far, and I loved it.

I'm planning to read On Chesil Beach next.

tangledupinpoo · 21/04/2013 12:46

Really, SirBoob? I love how he writes! What don't you like about it - not being at all snippy, just genuinely interested.

PimpMyHippo · 21/04/2013 12:42

None of them!

....in my humble opinion. ;)

SirBoobAlot · 21/04/2013 12:40

I can't stand his writing. I have read a few of his books, hoping that I just started with a bad one, but nope. They're all pretty poorly written. Shame, really, as the story lines are good.

tangledupinpoo · 21/04/2013 12:37

I really enjoyed The Innocent, Black Dogs and A Child in Time. Not sure I could read A Child in Time now I have children though. (The story centres round a child disappearing in a supermarket.) But the ideas in it, the nature of time etc are great. I remember that about Black Dogs too. The Innocent is a clever thriller. On Chesil Beach is good too. I did like Atonement too.

The ones I didn't like so much were Amsterdam, Solar, Enduring Love and Saturday.

MrsHelsBels74 · 21/04/2013 11:59

Really? I hated Atonement & it's put me off reading any others. I came on here to say don't bother!

NotALondoner · 21/04/2013 11:40

Atonement? I loved that.