Morbid, repulsive... I appreciate the merit in exploring um... darker aspects of humanity and difficult issues, but some of this (I'm not talking gory, either) made me feel physically sick, and I'm not entirely sure whether I can attribute that to immensely powerful writing because I found the content so distressing, for example in 'Homemade' where the 14 year old boy rapes his 10 year old sister.

I enjoyed Strange Geometry, and was neutral about The Last Day of Summer and Disguises, but t... (show more)

Morbid, repulsive... I appreciate the merit in exploring um... darker aspects of humanity and difficult issues, but some of this (I'm not talking gory, either) made me feel physically sick, and I'm not entirely sure whether I can attribute that to immensely powerful writing because I found the content so distressing, for example in 'Homemade' where the 14 year old boy rapes his 10 year old sister.

I enjoyed Strange Geometry, and was neutral about The Last Day of Summer and Disguises, but the others have really changed my perception of McEwan I think. To be fair though, these stories share with his later work the same enviable lucidity and realism that makes his other novels so compelling, and which probably makes these short stories even more horrifically powerful.

Those perhaps who have a very strong stomach may feel differently and be in a better position to appreciate McEwan's stylistic merits, but I really found much of the reading truly hideous.

I'm not sure what I'd say for a recommendation. Haunting, some parts totally unbearable, but high-quality horror? (show less)

Love its texture and richness in all areas- religion, human nature/psychology, social structure... The vivid believability and depth of the characters alone I think makes it a worthwhile read. Some of the most incisive and insightful comments I've read!
'Destiny stands by sarcastic with our dramatis personae folded in her hand' springs to mind.
Wasn't too sure about Eliot's handling of romantic love- found it a little flat and two dimensional, but didn't think this copromised the whole as a... (show more)

Love its texture and richness in all areas- religion, human nature/psychology, social structure... The vivid believability and depth of the characters alone I think makes it a worthwhile read. Some of the most incisive and insightful comments I've read!
'Destiny stands by sarcastic with our dramatis personae folded in her hand' springs to mind.
Wasn't too sure about Eliot's handling of romantic love- found it a little flat and two dimensional, but didn't think this copromised the whole as an immensely rich, valuable and ******* fantastic book! =] (show less)