First Love,
Last Rites by Ian McEwan
 |
| My copy! |
I love McEwan’s
writing. I am aware that he is a bit of a marmite writer. I have read Atonement but I think this collection of
short stories and The Cement Garden can
be put in a different class. The Cement
Garden has always (and will continue to) sat in my top ten books. McEwan’s
subject matter in the collection of short stories and novel has more in common
with Lolita than any period romance
novel. The short stories are a disturbing mix of weird deaths, sex and
pedophilia. Doesn’t sound like your cup of tea? You are missing out if you do
not at least try to read this collection. Short story authors are almost always
highly praised. McEwan is no exception. Writing short stories is supposed to be
extremely difficult so when done well are superb. Books aren’t just here to
entertain, they are meant to make your think and educate. At the end of the
book I had to ask myself why I could not stop reading descriptions of rape and
incest? That is the power of McEwan’s writing. Forget everything you know about
this author if your only education has been Keira Knightly and James Macovy.
McEwan should be remembered for his ability to write short stories and for the
undeniable power of Cement Garden.
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