Adrian's review
The Cement Garden
by Ian McEwan
it's good to know what you like as a reader and if you know that you want a nicely wrapped ending, then you'd do well to stay far, far from mcewan.
Adrian's review
The Cement Garden by Ian McEwan
Adrian's review
rating:
I picked up this book at the library because "Atonement" wasn't available. Having seen the movie version of "Atonement" I figured that reading one of Ian McEwan's earlier works would be an ideal way of getting a good idea of what McEwan's writing style is like.
Having now read "The Cement Garden" I must say that whoever continued reading his books were brave people. If I had no idea that his storytelling abilities had improved I would never again read one of his books. In fact, I would probably look at all of his works with revulsion.
Yes, I do feel that strongly about "The Cement Garden." It had no discernable plot, the narration - although insightful to the mindset of a 14/15 year old boy - was disturbing, and there was no true ending. I'm a fan of nicely wrapped up endings and this ending left me with my jaw dropped and my eyes blinking rapidly. I'd had hopes of McEwan redeeming himself with some great ending, but it never arrived.
Having now read "The Cement Garden" I must say that whoever continued reading his books were brave people. If I had no idea that his storytelling abilities had improved I would never again read one of his books. In fact, I would probably look at all of his works with revulsion.
Yes, I do feel that strongly about "The Cement Garden." It had no discernable plot, the narration - although insightful to the mindset of a 14/15 year old boy - was disturbing, and there was no true ending. I'm a fan of nicely wrapped up endings and this ending left me with my jaw dropped and my eyes blinking rapidly. I'd had hopes of McEwan redeeming himself with some great ending, but it never arrived.
it's good to know what you like as a reader and if you know that you want a nicely wrapped ending, then you'd do well to stay far, far from mcewan.