Questions About Amsterdam

by Ian McEwan (Goodreads Author)

Reader Q&A

To ask other readers questions about Amsterdam, please sign up.

Answered Questions (4)

I think the ending is meant to be a black farce, but as the tone before that has been serious it does not really work. Yes, the dislikable characters deserve their come uppance, but in this over the top way ?

IvanOpinion I agree. Up to them going to Amsterdam the book was entirely serious and believable. And suddenly it jumps into a ludicrous ending which might be fine…moreI agree. Up to them going to Amsterdam the book was entirely serious and believable. And suddenly it jumps into a ludicrous ending which might be fine in, say, a Howard Jacobson novel, but not in this one.(less)

flag

The synopsis above doesn't even mention Amsterdam. How does the city play into the book, if at all? What is the time period?

Margaret Amsterdam plays a crucial role in the story, as a main plot point takes place there.

flag

This question contains spoilers... (view spoiler)

Loraine Who knows, but I'll never read it now thanks to your massive SPOILER that you could do with hiding!…moreWho knows, but I'll never read it now thanks to your massive SPOILER that you could do with hiding!(less)

flag

How are characters constructed?

Yoana The author gets more and more into their heads as the book progresses and the narration gets more and more unreliable until at the end you're left won…moreThe author gets more and more into their heads as the book progresses and the narration gets more and more unreliable until at the end you're left wondering if anything you read about them was true or sincere. They start out credibly and end up caricatures.(less)

flag

Unanswered Questions (1)

This question contains spoilers... (view spoiler)

About Goodreads Q&A

Ask and answer questions about books!

You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.

See Featured Authors Answering Questions

Learn more