Ian McEwan's Enduring Love: Literary delight

Atonement is one movie that's like no other. Having watched it years back, I was waiting to read Ian McEwan. Enduring love happened to be on the top favourites of author Fiona Macintosh's reading list and that inspired me to read it. It turned out to be a fairly food experience. McEwan is indeed a brilliant writer. The narration is sumptuous and superlative. The main story is about a couple whose lives get ensnared in difficult and complicated waters after being embroiled in an accident. The novel also includes tidbits on science. The novel is deep, well written and gripping.

The novel begins with Joe describing an event that is about to change his life forever: "the encounter that would unhinge us were minutes away, its enormity disguised from us..", he narrates. He witnesses honest and real altruism in John Logan's actions; the after-effects of which lingers on him for a long time. The memory of the tragic incident haunts Joe and Clarissa (his wife) for days and they help each other get over it. As it evanesces, the story takes a turn as Joe encounters a problem called Parry. Some may find the latter funny and a few others may empathise. Initially, his actions seem weird, then it transmutes to harassment and finally it becomes horrific and scary. How Joe and Clarissa live in times of horror is the story all about. Another portion of the book is about Joe's interactions with Logan's family. The book evokes thought about how lives can take turns with minor and sometimes major events. The brilliance of the books lies in its description of all the subtle things: emotions, thoughts and everything life and death. It keeps the reader gripped. The ending could have been better. I was expecting more as a comparison to atonement is inevitable. The mystery element is low. But, it's still an intriguing read. Moreover, a very well written book.

If you are an aspiring author, then this is a must read book. His superlative language isn't like a magniloquent decorating the writing, but writing that drips like honey and is natural. It makes us incorporate more formal words and blend it beautifully in a novel. Studying this book will teach you skills to become a better writer.

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