Black Dogs: A Novel

McEwan is a favourite, but not Black Dogs. Never at any point did I have any questions for which I felt compelled to read the book to get the answer. Well written? It's to be expected. A compelling story? No.

very well written. not his best in my opinion as the plot was a little dull. the language was very sophisticated.

Really didn't like this when I read it.

Faith vs. reason explored through the metaphor of a marriage. Short, well crafted, and to the point.

An interesting enough short novel, which somehow lacks the attention to detail that I love about McEwan's later books ('Saturday' in particular). This is mainly the story of a couple who married shortly after the end of the second world war, as told by their son-in-law. Specifically, it's about one particular event which occurred while they were on honeymoon and which has a...more

An interesting enough short novel, which somehow lacks the attention to detail that I love about McEwan's later books ('Saturday' in particular). This is mainly the story of a couple who married shortly after the end of the second world war, as told by their son-in-law. Specifically, it's about one particular event which occurred while they were on honeymoon and which has a significant impact on their lives.   hide

Totally awesome

This book disappoints me, not that its poorly written, don't get me wrong but it could have been more. Flirts with but never commits to greatness. Certain sections are vintage McEwan in its chilling brilliance but ultimately it does not shine. Perhaps if it were written by any other I would have rated it higher, but this is not representative of what we would expect from this author.

Lots of intellectual pontificating from McEwan as usual. I liked the dichotomy between the rational and spiritual presented through the elderly couple, and it's exploration of evil through the metaphor of the black dogs.

One of his I didn't really like...