
Originally posted on Culture and Anarchy.
As the review of this book in the Guardian points out, Ian McEwan is fascinated by roles and institutions of authority, and how the playing of such a role affects his protagonists. In The Children Act, (which is a novella, really – I read it in an evening) we are invited to consider the intricacies of the life of a high court judge, both professional and personal. Fiona Maye is in her fifties, a distinctly-delineated character whose devotion to her work is only paralleled by her lack-lustre marriage to Jack, who wants to have an affair. Specialising in family law and with a history of difficult cases, she is haunted by the children who might have suffered from her decisions, and overwhelmed by the need to make the ‘right’ decision in the interests of children – whatever ‘right’ is. And this is the central question of the book: who gets to decide? Who knows what ‘right’ is? And ‘right’ in what sense?
The law collides with faith in Fiona’s next case, where a Jehovah’s Witness boy refuses a blood transfusion which will save his life. After meeting him, talking to him and agonising over her decision, she concludes that he is not old enough to make this decision, perhaps being unduly pressured by his family and church. I won’t spoil the novel by detailing what happens next, but the novel asks, ultimately, serious questions about what is important in life: relationships, art, career, faith? Are they reliable enough the build a life around? What happens when you lose one of the pillars which…
I agree, I liked it but was ultimately disappointed.
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Interesting. Thank you for giving your reaction.
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I read a review a while back and was intrigued but haven’t got around to reading it yet…
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I have always found that no matter what is remarked upon in reviews of McEwan’s work, his books are never less than interesting. Hope that makes sense – very tired!
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Just finished reading this recently. Enjoyed it but felt that more could have been made of the Jehovah’s witness character Adam. Hope to review it soon too.
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I look forward to your review. I recently read Atonement (before seeing the film) and enjoyed it but was rather disappointed with the ending!
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It might be a while before I get to it, I’ve been very busy recently taking part in a five photos/five writing days challenge. Just finished, so behind with my posts! Yes, I’ve read Atonement too, but a long time ago and the details are a bit hazy now, will have to re-read!
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Ah, the books I want to re-read list alongside the books I want to read for the first time is toooo long! Just discovered you were one of the blogs that WP had unfollowed me from. Very frustrating.
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Yes me too! Oh dear I heard about this must check mine too, hope I haven’t unfollowed any one without my realising.
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I try to check in Blogs I Follow when I think I haven’t had any recent notifications from a particular blog but then I can’t remember the blog url or name and it’s a nightmare!
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Me too! I’m trying to compile a list at the moment of my favourite blogs this seems to help!
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