'Enduring Love' by Ian McEwan is a psychological thriller that delves into themes of love, obsession, and the impact of a traumatic event on the lives of the characters. The story follows Joe Rose and his wife Clarissa, who witness a ballooning accident that leads to a series of events involving a stalker named Jed Parry. The novel explores the limits of rationalism, the complexities of relationships, and the blurred lines between reality and obsession. McEwan's writing style is described as intense, precise, and gripping, with a narrative that keeps the reader engaged from the very beginning.

Characters:

The characters include Joe, a rational man facing existential dread; Clarissa, his supportive yet questioning wife; and Jed, the obsessive stalker.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style features reflective and detailed prose that combines psychological insights with vivid narrative.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot revolves around a tragic ballooning accident that catalyzes an unhealthy obsession, unraveling the protagonist's life and marriage.

Setting:

The setting contrasts idyllic English countryside with the escalating chaos of obsession and emotional turmoil.

Pacing:

The pacing features a mix of steady reflection with suspenseful builds, leading to an intense conclusion.

The beginning is simple to mark. We were in sunlight under a turkey oak, partly protected from a strong, gusty wind. I was kneeling on the grass with a corkscrew in my hand, and Clarissa was passing m...

Notes:

The novel begins with a dramatic ballooning accident that sets off a chain of events.

Joe Rose, the protagonist, is a science writer which adds to the themes of reason vs. emotion in the story.

Jed Parry, another character, develops an obsession with Joe, believing they share a special bond after the accident.

The story explores de Clerambault's syndrome, a condition where the patient believes another person is in love with them without reciprocation.

The book features a unique narrative style, often mixing memories with philosophical reflections.

The opening chapter is noted for its gripping and suspenseful writing, capturing the chaos of the accident.

McEwan delves into the psychological effects of trauma, obsession, and the fragility of relationships.

Joe's rational scientific mindset conflicts with the irrationality of Jed's obsession, creating tension throughout the novel.

Clarissa, Joe's wife, represents a contrasting perspective, often questioning Joe's perceptions and reactions.

The novel challenges readers' understanding of love, obsession, and the human psyche.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

The book contains themes of obsession, psychological trauma, stalking, and the psychological impact of witnessing a violent death.

From The Publisher:

The calm, organized life of science writer Joe Rose is shattered when he sees a man die in a freak hot-air balloon accident. A stranger named Jed Parry joins Rose in helping to bring the balloon to safety, but unknown to Rose, something passes between Parry and himself on that day-something that gives birth to an obsession in Parry so powerful that it will test the limits of Rose's beloved rationalism, threaten the love of his wife, Clarissa, and drive him to the brink of murder and madness. From the Booker Prize-winning author of Atonement, here is a brilliant and compassionate novel of love, faith, and suspense, and of how life can change in an instant.

Ratings (4)

Incredible (1)
Loved It (1)
It Was OK (2)

Reader Stats (15):

Read It (5)
Want To Read (8)
Not Interested (2)

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About the Author:

Ian McEwan is the bestselling author of seventeen books, including the novels Nutshell; The Children Act; Sweet Tooth; Solar, winner of the Bollinger Everyman Wodehouse Prize; Saturday; Atonement, winner of the National Book Critics Circle Award and the W. H. Smith Literary Award; The Comfort of Strangers and Black…

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Enduring Love

Ian McEwan