SET WITHIN A SINGLE DAY in London in February 2003, McEwan conjures a comforting atmosphere of middle-class familiarity, nestling within the growing cultural pessimism of the then-impending war with Iraq and post 9/11 uncertainty.
Henry Perowne is a successful and contented neurosurgeon, who finds himself involved in a series of events through the course of his Saturday that force him to confront the growing sense of paranoia in the world around him.
As he allows his mind to wander through his professional and personal preoccupations, his interactions gain a profound resonance when a would-be mugger makes a startling second appearance, hijacking the destiny of everything Perowne holds dear.
McEwan draws the reader in through his beautifully intricate characterisations and disarmingly familiar everyday environment. In his technically precise and exquisitely detailed prose, he again exercises his talent for creating a dream-like, yet indefinable, discomfort.
Another assured best-seller.
Saturday by Ian McEwan is published by Jonathan Cape, priced £17.99.
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