On a windy spring day in the Chilterns, the calm, organized life of science writer Joe Rose is shattered when he witnesses a tragic accident: a hot-air balloon with a boy trapped in its basket is being tossed by the wind, and in the attempt to save the child, a man is killed. 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 powerfu... (show more)
didn't satisfy me emotionally. i found the theme quite strange and morbid. couldn't relate or empathise with the characters. the relationship break-up was sad and unsatisfying
The second book i have read from Ian McEwan, and i have to say in my opinion its better than Atonement.
The story was really gripping and the characters were so vivid. I strongly recommend this book!!!
Ohhh, this book was disturbing in the best ways. The storyline was strange, and the love-triangle was even weirder. It was a bit hard to follow at times, but still a good book!
i really liked the character development in this novel. Especially, the insight McEwan shows into mental illness - his research and conversations to clarify the particular mental illness he discusses in the novel provide a real depth to the story.
very strange, i liked the writing and i love the argument chapter, it's so real.
there are some good attempts to reflect how people's lives are connected, and how our emotion can influence the others in a subtle way. but the theme is a little overtaken by the amount of maniac and science discussion. i found it hard to read. and, why good stories always need a maniac in side??!
Lovely writing as always. I was really intrigued to find out how McEwan would reveal Rose to be a fabulist. He couldn't surely have had someone standing outside his house constantly and no one else that lived there notice. Sadly no. It was all true after all and the plot revolved around trivia as seems the theme with McEwan.