Solar

[Night_Lamp]

Has any one rushed out to buy Ian McEwan's new novel, Solar? From reading the jacket quickly, it seems to be about a washed-up scientist who falls in with a group who have 'questionable' views on global warming and its causes. It's another short novel for McEwan; I'm beginning to think that Atonement is his only novel over 200 pages- but I'm not complaining, it takes a good writer to put something worth reading together in that few words.

I read Amsterdam last week; I thought it was good, but dark as usual.

Anyone already picked it up? Or is planning to this week? Unless I hear something earth-shattering about it I'm going to wait till the paperback comes out and the hardcover drops in price.

Opinions?

[wessexgirl]

I'm planning on buying it for the Library. With his track record it will most likely be up for awards. I watched the Review programme the other night, and it was generally loved by the panel, (except for one die-hard McEwan hater). I don't know if you can access the BBC where you are, but there was a good interview about it with McEwan too. You might be able to catch it on youtube, I haven't checked.

[kelby_lake]

I wonder if it will beat the wonder that is 'On Chesil Beach'.

[Night_Lamp]

Do I sense a little sarcasm, Kelby? I'm not saying that Chesil Beach was a masterpiece by any means, and I don't think Solar will be either.

I have read CB, Atonement, and Amsterdam so far; do fans recommend Saturday? I've heard it is very good. I read 90% 19th C. and earlier novels, unless it's on a reading list for one of my classes. I don't hate modern literature, but I.M. is one of the few (in my admittedly narrow experience) that I have really enjoyed.

[TheRoyalist]

Hello Night Lamp,

The reviews I've read are split down the middle. Has McEwan's career tailed off? To me, "On Chesil Beach" and "Saturday" are lesser works. I think I'll wait for the library to stock "Solar".
"Enduring Love" is my pick of the McEwan cannon; different from the film and, of course, much better. As one of the blurbs points out, it has one of the best first chapters ever written.