Ian McEwan
Paperback | Pages: 144 pages Rating: 3.54 | 24412 Users | 1678 Reviews
Describe Out Of Books The Cement Garden
| Title | : | The Cement Garden |
| Author | : | Ian McEwan |
| Book Format | : | Paperback |
| Book Edition | : | Anniversary Edition |
| Pages | : | Pages: 144 pages |
| Published | : | August 5th 2004 by Vintage (first published 1978) |
| Categories | : | Fiction. Contemporary. European Literature. British Literature. Novels |
Chronicle During Books The Cement Garden
Will ever these tales of incest cease? Well, my true guess is no, for they sure do captivate (lookin' atchu V.C. Andrews [...R.I.P., girl]!). Another case in point: this early novel from major Nobel contender (I'm certain of this, right?) Ian McEwan. "The Cement Garden" is considered by critics to be "Lord of the Flies"-like in its plot structure and because it contains young protagonists. But I must venture to say that it mostly resembles an early version of Bertolucci's "Dreamers" (of course by that I mean its novel predecessor)-- this is similarly an enchanted but truly megagrueling experience. After "Atonement", "Cement Garden" takes second place in the Maestro of English Prose's impressive (though... inconsistent) repertoire.Mention Books Concering The Cement Garden
| Original Title: | The Cement Garden |
| ISBN: | 0099468387 (ISBN13: 9780099468387) |
| Edition Language: | English |
| Characters: | Julie Barenson, Sue, Derek, Jack Tenpenny |
| Setting: | United Kingdom |
Rating Out Of Books The Cement Garden
Ratings: 3.54 From 24412 Users | 1678 ReviewsColumn Out Of Books The Cement Garden
Will ever these tales of incest cease? Well, my true guess is no, for they sure do captivate (lookin' atchu V.C. Andrews [...R.I.P., girl]!). Another case in point: this early novel from major Nobel contender (I'm certain of this, right?) Ian McEwan. "The Cement Garden" is considered by critics to be "Lord of the Flies"-like in its plot structure and because it contains young protagonists. But I must venture to say that it mostly resembles an early version of Bertolucci's "Dreamers" (of courseI dont read the works of a particular author in chronological order. If I want to sample an author, I go straight to his/her most famous work. If I like it, I read 2-3 more of his popular ones and if I still like them, thats the only time I go to his or her earlier works then probably do the reading chronologically. Of course, I am talking here of authors that have more than 5 works to their name and did not get international fame in their very first or only book. This is whats been happening
simple and very quick to read, finished this within a day and a half.I found it very difficult to know what to feel for the majority of the book - shock and disgust seem somewhat unwelcome considering the circumstances laid out early on. The implied incestuous activity between the siblings makes one both uncomfortable yet oddly sympathetic. it is not out of sexual attraction that these actions occur, but with the pure necessity of being wanted; being held - simple actions which cannot be
Well..! That was.. Hmm, weird? Yes, weird.And I'm not talking about that 'taboo' subject, that was actually not a focus in the book. Right? We just got glimpses but never full-on (view spoiler)[until the very last scene and even then it wasn't like graphic (hide spoiler)]The only thing I will say about this is it destroyed my appetite! I actually felt bile in my mouth. Not the taboo part but the (view spoiler)[burial and those cellar scenes. (hide spoiler)]It was a good thing the book was short
I'm not surprised that Goodreads recommends J.M. Coetzee to readers who enjoyed this, because my experience of J.M. Coetzee was similar to my experience with this book, which was "Yes, a very good writer but ewwwwwwww!"I have not read Ian McEwan before, and if all his books are like this, I'm unlikely to try him again. I don't mind a disturbing book with unlikable characters who do disgusting things, but you have to give some reason to want to keep reading besides just admiring how skillfully
Ugh, Ian's got me hooked on his expressive writing style. The kind that draws you into the book as if you were sitting next to the characters in their living room. Then, with your defenses down, he sucker punches you with the unspeakable!
Oh, this is a dark and troubling book, just my cup of tea. Some readers might get squeamish about the sexuality in the book, but I think innocence reigns in the end, in an unexpected and provocative way.
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