There are so many good books around at the moment - Ian McEwan is one of my favourite authors and The Children Act, his latest, is definitely one of them.
This short book (just over 200 pages) tells the story of Fiona Maye, a High Court judge in England. At a time of personal crisis and questioning she is called upon to intervene in the life or death case of seventeen year old Adam Henry, who is refusing critical medical treatment as it opposes the religious beliefs of himself and his parents. There is a mutual admiration and fascination between the two characters which in turn provokes unorthodox behavior on both parts...
As usual Mr McEwan has researched his subject brilliantly and there is not only an extremely well executed court scene, he also describes the day to day life of a Judge in Chambers in fascinating detail.
It is certainly a book that makes you think, there are lots of ideas slipped in here and there for you to ponder alongside the main plot and there's a very clever twist at the end.
The writing is very elegant, I don't think there is a wasted word or phrase. The characters are well drawn and there emotions are perfectly captured. I found it to be compelling and intense.
Recommended.
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