A book for anyone who had a childhood (The Child in Time - Ian McEwan)

Member Name: hulahoop

Product:	The Child in Time - Ian McEwan
Date:	19/09/00 (231 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: many

Disadvantages: not many

The main character of 'A child in time', a father, deals with the emotional consequences of the abduction of his daughter when she was under his supervision. A close affectionate family breaks down right from the beginning of the novel, and the girls dad discovers the importance of childhood and children as he starts to rebuild his life.

I do not have children, but was so struck by the enormous feelings of loss that the girls' parents endured. McEwan takes the reader on a bumpy emotional rollercoaster ride with the main character's life being overrun with references to children, even as his close friend, the publisher of his books for children, has an emotional breakdown due to his own childhood. The subject is explored in detail, amd with such sensitivity that any reader would be left with a distinct understanding of the concepts and issues raised.

This book combines humour with strong emotions, leaving the reader with a happy, but very unexpected ending, as well as questions about the missing girl. Somewhat removed from todays endless searches if children disappear, the feelings of loss seem unfair and are heightened by the mystery of it all.

In my opinion this book is well written and thought provoking. I found it very hard to put down because of the way that the characters lives are dealt with. The ending is not too sweet, and is consistent with the rest of the book.
All in all a good read.

Summary: