Black Dogs
Black Dogs
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1992
Book Brief
176
Novel • Fiction
France • 1980s
1992
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Black Dogs by Ian McEwan is a fictional memoir narrated by Jeremy, who delves into the lives of his in-laws, Bernard and June, former British communists whose marriage falls apart due to ideological differences. Through their experiences after World War II and during the fall of the Berlin Wall, themes of love, faith, and political belief are explored. Jeremy grapples with their conflicting perspectives and seeks understanding. The book includes themes of war and the traumatic loss of family members.
Mysterious
Contemplative
Melancholic
Dark
Unnerving
Reviews & Readership
14,483 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Ian McEwan's Black Dogs has been acclaimed for its profound exploration of ideological conflicts and personal trauma, characterized by McEwan's masterful prose. However, some critics find its narrative structure and philosophical depth challenging. While the novel's reflections on history and memory are compelling, its dense thematic content may not appeal to all readers.
Who Should Read Black Dogs?
Readers who appreciate Black Dogs by Ian McEwan likely enjoy complex psychological narratives and philosophical inquiries. Fans of Graham Greene’s The End of the Affair and Julian Barnes’s The Sense of an Ending are drawn to its deep exploration of personal and historical trauma, as well as existential themes.
14,483 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
176
Novel • Fiction
France • 1980s
1992
Adult
18+ years
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