46 pages • 1 hour read
Lessons
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Book Brief
448
Novel • Fiction
London, England • 1980s
2022
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In Ian McEwan's novel Lessons, Roland Baines, a single parent in London in 1986, reflects on the impact of being sexually assaulted by his piano teacher, Miriam Cornell, when he was 11, and how his wife, Alissa, recently leaving him has affected his life. The narrative intertwines his current experiences with flashbacks, exploring Roland’s life up until 2022. The book depicts a non-consensual sexual and romantic relationship between a minor and an adult.
Melancholic
Bittersweet
Contemplative
Nostalgic
Emotional
Reviews & Readership
39,746 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Lessons by Ian McEwan masterfully intertwines personal and historical narratives, showcasing his adept storytelling. Positive reviews highlight its rich character development and profound themes, but some critics find it excessively detailed and slow-paced. Overall, it's a thought-provoking read that requires patience to fully appreciate.
Who Should Read Lessons?
Readers who appreciate multifaceted character studies and enjoy narratives spanning decades will find much to savor in McEwan's Lessons. Comparable to Julian Barnes' The Sense of an Ending and Ian McEwan's own Atonement, this book appeals to those who relish introspective explorations of personal and historical complexities.
39,746 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Alissa Eberhardt
Alissa Eberhardt
Alissa is a writer and Roland’s ex-wife, known for having left her family to pursue a successful career as a novelist, which brings her both acclaim and personal isolation.
Miriam Cornell
Miriam Cornell
Miriam Cornell is Roland’s former piano teacher, whose inappropriate relationship with him as a minor plays a critical role in shaping his early life and psychological development.
448
Novel • Fiction
London, England • 1980s
2022
Adult
18+ years
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