46 pages • 1 hour read
Saturday
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Book Brief
289
Novel • Fiction
London, England • 2000s
2005
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Saturday, a novel by Ian McEwan, follows a day in the life of Henry Perowne, a successful neurosurgeon in London, on February 15, 2003, amid anti-war demonstrations and the looming Iraq invasion. Henry's day unfolds with typical activities but takes a dark turn after a traffic accident with an unstable individual, leading to events that threaten his family's safety. Sensitive topics include depictions of violence and a home invasion.
Contemplative
Melancholic
Mysterious
Emotional
Unnerving
Reviews & Readership
73,477 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Saturday by Ian McEwan is praised for its meticulous prose and the psychological depth of its protagonist, effectively capturing a single, tense day in modern London. However, some critics find its pacing slow and certain plot points implausible. Overall, it is lauded for its exploration of the impact of global events on personal lives.
Who Should Read Saturday?
Readers who enjoy Saturday by Ian McEwan are typically drawn to introspective and character-driven narratives, often appreciating the existential and moral dilemmas faced by protagonists. Fans of McEwan’s sharp prose may also like Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Woolf and White Teeth by Zadie Smith for their similar deep dives into personal and societal complexities.
73,477 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
289
Novel • Fiction
London, England • 2000s
2005
Adult
18+ years
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