logo

46 pages 1 hour read

Saturday

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2005

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Book Brief

logo
Ian McEwan

Saturday

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2005
Book Details
Pages

289

Format

Novel • Fiction

Period
Setting

London, England • 2000s

Theme
Publication Year

2005

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Roundup icon

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

3.9

73,477 ratings

60%

Loved it

27%

Mixed feelings

13%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

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 this

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.

3.9

73,477 ratings

60%

Loved it

27%

Mixed feelings

13%

Not a fan

Character List

Henry Perowne

A successful London neurosurgeon in his late forties, who relishes routine and rationality. He lives with his wife and son, enjoying a close-knit family life.

The novel’s complex antagonist who suffers from Huntington's Disease, leading to unpredictable behavior. He becomes fixated on Henry following a minor car accident.

Henry's daughter, an intelligent and independent young woman with a passion for poetry. She is encouraged by her grandfather and has secured a book deal.

Henry’s wife, a dedicated lawyer who balances her career with nurturing her family. She supports Henry, showing strength and resilience during the novel's tense moments.

Henry’s 18-year-old son, a free spirit who is passionate about music, particularly blues guitar. He is influenced by his grandfather and shares a youthful, artistic energy.

Henry’s father-in-law, a renowned poet who impacts his grandchildren’s lives. He is characterized by his intellectual prowess but struggles with alcohol misuse.

Book Details
Pages

289

Format

Novel • Fiction

Period
Setting

London, England • 2000s

Theme
Publication Year

2005

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Continue your reading experience

Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.