The Child in Time
The Child in Time
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1987
Book Brief
263
Novel • Fiction
England • 1980s
1987
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Child in Time by Ian McEwan follows Stephen, an "accidental" children's book author, whose life is shattered when his three-year-old daughter, Kate, is kidnapped while at the market. Overcome with grief, Stephen's marriage deteriorates as he becomes obsessed with finding her, leading to strained relationships and introspection on time and existence, culminating in a profound transformation.
Melancholic
Contemplative
Emotional
Mysterious
Bittersweet
Reviews & Readership
16,147 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Ian McEwan's The Child in Time is lauded for its emotional depth and exploration of loss and time. Reviews praise its poignant prose and complex characters. However, some critics find it overly melancholic and slow-paced. Overall, the novel is recognized for its literary merit and profound themes, though its somber tone might not appeal to all readers.
Who Should Read The Child in Time?
Readers who would enjoy The Child in Time by Ian McEwan are typically fans of literary fiction that delves into themes of loss, time, and the human condition. Comparable to those who appreciate Michael Cunningham's The Hours or Kazuo Ishiguro's The Remains of the Day, this audience values profound emotional depth and complex character studies.
16,147 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
263
Novel • Fiction
England • 1980s
1987
Adult
18+ years
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