Plot Summary

The Children Act

Ian McEwan
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The Children Act

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2014

Book Brief

Ian McEwan

The Children Act

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2014
Book Details
Pages

240

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

London, England • Contemporary

Publication Year

2014

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

The Children Act by Ian McEwan centers on Fiona Maye, a respected family law judge in London whose marriage is falling apart when she takes on the case of Adam, a young Jehovah’s Witness with leukemia whose parents refuse a life-saving blood transfusion based on their beliefs; meeting Adam profoundly impacts Fiona as her professional decisions and personal life increasingly intersect. Topics in the book include illness, religious conflict, and marital strife.

Contemplative

Emotional

Melancholic

Challenging

Bittersweet

Reviews & Readership

3.8

104,434 ratings

65%

Loved it

25%

Mixed feelings

9%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Ian McEwan's The Children Act is praised for its compelling narrative and intricate exploration of moral and legal dilemmas. Many appreciate McEwan's meticulous prose and emotional depth. However, some critics find the protagonist's emotional journey underdeveloped and the plot occasionally contrived. Overall, it is a thought-provoking read that balances intellect and empathy.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Children Act?

A reader who enjoys The Children Act by Ian McEwan is likely drawn to literary fiction that delves into ethical dilemmas, complex characters, and legal drama. Fans of My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult or Atonement, also by McEwan, will appreciate the moral conflicts and emotional depth explored in this novel.

3.8

104,434 ratings

65%

Loved it

25%

Mixed feelings

9%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

240

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

London, England • Contemporary

Publication Year

2014

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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