Author Guide: Ian McEwan

On the work of Ian McEwan...

The first time I read a McEwan novel, I felt nothing but betrayal and frustration. I was 17, just beginning to explore the vast landscape of literature, and I had no idea what I was getting myself into. For my coursework on unreliable narrators, I decided to compare Charles Dickens' Great Expectations with Ian McEwan's Atonement. I thought I had it all figured out—Pip was young and naive, and so was Briony. The parallels seemed perfect, and I was confident in my analysis. But then, out of nowhere, those final pages of Atonement hit me like a ton of bricks, turning everything upside down. At that moment, I swore off the book—and McEwan himself.

But I was young and naive just like Pip and Briony. I hadn’t yet learned to appreciate the complexities of literature or the genius of a truly skilled writer.

Fast forward to 2020: I decided to give McEwan another chance, this time with Saturday. To my surprise, I was thoroughly impressed. That initial spark led me to pick up another McEwan, and then another, until I found myself completely obsessed. Before I knew it, McEwan had dethroned Atwood as my favourite writer, and he still holds that top spot today, boasting an overall rating of 4.1 stars in my personal ranking.

Since then, I've revisited Atonement—a novel that, in my opinion, only gets better the second time around—and I absolutely adored it. Sure, Briony remains as frustrating as ever, but the novel undeniably deserves its place as one of McEwan's most celebrated works.

Despite the acclaim Atonement receives, I still don't see McEwan being recommended nearly as often as he should be. Maybe his themes resonate more with an older audience, or perhaps they tackle issues that might seem more appealing to male readers. But with this article, I hope to encourage a few younger readers like myself to dive into McEwan's body of work. Trust me, it's worth it.

Biography

Early in his career, McEwan quickly earned the nickname "Ian Macabre" for his dark, often unsettling themes, which were front and centre in his initial works. However, his works do become more nuanced and expansive as you make your way through them (if you’re going in chronological order. He transitioned from short stories to novels, exploring a broad spectrum of subjects with a level of precision and psychological insight that would become his trademark.

What sets McEwan apart from other authors, is his meticulous approach to research and his deep curiosity about science, politics, and the human condition. There is so much detail packed into each novel — you can truly see how much effort has been put in and how much he cares about what is being written. These interests consistently shine through in his work, where he masterfully intertwines complex themes with compelling narratives. This combination has solidified his reputation as one of the most respected and versatile authors of our time.

I have also found that McEwan doesn’t shy away from writing from the female perspective and when he does write from one he does pretty well! Let’s just say I have never found an issue with his portrayal of women — and I think that is a testament to the time and research McEwan puts into his writing itself.

In essence, Ian McEwan’s career is a testament to literary evolution. McEwan is not an author who is stagnant, despite being born in 1948, his writing changes as the world changes. From the early days of crafting dark, disquieting tales to producing mature, sophisticated novels that delve into the complexities of human experience, McEwan has continually defied easy categorisation. As someone who once claimed to dislike his work, only to later declare him my favourite author, I can confidently say that McEwan’s impact on literature—and on readers like me—is both profound and undeniable.

The Masterpieces 

Like I said, McEwan defies categorisation. There is a book out there for everyone. This guide will focus solely on his novels, but McEwan has also written plays and poems, and short story collections. From his first published to his most recent, I’ll explore each novel in chronological order. 

The Cement Garden (1978) 

My rating: 4.5/5

The Cement Garden is a dark, unsettling exploration of the human psyche that pulls no punches. McEwan tells the story of four siblings who, after the sudden death of their parents, decide to bury their mother in cement in the basement to avoid being separated by authorities. Left to their own devices, they spiral into a disturbing reality where social norms break down, and innocence decays. The novel dives deep into themes of isolation, death, and the collapse of family structure, leaving you both fascinated and deeply uncomfortable. It's a short but intense read that lingers long after the final page, showcasing McEwan's ability to craft psychological tension with stark, unflinching prose. This is a novel not for the faint of heart, but undeniably powerful in its execution.

This novella is deeply unsettling, pushing the boundaries of what’s comfortable and diving headfirst into the gruesome. It’s a powerful exploration of the critical role that parents—or any form of authority—play in our lives. The story echoes the chaotic descent into savagery seen in Lord of the Flies, but with a darker, more perverse twist that lingers long after you’ve finished reading.

I typically find novellas challenging, often feeling that they leave too much unsaid. However, this one defies that trend, packing a remarkable amount of depth into its brief pages. Every moment feels intentional, every detail meticulously crafted, leaving nothing lacking. 

This novella is not only a true masterpiece in its own right but also an extraordinary debut for Ian McEwan. It sets a high bar for the rest of his career. If you enjoy following an author’s work in chronological order, starting here will not disappoint. Instead, it will leave you eager to see where McEwan’s literary journey takes you next.

Read this if you liked: 

1. Lord of the Flies, William Golding

2. Lapnova, Ottessa Moshfegh

3. Bunny, Mona Awad