Another tense book, almost claustrophobic at times. Colin and Mary are holidaying in Venice when they are befriended, pretty much against their will by Robert, a strange local. A book about love, relationships, manipulation and sacrifice. ( )

I read this after The Daydreamer, as I realised I haven't read any McEwan in a while. the concept behind this is very interesting, but its his 2nd novel, & McEwan is primarily a stlyist, which took time to mature. This cheese is not fedit enough. ( )

Meta-creepy. ( )

I really struggled with the rating on this book. On the one hand, I didn't like the story at all. On the other, the author didn't intend for readers to like the story and therefore was very effective. The writing is pure brilliance, without a doubt. However, I could have lived without the images that will now haunt the rest of my days for having read this book. If I were rating the book on enjoyment alone, the rating would be at least one star fewer. In the end, McEwan's mastery of the craft of writing won out for me, and I had to give it four stars. This is quite a compliment of McEwan's artistry, since writing seldom trumps enjoyment in my rating and reviewing. ( )

I don't think I can really rate this a 5 for at least another year. In a year will this novel still be creeping around under my skin, invading my thoughts and have me wondering why? I don't know for sure but I suspect it will. If you want to find the essence of suspense it's somewhere hidden in this very short but intense book.

It's a few months later and no, it wasn't that good. Actually it wasn't really profound at all. A good, but short read, changed my rating to 3. ( )