Ian McEwan is one of the most prolific and celebrated authors of our time. His novels have won numerous awards and have been adapted for film and television.
He is a master of psychological suspense and his work often explores the dark side of human nature.
In addition to being a successful novelist, McEwan is also a screenwriter and occasional journalist. He was born in England in 1948 and currently resides in London with his family.
Here are some recommended books by Ian McEwan
Ashenden by William Somerset Maugham
Ashenden is a novel by British author W. Somerset Maugham, first published in 1928.
The book is set during World War I and is about a British secret agent working in Switzerland.
Ashenden is a classic spy novel that has been praised for its realism and suspense.
Ashes and Sparks by Stephen Sedley
In his book, Ashes, and Sparks, Stephen Sedley offers a scathing critique of the British legal system.
Sedley, a retired Court of Appeal judge, argues that the system is “riddled with injustice” and has become “a tool of the powerful.”
He writes that Britain’s legal system is “incompatible with the values of a democratic society.”
The book has been praised by some as an “important contribution to the debate on the future of the British legal system.
Charles Dickens by Claire Tomalin
In her book, Claire Tomalin tells the story of one of the world’s most popular authors, Charles Dickens.
Dickens was born in 1812 in England, and his family was not wealthy. His father was a clerk in the navy pay office and his mother was a homemaker.
Dickens had a happy childhood until his father was sent to a debtors’ prison when Dickens was 12 years old. This experience had a profound effect on Dickens and shaped his view of social injustice.
Tomalin paints a vivid picture of Dickens’s life and work, from his early days as a journalist to his later years as a successful novelist.
She also discusses the personal tragedies that influenced his writing, including the death of his young daughter.
Dickens is best known for such classics as “Oliver Twist,” “A Christmas Carol,” and “Great Expectations.
Dubliners by James Joyce
Joyce’s Dubliners is a short story collection that follows the lives of Dublin’s working-class citizens. The stories are interconnected, and each one highlights a different aspect of life in Dublin.
Joyce uses simple language to paint a picture of the city and its people, and his stories have a universality that has made them some of the most loved and studied pieces of literature.
Hamlet by William Shakespeare
Hamlet, one of William Shakespeare’s most popular plays, tells the story of a young prince whose father is murdered.
Hamlet is torn between avenging his father’s death and following the orders of his mother and her new husband. The play is full of action, tragedy, and suspense.
Mullahs Without Mercy by Geoffrey Robertson
In his book, “Mullahs Without Mercy”, Geoffrey Robertson QC, one of the world’s leading human rights lawyers, argues that the current system of Sharia law is incompatible with international human rights standards.
Robertson contends that Sharia law, as it is currently practiced in many Muslim countries, discriminates against women and non-Muslims, and condones barbaric punishments such as stoning and flogging.
He argues that the only way to bring Sharia law into compliance with international human rights standards is to subject it to critical scrutiny and reform.
Robertson’s book is sure to stir up controversy and spark debate on this highly sensitive issue.
NW by Zadie Smith
Zadie Smith’s NW is a novel about the intersection of race, class, and gender in contemporary London.
The novel follows the lives of four friends who grew up in the working-class neighborhood of Willesden Green.
Smith expertly captures the complexities of her characters’ lives and the ways in which they are shaped by their social environment. NW is a powerful and timely novel that is sure to resonate with readers.
Selected Poems by James Fenton
James Fenton is widely considered one of the best living English poets. His Selected Poems, published in 2006, is a collection of some of his best work.
The book spans four decades of Fenton’s career, from his early poetry written while he was a student at Oxford, to his more recent work.
Fenton’s poetry is known for its wit and humor, as well as its political and social commentary. In Selected Poems, readers will find poems about love and loss, war and peace, and everything in between.
Whether you’re a fan of poetry or just looking to try something new, James Fenton’s Selected Poems is a great place to start.
The Dead by James Joyce
Joyce’s short story, “The Dead,” is widely considered to be one of the greatest pieces of literature ever written.
The story follows Gabriel Conroy as he attends a Christmas party thrown by his aunts. At the party, Gabriel is struck by the realization that his life is empty and meaningless.
This realization leads him to reflect on his own mortality and the death of his loved ones. “The Dead” is a powerful story about loss, grief, and the human condition. It is a must-read for anyone who loves great literature.
The Plays of William Shakespeare by William Shakespeare
William Shakespeare is one of the most well-known and respected authors of all time. His plays have been translated into over 50 languages and are still performed today, more than 400 years after his death.
Shakespeare wrote comedies, tragedies, and histories. Some of his most famous plays include Romeo and Juliet, Macbeth, and Hamlet. Shakespeare’s plays are still studied in schools and universities across the world.
His plays are timeless classics that continue to entertain and engage audiences centuries after they were first written. If you’re looking for a good book to read, why not try one of Shakespeare’s plays? You won’t be disappointed.
To the End of the Land by David Grossman
David Grossman’s To the End of the Land is a sweeping novel of love and loss, set against the backdrop of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Ora, a mother, and wife set out on a journey to walk the length of Israel, from north to south, in an attempt to escape the news that her son has been sent back into combat.
Accompanied by Avram, an old friend who is also haunted by his own demons, Ora slowly makes her way across a country that is both beautiful and brutal.
To the End of the Land is a masterfully written novel that explores the devastating effects of war on both individuals and families.
It is a raw and honest portrayal of how conflict can strip away everything we hold dear, leaving us with nothing but grief and regret.
Ulysses by James Joyce
James Joyce’s novel Ulysses is a modernist masterpiece and a landmark of literary history. The story follows the everyday lives of Dubliners Leopold Bloom and Stephen Dedalus, interweaving Stream of Consciousness narration with Homer’s Odyssey.
Ulysses was initially banned in the United States and the United Kingdom for its graphic depictions of sex and violence, but today it is hailed as one of the most important novels ever written.
Zero Degrees of Empathy by Simon Baron-Cohen
In his book Zero Degrees of Empathy, Simon Baron-Cohen explores the idea that empathy is the cornerstone of human connection.
He posits that without empathy, we are unable to understand or care about the experiences of others. This lack of empathy can lead to all sorts of problems in our relationships and in society at large.
Baron-Cohen argues that we all have different levels of empathy and that some people are more empathetic than others.
He also suggests that there are certain circumstances in which our capacity for empathy can be reduced.
For example, he argues that people who have been traumatized or who suffer from psychiatric conditions such as autism may have difficulty empathizing with others.
The book provides a detailed exploration of the concept of empathy and its importance in our lives.
A Man of Parts by David Lodge
The Gauntlet by Ronald Welch
Also Read: