The Cement Garden

by Ian McEwan
The Cement Garden cover
Good Books rating 4.1
Psychological Thriller, Mystery, Crime
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Paperback • £9.99
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  • ID: 3136
  • Added: 2025-10-16
  • Updated: 2025-12-30
  • ISBN: 9781409090052
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 2010-03-11
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 4

In the sweltering summer heat, four children—Jack, Julie, Sue, and Tom—are left to fend for themselves after the sudden loss of their parents. As they grapple with their newfound freedom, the boundaries of their world begin to blur, and their lives take a dark and twisted turn. The house, once a sanctuary, becomes a prison as the outside world closes in on them. /n/nThis chilling novel explores the fragile nature of innocence and the terrifying consequences of unchecked freedom. As the children's actions become increasingly desperate, the line between reality and fantasy begins to fade, leaving them trapped in a world of their own making.

Reviews
I Might Be Pedantic · 2018-11-16
admiring 4.20

The novel is admired for its restraint and the depth of its characters' motivations. The reviewer suggests it could be studied for its intricate backstory.

The reviewer admires McEwan's restraint in this novel, which allows for a deep exploration of the characters' motivations and backstory. They find the tale compelling and suggest that it could be studied extensively for its complexity. The novel's ability to hold the reader's attention is particularly noted.

Quick quotes

    You could study this book for ages, examining motivations, trying to establish backstory.

    Most of all, I admire McEwan's restraint.

    This tale is riveting and holds the reader's attention.

Postcards from Purgatory · Bethany · 2015-04-11
riveting 4.50

The novel is praised for its compact and riveting narrative, showcasing the author's evolving style. It is seen as a testament to the author's growth as a writer.

Bethany highlights the compact and riveting nature of 'The Cement Garden', noting that it is a testament to the author's growth as a writer. They appreciate the novel's ability to captivate readers with its intense and compelling narrative. The reviewer acknowledges that the author's less experienced style is evident, but this does not detract from the overall impact of the story. The novel is seen as a powerful exploration of complex themes, making it a memorable and thought-provoking read. The reviewer suggests that the novel's power lies in its ability to evoke strong emotions and provoke deep reflection on moral issues.

Quick quotes

    This is a short, compact, riveting novel.

    In some ways I was aware that the Ian McEwan who wrote this novel was less experienced than the Ian

    The universe conjured up by The Cement Garden feels almost unimaginably distant

Inverarity LiveJournal · Inverarity · 2013-12-10
disturbing 3.00

The novel is described as intense, disturbing, and yucky, written by a highly regarded author. The reviewer finds it to be a challenging and unsettling read.

Inverarity describes 'The Cement Garden' as an intense and disturbing novel that leaves a lasting impression. They acknowledge the author's reputation as one of the greatest living writers, which adds to the impact of the story. The reviewer finds the novel to be yucky, indicating that it is not for the faint-hearted. Despite its challenging themes, the novel is seen as a powerful exploration of human nature and the consequences of extreme situations. The reviewer appreciates the author's skill in creating a compelling and unsettling narrative.

Quick quotes

    Yeah. Eww. Verdict: The Cement Garden is intense, disturbing, and yucky.

    It's written by an author acknowledged as one of the greatest living

    This is a short, compact, riveting novel.

The Independent · 2012-07-12
masterful 4.70

The novel is described as a masterclass in clarity and precision. The reviewer appreciates the imperturbable authority of the author's voice.

The reviewer describes the novel as a masterclass in clarity and precision, with the author's imperturbable authority felt but not heard. They appreciate the teenage voice that carries the narrative, making it both compelling and authentic. The novel's ability to maintain clarity while dealing with complex themes is particularly noted.

Quick quotes

    The novel is a masterclass in clarity and precision; the imperturbable authority of the author is felt but not heard.

    The voice is all teenage, making it both compelling and authentic.

    The novel's ability to maintain clarity while dealing with complex themes is particularly noted.

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