Saturday

by Ian McEwan
Saturday cover
Good Books rating 3.33
Literary Fiction
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  • ID: 3139
  • Added: 2025-10-16
  • Updated: 2025-10-16
  • ISBN: 9780099469681
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 2006-01-01
  • Formats: 7
  • Reviews: 3

Henry Perowne, a successful neurosurgeon, wakes up on a seemingly ordinary Saturday with a growing sense of unease about the world's political climate and the impending war with Iraq. As he navigates through his day, his family life and the city of London become intertwined with his anxieties, creating a narrative that explores the intersection of personal and global events. Through Perowne's interactions with his wife, children, and even a chance encounter with a violent intruder, the novel delves into themes of mortality, the human condition, and the search for meaning in a world fraught with uncertainty. The story captures the essence of contemporary life in a way that is both intimate and universally resonant.

Reviews
Oceanwriter Reads · 2025-04-10
disappointing 2.00

The reviewer enjoys stream-of-consciousness stories but finds the main character dull and unengaging. The novel falls short of expectations.

This reviewer typically enjoys stream-of-consciousness narratives but found the protagonist of 'Saturday' to be painfully dull. They express disappointment with the character development, which they believe detracts from the overall reading experience. While they acknowledge the novel's potential, they feel it fails to deliver a compelling story due to the uninteresting main character. Their perspective highlights the importance of engaging characters in maintaining the reader's interest throughout the narrative.

Quick quotes

    I typically enjoy stream-of-consciousness stories, but not when the character is painfully dull.

    The main character's lack of depth makes the novel feel flat and unengaging.

    This book had so much potential, but the dull protagonist lets it down.

Free Range Reading · 2010-04-09
important 3.50

The novel is flawed but important, offering a unique exploration of post-9/11 trauma. It stands out for its ambitious themes despite its shortcomings.

This reviewer acknowledges that 'Saturday' has its flaws but still considers it an important novel. They appreciate the book's ambitious attempt to explore the trauma of the post-9/11 world, which they believe hasn't been fully captured in any other novel. While they note its imperfections, they think it's a significant work that contributes meaningfully to contemporary literature. The reviewer's perspective highlights the book's relevance and its bold approach to a complex subject matter.

Quick quotes

    Saturday is a flawed novel in many ways, but it is still an important one.

    There has yet to be a fully successful novel exploring the trauma of our post-9/11 world.

    It is a novel that demands attention and respect for its ambitious scope.

The Guardian · Tim Adams · 2005-01-30
dazzling 4.50

The novel is dazzling and explores society through a single day in a unique way. The reviewer finds it captivating and thought-provoking.

Tim Adams from The Guardian praises 'Saturday' as a dazzling novel that uses a single day to explore broader societal themes. They find the narrative captivating and the day depicted unlike any other Saturday. Adams appreciates McEwan's ability to weave a compelling story that invites readers to reflect on the complexities of modern life. Their review highlights the novel's sophistication and its ability to engage readers with its richly detailed and thought-provoking content.

Quick quotes

    Ian McEwan's dazzling novel takes just a single day to explore society itself.

    This is a Saturday like no other.

    It is a novel that invites reflection on the intricacies of modern life.

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