Sweet Tooth

by Ian McEwan
Sweet Tooth cover
Good Books rating 4.42
Literary Fiction
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  • ID: 3142
  • Added: 2025-10-16
  • Updated: 2025-10-16
  • ISBN: 9780224097383
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 2012-01-01
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

Set against the backdrop of 1972 Britain, Sweet Tooth follows Serena Frome, a spy with a complicated past as a bishop's daughter. Her mission is to charm Tom Haley, a talented young writer, under the guise of literary patronage. As Serena becomes entangled in his life and work, she finds herself torn between her professional obligations and her growing feelings for him. The novel explores themes of trust, deception, and the personal cost of espionage. /n/n Serena's journey is one of self-discovery and moral dilemma, as she grapples with the consequences of her actions. The story delves into the psychological and emotional complexities of her undercover life, questioning the boundaries between truth and fiction. With a rich historical setting and a compelling narrative, Sweet Tooth is a tale of love, betrayal, and the search for identity.

Reviews
The New York Times · 2012-11-21
cheerful 4.75

The novel is praised for its cleverness and cheerfulness, making it one of McEwan's most enjoyable works.

The New York Times reviewer highlights Sweet Tooth as one of Ian McEwan's most cheerful and clever books. They appreciate the novel's smart and amusingly tricky narrative, which sets it apart from his other works. The reviewer enjoys the blend of wit and intelligence that McEwan brings to the story, making it a standout in his bibliography. This perspective emphasizes the novel's unique charm and the pleasure it brings to readers.

Quick quotes

    “Sweet Tooth” is extremely clever in both the British and American senses (smart as well as amusingly tricky).

    And his most cheerful book by far.

    Sweet Tooth is a fun novel to read, engrossing and thought-provoking.

The Guardian · Julie Myerson · 2012-09-01
enjoyable 4.50

The novel is initially preposterous but offers immense rewards for those who persist. The reviewer appreciates its playful structure and depth.

Julie Myerson from The Guardian finds that Sweet Tooth starts off in a way that might seem far-fetched, but the rewards for sticking with it are substantial. She highlights the novel's intricate, layered structure, comparing it to a Russian doll, which adds to its charm and depth. Myerson suggests that readers should give it a chance despite its initial oddities, as the payoff is well worth the journey. The book's cleverness and the way it unfolds make it a memorable read.

Quick quotes

    It may seem preposterous at first, but stick with this playful Russian doll of a novel and the rewards are immense.

    The novel is extremely clever in both the British and American senses (smart as well as amusingly tricky).

    Writers, spies, and a polite postmodern twist – Ian McEwan's new novel tries to have it all.

KevinfromCanada · KevinfromCanada · 2012-08-29
defensive 4.00

The reviewer feels that the book has been unfairly criticized for not being a typical spy novel and argues that it has its own unique strengths.

KevinfromCanada believes that Sweet Tooth has been subjected to overly harsh reviews, particularly from those expecting a traditional spy novel. They argue that the book's unique approach and strengths are often overlooked. KevinfromCanada appreciates the novel's ability to blend different genres and create a compelling narrative that stands on its own merits, rather than conforming to expectations. This perspective offers a fresh take on the book, highlighting its originality and the enjoyment it can provide.

Quick quotes

    The reviews have been too harsh, in my view.

    So many of them express disappointment that the book is not a good spy novel.

    It's the oldest tale of them all – a love story.

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