The Children Act

by Ian McEwan
The Children Act cover
Good Books rating 4.0
Literary Fiction
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  • ID: 3143
  • Added: 2025-10-16
  • Updated: 2025-10-16
  • ISBN: 9780099599647
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 2015-04-01
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

Fiona Maye, a renowned High Court judge, is known for her intelligence and sensitivity in presiding over family court cases. However, her professional success masks deep personal struggles, including the sorrow of childlessness and a crumbling marriage. When she is called to rule on a case involving a devout seventeen-year-old boy who refuses life-saving medical treatment for religious reasons, she must navigate the complexities of faith, law, and personal conviction. Her decision has profound consequences, not only for the boy but also for her own life. As Fiona visits Adam in the hospital, their encounter stirs long-buried emotions in her and awakens powerful new feelings in him. The case forces her to confront her own beliefs and the ethical dilemmas of her profession. The Children Act is a poignant exploration of the intersections between personal and professional lives, faith and reason, and the weight of judicial decisions.

Reviews
Julia's Books · Julia · 2019-01-24
affecting 4.00

The novel is both touching and deeply affecting, exploring one woman's internal struggles and the nature of human relationships. It is seen as a profound and emotionally resonant work.

Julia finds the novel to be both touching and deeply affecting, as it delves into the internal struggles of its protagonist and the complexities of human relationships. She appreciates the emotional depth and resonance of the story, which goes beyond a simple legal drama to explore themes of love, marriage, and personal identity. The reviewer is particularly moved by the way McEwan portrays the character's journey, making it a memorable and impactful read.

Quick quotes

    This is both a touching and deeply affecting novel about one woman's internal struggles and about human relationships in general and the nature of marital love.

    It is a profound and emotionally resonant work.

    The reviewer is particularly moved by the way McEwan portrays the character's journey.

Postcards from Purgatory · Bethany · 2014-11-03
compelling 3.50

The novel is described as a slow, tidy, and compelling study of an aging family court judge, with a focus on her personal and professional challenges. It is seen as a well-crafted and engaging exploration of complex themes.

Bethany describes the novel as a slow, tidy, and compelling study of an aging family court judge, Fiona Maye. She appreciates the way the story balances Fiona's professional duties with her personal life, creating a nuanced and engaging narrative. The reviewer finds the exploration of complex themes such as medical ethics and personal relationships to be well-crafted and thought-provoking, making it a compelling read.

Quick quotes

    This novel is a slow, tidy, and compelling third-person-limited study of an aging family court judge.

    Fiona Maye's job requires her to make difficult decisions that have profound implications.

    The exploration of complex themes such as medical ethics and personal relationships is well-crafted and thought-provoking.

The Guardian · 2014-09-06
masterly 4.50

The novel is praised for its masterly balance between research and imagination, making it one of McEwan's best works since On Chesil Beach. It is seen as a deeply moving and thought-provoking exploration of moral and ethical dilemmas.

The reviewer highlights the novel's masterful blend of research and imagination, which creates a deeply moving and thought-provoking narrative. They believe this book stands out among McEwan's recent works, offering a profound exploration of moral and ethical dilemmas through the lens of a high court judge. The story is not just about legal decisions but also delves into personal and emotional struggles, making it a compelling read.

Quick quotes

    A masterly balance between research and imagination.

    Ian McEwan's 13th novel, about a beleaguered high court judge, is his best since On Chesil Beach.

    It is a deeply moving and thought-provoking exploration of moral and ethical dilemmas.

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