Black Dogs is an engaging book that very intensely examines conflicts of world views and personalities non-chronologically across five decades. The most interesting thing about it is the complex narrative structure, as the story is told from the perspective of three people. The main narrator learns the story of his mother-in-law Jean shortly before her death, from various perspectives. Along with some interpolated stories along the way, a portrait is composed of Jean and her struggle to live a life with integrity. Central to her journey is the incident that gave rise to the book's title, during which she encountered two black dogs during a hike with her husband. The book is philosophical without being abstract, with strong characterization and vivid writing. The only other book I had read by McEwan is the booker-award winning novel Amsterdam, but I much preferred Black Dogs.
For an interesting overview of McEwan's writing byThe New Yorker, click here: http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2009/02/23/090223fa_fact_zalewski
For an interesting overview of McEwan's writing byThe New Yorker, click here: http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2009/02/23/090223fa_fact_zalewski
