Between the Pages

This is the first Ian McEwan novel that I have ever read – probably not the last, as I did enjoy it despite thinking for the first 25 or so pages that it was not my kind of thing.

Joe Rose is a successful writer, in a happy relationship with his partner Clarissa. However, their lives change when one day they witness a horrific accident involving a hot air balloon, in which Joe intervenes to try and help. Jed Parry, another man who also tries to help becomes obsessed with Joe and starts stalking him, hanging out outside Joe’s home and writing him letters, convinced that his love for Joe is mutual.

The fallout from the accident and Joe’s increasing concern about Jed’s behaviour has an impact on Joe and Clarissa’s relationship, as both she and the reader start to wonder whether Joe – who also narrates the novel – is suffering from paranoia.

This is the stuff of fast paced psychological thrillers, but in fact this book does not fall neatly into that category. The pace of the story is at times quite slow, and Joe’s narration is verbose and intellectual. As mentioned above, when I first started reading it I did think this might not be one I would enjoy, but I am glad I stuck with it, because I did find myself getting drawn in. I could sympathise with Joe, although I never really warmed to him. There were some surprises along the way, but not the sort of ‘gotcha’ surprises or twists that some thrillers deliver (which is in no way a criticism). Overall an interesting read and one I would recommend.