A masterful Ian McEwan explores the incredible fragility of existence, as he charts one hugely eventful day in the life of a middle-aged neurosurgeon.

Henry Perowne, a successful neurosurgeon, watches a plane - ablaze with fire like a meteor - arcing across the London dawn. His unease grows throughout the day as he moves amongst hundreds of thousands of anti-war protestors in the post-9/11 streets. A minor car accident leads to a meeting with Baxter, who to Perowne’s professional eye appears to be profoundly unwell. And when Baxter makes a sudden appearance at the Perowne family home all Henry’s earlier fears seem about to be realised…

Longlisted
The Man Booker Prize 2005
Published by
Jonathan Cape
Publication date

Buy the book

We benefit financially from any purchases you make when using the ‘Buy the book’ links.

Ian McEwan

Ian McEwan

About the Author

Ian McEwan, born in Aldershot, England, is a critically acclaimed author and winner of the 1998 Booker Prize
More about Ian McEwan

Other nominated books by Ian McEwan

On Chesil Beach
Atonement
Amsterdam
Prize winner
Black Dogs
The Comfort of Strangers