Excellent writer. A poignant piece telling of a virginal couple on their wedding night--one is anxious and feels failure, the other fighting a disgust of physical contact. This is a story that resonates with every reader, in that we see how lives were changed by 'a gesture not made or a word not spoken.'

RELEASE NOTES:

What a fun bookcrossing experience!

Arrived at Peet's earnestly scanning (trying to look casual) the outside tables for this book. I spotted a woman looking at 2 books with tell-tale yellow BC labels!

Engaging her in conversation, I learned she was trying to decide between the 2 books. I explained BookCrossing, how to journal, how much I enjoy this site - then we each happily chose a book! (hope the other gets journalled)

Thanks again, Tricie!

Oh my - I thought this was a gem of atmospheric/timepiece writing and poignant character insights! Maybe because I share the same time era, I could appreciate both the characters - their education, interests, & accomplishments; the genuine love and good will; their anxieties, inaccurate perceptions, and tragic miscommunication.

Reminded me somewhat of The Remains of the Day - in the restraint, good intentions missing the mark, love and possibilities lost...

Enjoyed - with sadness as well - outside on a beautiful day.
Planning to release at our local meetup - July 10 or August 14.

Received at tonight's meeting from JDT who assures me that this book is very different from the dark and disturbing "Amsterdam" by the same author.

Looking forward to reading this and giving it next month to Calif-Lover who wants it next.

A very honest look at that the most basic of human emotions and how two different people deal wish love and physical intimacy.

Bringing this to our monthly meetup and releasing it to Calif-Booklover.

So happy to have this book on my nightstand... I started reading it this past weekend and am already half way through. It is excellent writing, and it will be interesting to see where the plot goes. Thanks to all the readers who have preceded me on this book's journey, and especially BayAreaBookie for remembering how much I like Ian McEwan!

23 September: A wonderful, though sad, story. McEwan is a master craftsman, portraying characters with richness, painting their humanity. Prior reviewers have done a great job describing the plot, so I will just add my applause and urge others to read, feel and think... important lessons to be learned.

I released this book to fellow BCer pleasantread at a BC social event in Livermore, California.