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Black Dogs

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Black Dogs

By: Ian McEwan
Narrated by: Philip Franks
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About this listen

In 1946, June and Bernard set off on their honeymoon. Fired by their ideals and passion for one another, they had planned an idyllic holiday, but in France they witness an event that alters the course of their lives entirely.

Forty years on, their son-in-law is trying to uncover the cause of their estrangement and is led back to this moment on honeymoon and an experience of such darkness it was to wrench the couple apart.

©2018 Ian McEwan (P)2018 Audible, Ltd Family Life Fiction Genre Fiction Historical Fiction Literary Fiction

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All stars
Most relevant
Through the narrative framework of Jeremy researching for a memoir of his estranged parents in law, Bernard and June Tremaine, McEwan's 1992 novel explores the dire situation in Europe, which is remarkably appropriate to now.

Bernard and June were committed communists but their separate intellectual development separated them. Through the disjointed account of the relationship between these two and of key events such as the fall of the Berlin Wall, and of the June's terrifying encounter with wild dogs on her honeymoon, McEwan presents an intellectual analysis of the rupture of Europe.

Although the characters are clearly explored through the decades, the most important element of the novel is intellectual and metaphorical, the current situation giving it extra bite.

Extremely well read.

Menace within Europe

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Liked the historical background. Especially the fall of the Berlin Wall from spectators viewpoint. Great Way of narrating complex issues

Moving back and forth in time

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A semi biographical book based on a life changing experience, it is both thought provoking and insightful. Well worth listening to, read splendidly by Philip Franks.

Black Dogs by Ian McEwen

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Quite a complex story so needs your full attention I found and speakers voice very staccato though I did eventually get use to it,

Attention

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I like McEwen’s stories. They are detailed and throw light on the human condition. This didn’t disappoint.

I did note some negative reviews but, for me, this is another compelling book.

Another fascinating listen

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