After reading Atonement, I couldn't wait to sit down with Mr. McEwan's newest book. This book from start to finish reads like someone resting on their laurels. The book has very little plot, and what little that there is, does not ring true. Most often this book seems like a platform for Mr. McEwan to opine on the War in Iraq and also to give his thoughts on humanity in general--oh the human race is cruel--that's original. Atonement could be slow, but was always worth reading on, this book took everything I had not to just put it down. I hope this isn't an indication of things to come from this author.