Book of a lifetime: The Cement Garden by Ian McEwan

In the mid-1970s, Ian McEwan's literary reputation was solidified when his short story collection, First Love, Last Rites, was banned at a school due to its controversial content. The headmistress's decision to censor the book only fueled students' curiosity, prompting them to seek out McEwan's works, including his subsequent novel. This novel, The Cement Garden, is set in a dilapidated suburban environment and delves into the lives of four children who face the harrowing reality of being orphaned. To avoid being placed in care, they make the shocking decision to bury their mother in cement in their basement. The narrative unfolds through the perspective of the eldest sibling, Julie, who takes charge amidst the chaos. McEwan's writing style is characterized by clarity and precision, effectively conveying the emotional turmoil and moral complexities faced by the characters. The story's exploration of taboo subjects, such as incest, alongside its ordinary setting, challenges conventional literary norms. For many readers, including one who kept their hardback copy close throughout their life, McEwan's work resonates deeply, transforming their understanding of literature and its potential to reflect the darker aspects of human experience.