Amsterdam” by Ian McEwan, the author of “Atonement“:

The novel begins in a simple way, as two men attend their former lover’s funeral. She was a gorgeous woman called Molly, who had 3 ex-lovers.

Molly’s death makes both Vernon and Clive face moral choices. Ian McEwan writes how easily their “deep” friendship turns into ash, and how their moral choices make them turn against each other, without rushing through the plot. Throughout the book’s 160 pages, Ian McEwan does not show the slightest pity for his characters. His voice is monotonous from the first to the last page and shows no mercy.

McEwan discusses how innocent mistakes can ruin others, but there is no justice in this case, unlike in childhood fairytales. He does not explain what virtues and vices are. Virtue and vice do not seem very important, you just make decisions and face the consequences.

Two main characters from ‘Amsterdam’ , Vernon and Clive, proceed to Amsterdam to fulfil their pact. Amsterdam is a twisted tale with plain irony. You will have to face the cold and keen reality of what happens in this book and in the city of Amsterdam,.

Why “Amsterdam?” Read this book, trust me. You will either love it or hate it.

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