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Lessons

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Lessons

By: Ian McEwan
Narrated by: Simon McBurney
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About this listen

Brought to you by Penguin.

A mesmerising novel from Ian McEwan, the bestselling author of Atonement. The world is forever changing. But for so many of us, old wounds run deep. Lessons is an intimate yet universal story of love, regret and a restless search for answers.

While the world is still counting the cost of the Second World War and the Iron Curtain has descended, young Roland Baines's life is turned upside down. Stranded at boarding school, his vulnerability attracts his piano teacher, Miriam Cornell, leaving scars as well as a memory of love that will never fade.

Twenty-five years later, as the radiation from the Chernobyl disaster spreads across Europe, Roland's wife mysteriously vanishes and he is forced to confront the reality of his rootless existence and look for answers in his family history.

From the fall of the Berlin Wall to the Covid pandemic and climate change, Roland sometimes rides with the tide of history but more often struggles against it. Haunted by lost opportunities, he seeks solace through every possible means ­- literature, travel, friendship, drugs, politics, sex and love.

His journey raises important questions. Can we take full charge of the course of our lives without damage to others? How do global events beyond our control shape us and our memories? What role do chance and contingency play in our existence? And what can we learn from the traumas of the past?

©2022 Ian McEwan (P)2022 Penguin Audio
20th Century Family Life Genre Fiction Historical Fiction Literary Fiction Political World Literature Fiction Heartfelt Inspiring Thought-Provoking

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Critic reviews

"The supreme novelist of his generation." (Sunday Times)

"McEwan is one of the most accomplished craftsmen of plot and prose." (New York Times)

"A true master." (Daily Telegraph)

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Wonderful story telling. A raw and real account of a life; a life at one stage struggling and questioning but yet reaching a stage of fulfilment that only love, and close caring personal relationships, can result in. I loved this book with it's easy stroll through the years, from the fall of the Berlin Wall to the Pandemic and all the historical references. The tale of an individual's life sensitively told without been sentimental.

Ian McEwan at his best

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I found that the main protagonist, just marginally younger than I am, suffered so many familiar tensions and insecurities and regrets. It was a plot which expanded and became more meaningful as it progressed.

A fair summary of my own life span

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Ian McEwan at his very best. A brilliant story masterfully told and the reading was just right.

Brilliant

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Thoroughly captivating tale of an ordinary man’s life and loves, losses , regrets and ambitions. Ian McEwan at his consummate best. Characters to both admire and to despise, humour, tenderness, tragedy and all described in McEwan’s elegant prose. A delight from start to finish.

Fabulous story of a man’s life

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One of the best books I’ve ever read. It does help that the story is set in the country I live in during my lifespan. Nevertheless I think that even without that aspect the writing is beautiful, the insights illuminating. His best book.

Magnificent history of our times

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A thoughtful description of a life led by a man probably the same age as the author. It’s about how circumstance and choice are what makes us all who we are.

McEwan at his best

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1. Beautifully written & narrated - savouring every moment for as long as possible .

2. Only 4.5 hrs left to listen, remains addictive & enthralling .

3. Ended - addictive . BW

Had to & wanted to listen to every moment

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Gripping, but not in the way of a thriller! A v good read. The historical background to my own life.

The best so far

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I’m a bit of a fan of McEwan. This is no disappointment. You know how sometimes you don’t want a book to end? This is one of those for me. Some jaw-dropping moments along the way.

Well read and the voice works well across the time and characters.

Really enjoyed it. Thanks to all involved.

Wonderful!

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a wonderful book, moving, funny, beautiful characters . loved the narration. a book that will stay with me and I will think about.

a touching human story

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