First Love, Last Rites (English, Paperback, Ian McEwan)

The book is composed of eight short stories, starting from eight male perspectives at different stages of childhood, adolescence and youth, and using the experience of consciousness and subconsciousness as the revealing object. Sometimes it is absurd, sometimes sad, sometimes tender, sometimes shocking. Sometimes magic is infinitely close to the real, close to everyone’s heart.

McEwan has always been good at polishing dark subjects with cool and delicate brush strokes, giving it a sublime texture. Each of the eight stories is one facet of a black crystal prism, reflecting the various magical and nightmares that ordinary human nature may misunderstand in daily life. The boundary between the flat land and the abyss, life and death, real and fantasy, Lunchang and metamorphosis is as thin as a spider’s silk, and when you look at it, you may be surprised or inhaled, but at the same time, its magic is irresistible.

With such a short space, McEwan was surprised to emerge and conquered the literary world. Each of the recorded articles is a masterpiece and memorable. This book is the best entry point to read and understand this talented writer.

“First Love, Last Ritual” is McEwan’s debut and fame.