Description

A brilliant, emotionally wrenching new novel from the author of Atonement and Amsterdam.

Fiona Maye, a leading High Court judge, renowned for her fierce intelligence and sensitivity is called on to try an urgent case. For religious reasons, a seventeen-year-old boy is refusing the medical treatment that could save his life. Time is running out.

She visits the boy in hospital – an encounter which stirs long-buried feelings in her and powerful new emotions in the boy. But it is Fiona who must ultimately decide whether he lives or dies and her judgement will have momentous consequences for them both.

Publisher Review

Here he is again: vulnerable, insightful, passionate and utterly in control. He's amazing. -- Robert Webb * Mail on Sunday * It asks fundamental questions in a sober, intelligent way about the choices we make and our blindness when it comes to our beliefs. -- Francois Ozon, film-maker * Observer * It's an enjoyable and often surprising novella. -- Charlotte Heathcote * Daily Express * One of my favourite authors... McEwan's fascination with judicial issues, with music and poetry, and with the moral conundrum of how far you place your religious beliefs above the life of someone you love, all feature in this book which will leave you thinking long after you have finished it. -- Frances Colville * Frost Magazine * One of our best authors at his best. -- Murray Neil * Hertfordshire Life * relevant, emotive, moving, this is beautifully written and a guaranteed page turner -- Matthew Smith * H Edition * Another beautifully written masterpiece * Beyond * A short novel that will linger in your mind for a long time * Woman's Weekly * A wonderfully readable and thought-provoking book -- Kathryn Atkins * Bristol Magazine *