Published by Jonathan Cape, London; 1992. 8vo. 176pp. First edition, first impression. Condition: Fine/Fine
Bound in original black cloth boards with title in gilt to the spine. The biding is square and tight and in very smart condition with no marks or damage asides from a little bumping to the corners and spine ends. Inside, the pages are clean and bright, free from blemishes and wear. Indeed, the book appears unread and practically as new internally.
The book is housed in its original, first issue dust jacket. It is vibrant and bright and in lovely condition, with the original price of £13.99 to the front flap.
In all, this is a lovely example of this first edition of Ian McEwan's fifth novel. Based in the post Second World War era and looks at the effect of the Berlin wall in the late 1980s affected those who had once considered Communism to be the future for society. It follows a couple, June and Bernard, on their honeymoon travelling across Europe. They experience the after-effects of the war first hand and it deeply affects them. Following an encounter with two aggressive black dogs, an event that initiates a belief in God for June, whilst Bernard remained steadfastly atheist., their relationship deteriorates, as they remain married and in love but unable to reconcile their differing strong opinions on the existence of God. From that day forward. Despite a mixed reception from critics on publication, it is now considered a contemporary classic, and was shortlisted for the Man Booker prize.