Friday 56 & #BookBeginnings: Amsterdam


Two former lovers of Molly Lane stood waiting outside the crematorium chapel with their backs to the February chill. It had all had been said before, but they said it again.
'She never knew what hit her.'
- p. 3

For Friday 56:
He turned back to the first, all other thoughts suddenly dispelled. Then he studied the second and third again, seeing them fully now and feeling waves of distinct responses: astonishment first, followed by a wild inward hilarity.
- p. 56



Synopsis of Amsterdam by Ian McEwanOn a chilly February day two old friends meet in the throng outside a crematorium to pay their last respects to Molly Lane. Both Clive Linley and Vernon Halliday had been Molly's lovers in the days before they reached their current eminence, Clive as Britain's most successful modern composer, Vernon as editor of the quality broadsheet, The Judge.Gorgeous, feisty Molly had had other lovers too, notably Julian Garmony, Foreign Secretary, a notorious right-winger tipped to be the next prime minister. In the days that follow Molly's funeral Clive and Vernon will make a pact that will have consequences neither has foreseen. Each will make a disastrous moral decision, their friendship will be tested to its limits and Julian Garmony will be fighting for his political life.


14 comments

  1. Replies
    1. I really enjoyed it ... it's one of those books that make you go AH!

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  2. I read this one a few months ago....definitely intriguing! Thanks for sharing, and here's mine: “WE ARE NOT OURSELVES”

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    1. Did you review it? I'd love to read it if you have!

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  3. Sounds like an interesting book. The opening definitely made me wonder what happened to Molly.
    Here's the link to my Friday post: A COLLIE RESCUE.

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  4. "Astonishment and hilarity" is interesting. He feels both almost at the same time.

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  5. I have yet to read any of McEwan's books.This sounds like an interesting one.

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  6. Amsterdam? well how can I not read it now ;)

    My BB &; 56

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  7. This book sounds excellent. Love the cover too.

    I haven't read anything by this author.

    Thanks for sharing. Happy Weekend.

    Elizabeth
    Silver's Reviews
    My Book Beginnings

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    Replies
    1. I loved Atonement and would recommend starting with that. But this one's really good too!

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  8. Both snippets pull you in. Would love to check this book out.

    Happy weekend!

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© guiltless readingMaira Gall