Cover Image: The Cockroach

The Cockroach

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Member Reviews

I always find Ian McEwan’s novels enjoyable with a sharp commentary. In this case, the critique he is making of Brexit is very superficial.

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I see what he was trying to do, but this book just didn't do it for me. DNF, which is rare for me, it was wordy and boring.

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When a cockroach awakes to discover he is the British prime minister, he is initially put off by the prospect of slumming it as a human. But soon enough he is energized by the opportunity to lead the UK into a world-turned-upside-down policy of. "Reversalism," an absurd version of Brexit. McEwen takes shots at political subterfuge, dishonesty, and worse, finding time to wrap in relations with France and the U.S.. Though some of the particulars are distinctively British, it's easy enough to recognize the bad behavior. If anything, the author is too gentle. While Reversalism itself is clearly a ridiculous notion, much seems awfully close to reality, especially if you are American. The cockroach conceit is largely absent for much of the story, but thankfully McEwan wraps it up in the end. It's a fun diversion for readers who have had quite enough of the daily drumbeat of daffiness and will find solace in at least knowing others are as chagrined about the state of the world.

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This book was funny and very political in a sense. I gave it 4/5. Ian is a great story teller and wonderful author!

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