The Bookclub meeting in Waterstones Ballymena will be meeting at the start of November to discuss a bestseller by Ian McEwan. The Writer of novels such as Atonement and On Chesil Beach released a short novel entitled The Children Act earlier this year. Like his other bestsellers The Children Act has shot to the top of the charts and has also provoked lots of discussion and argument. What is causing all the fuss, take a look below.
Fiona Maye is a leading High Court judge, presiding over cases in the family court. She is renowned for her fierce intelligence, exactitude and sensitivity. But her professional success belies private sorrow and domestic strife. There is the lingering regret of her childlessness, and now, her marriage of thirty years is in crisis.
At the same time, she is called on to try an urgent case: for religious reasons, a beautiful seventeen-year-old boy, Adam, is refusing the medical treatment that could save his life, and his devout parents share his wishes. Time is running out.
Should the secular court overrule sincerely held faith? In the course of reaching a decision Fiona visits Adam in hospital – an encounter which stirs long-buried feelings in her and powerful new emotions in the boy. Her judgment has momentous consequences for them both.
This is a novel which is as thought provoking as it is beautifully written. A difficult and fascinating look at the law, faith and family – we cant wait to meet up and talk about all of the details.
Last month all the bookclub members unanimously agreed that they loved Octobers bookclub choice. We would heartily recommend that you pick up We have always lived in a castle by Shirley Jackson – it is a gothic, creepy book which you won’t be able to put down. It is perfect for these dark evenings.
