EN
Contemporary Fiction

The Children Act

Original titleeng. The Children Act · 2014
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Book Review

Ian McEwan's novel "The Children Act" has received high praise from critics for its in-depth exploration of moral and ethical issues related to children's rights and adult responsibilities. The main character, Judge Fiona Maye, faces a challenging case involving a minor Jehovah's Witness who refuses a life-saving blood transfusion for religious reasons. Critics note that McEwan masterfully conveys the heroine's internal struggles, her professional and personal dilemmas. The author raises questions about the boundaries of state intervention in private life and how the law can impact human destinies. McEwan's style, as always, is marked by precision and conciseness, allowing readers to delve deeper into the psychological aspects of the story. Some reviewers also emphasize that the novel prompts reflection on the complex relationships between reason and emotion, law and morality.

The Children Act
Date of publication: 22 January 2025
Last updated: 6 February 2025
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The Children Act
Author
Original titleeng. The Children Act · 2014