This book examines Ian McEwan’s ability to discern in his writing sentiments that easily resonate with musicians, explores the value of music in exhibiting McEwan’s views on the world, and presents his perspective on religion’s role within society.

The majority of characters in Ian McEwan’s novels are educated members of the middle class, but without any great private financial means and certainly no great affluence. Despite different occupations, whether scientist (Solar), musician (On Chesil Beach, Amsterdam) or surgeon (Saturday), they are faced with moral, ethical, religious and personal dilemmas that bear resonance to a contemporary audience.

McEwan’s ability to discern sentiments that easily resonate with musicians place his contribution to the field of music and literature studies in a singular position among living writers discussing classical music in Britain. This book provokes questions for those who encounter these areas for the first time in McEwan’s writings, and it offers a place of sustained enquiry for those who have experienced these fields first-hand, whether as listeners, performers, congregants, audience members or scholars across literary, musical or ecclesiastical fields. Iain Quinn’s book will be of interest to scholars and students of contemporary British literature, as well as those interested in words and music studies more generally.