This absolutely brilliant novel takes us from the end of World War II to the covid pandemic. Following the life of its protagonist, it captures parts of all our lives and helps us realize, as McEwan writes, that “life is messy.” Divorce, illness, death, world affairs, bad parents, good parents, the strengths and weaknesses of families guide us through the messy, but often rewarding, life Ian portrays. It is definitely a book for our times. Too bad he finished writing it before the war in Ukraine started. I can only imagine what he would have to say about it. Maybe next book.