The Children Act

Listening to 'The Children Act' is like being in the presence of a master craftsman. McEwan's storytelling is so tight, so controlled, that when he chooses to tug at your heartstrings, it's all the more powerful. The story of a judge who must decide the fate of a boy refusing life-saving treatment is a gripping premise, but it's the moral conundrums it raises that truly resonate. Duncan's narration is a perfect match for the material, her voice as measured and intelligent as Fiona herself. The pacing is flawless, building to a climax that's as satisfying as it is unexpected. My only critique? I wish it were longer. But then again, maybe McEwan's brevity is part of what makes this audiobook so distinctive and compelling.