Part of a series designed to guide high school or undergraduate students, and that could also be used for book groups, this volume provides an excellent introduction to McEwan and the novel. The plot, characters, and reception of the novel and the film are described, as is the relation of this book to McEwan's other works. A helpful bibliography, including a list of interviews with McEwan, conclude the book. Discussion questions are provided; the volume is not indexed. Annotation ©2010 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)