This week I read one of the most troubling books I have ever read. Its scenes troubled me as much if not more than scenes from the writings of Shirley Jackson and Edgar Allan Poe.

I do want to write about McEwan’s The Cement Garden but I need some time to settle (bad pun, given the plot of this narrative).

I am used to the depravity and violence in Cormac McCarthy’s books, but the level of grossness in The Cement Garden is, I truly hope, more imagined than real.

If there are families like this about, be vigilant. Be more than vigilant. Be suspicious.

*I left my thoughts on goodreads here:

https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/45478217-jon-pirtle