Ian McEwan
Like Ian McEwan’s other books, it seems that just one small event can cause a person’s whole world to come undone. Henry Perowne, a neurosurgeon, and an extremely analytical and thoughtful person, is planning a Saturday that involves playing squash, visiting his mother, and cooking dinner for his family. The day begins benignly enough until Henry has a minor car accident that leaves a small scratch on his car, and takes off the side mirror of the other car. This small event, which in most cases would be resolved by an exchange of names and insurance cards, brings Henry into the world of three young street thugs. Henry’s usually very calculated and planned life is turned upside down by this accident, both through his thoughts and through the extent someone will go to maintain their pride.