Contemporary Reads: Enduring Love

This 1997 novel by Ian McEwan has been remarked as having one of the most beautifully written opening chapters in contemporary literature. Enduring Love opens with a balloning tragic accident in which Oxford professor John Logan dies.

One of the men who tried to save him is science journalist Joe who had been out on a picnic with his partner Clarissa. Later that night at their London flat Joe receives a telephone call from Jed Parry who tells him that he loves him before Joes hangs up.

Soon, it will become apparent that Jed suffers from de Clérembault syndrome or erotomania. Jed starts to stalk Joe and sends him several letters. At first, Joe keeps all this to himself for a couple of days until he decides to confide in Clarissa. Clarissa dismisses Jed as a harmless crank. However, as Joe does some research into de Clémbrault he becomes very worried about his own safety as he learns that people who suffer that condition may appear harmless at the start they always reach a point when they become violent and dangerous. Joe's preocupation is construed by Clarissa as obsession and, as a result, their relationship suffers and she eventually moves into another bedroom.

Joe travels up to Oxford to visit John Logan's widow, Jean. She suspects her husband was having an affair as she found the contents of a picnic in his car. She makes Joe promise that he will talk to the other witnesses to try to find out is there was a woman with John although he himself does not remember seeing her.

Back in London, Joe tries to talk to the police who also dismiss the case as Jed has not at anytime made any threats. Finally, Jed hires someone to kill Joe at a restaurant where he is with Clarissa and her family. Even after this incident the police fails to act appropriately.

Joe is buying a gun for his own protection when he receives a telephone call from Jed who is holding Clarissa hostage at the flat. When Joes gets to the flat he shoots Jed and calls the police.

In the final chapter we learn that John Logan was not having an affair. He had simply given a lift to another professor and his young student lover who were to afraid to come forward as witnesses as they did not want their relationship to be made public.

Enduring Love is a compelling novel. The story is gripping the style - first person narration - draws you in from the first line. This is a joy to read.

Other books I have read by this author: Saturday, Atonement.