Download What We Can Know book pdf

Download What We Can Know book PDF Free by Ian McEwan

Ian McEwan's latest literary offering, 'What We Can Know', plunges readers into a thought-provoking narrative that masterfully intertwines climate fiction with a compelling literary mystery. Set against the backdrop of a future Earth significantly altered by environmental changes, this novel explores the enduring human quest for truth, the fallibility of memory, and the profound impact of our past decisions on future generations. It’s a richly textured story that asks profound questions about what we can truly ascertain across the vast expanse of time and societal shifts, making it a must-read for fans of speculative and philosophical fiction alike.

About the Author Ian McEwan

Ian McEwan is a celebrated British novelist, renowned for his distinctive prose and incisive explorations of complex human emotions and societal dilemmas. A recipient of numerous prestigious awards, including the Booker Prize for his novel 'Amsterdam', McEwan's impressive bibliography includes acclaimed works such as 'Atonement', 'Saturday', and 'Lessons'. His writing is consistently praised for its intellectual depth, psychological realism, and elegant style, firmly establishing him as one of the most significant voices in contemporary English literature.

What We Can Know Summary PDF

'What We Can Know' transports us to the year 2119, where a dramatically altered United Kingdom exists as a series of water-logged archipelagos, a stark consequence of rising seas and past environmental catastrophes. In this future world, scholar Tom Metcalfe dedicates his life to unearthing the mysteries of the past, particularly the elusive poem "A Corona for Vivien." This significant poem, penned by the renowned poet Francis Blundy in 2014 for his wife's birthday, was read aloud once and then vanished, becoming a subject of intense speculation and legend. Metcalfe's meticulous research into the poem and the lives of the Blundys serves as the central thread of this compelling literary mystery. As he delves deeper into the archives of a distant, more vibrant era, he confronts not only the challenges of historical reconstruction but also the inherent biases and gaps in our understanding of recorded history. The narrative artfully blends two timelines, revealing layers of entangled loves, secrets, and a brutal crime that challenge Metcalfe's perceptions and offer a poignant commentary on memory, truth, and what defines a meaningful legacy.

Frequently Asked Questions About What We Can Know

1. What genre is Ian McEwan's 'What We Can Know'?

   'What We Can Know' by Ian McEwan is primarily categorized as literary fiction, but it also seamlessly integrates elements of climate fiction and a gripping literary detective story. Reviewers have also described it as a philosophical novel and dystopian fiction.

2. When is 'What We Can Know' set?

   The novel is set almost a century in the future, in 2119, within a United Kingdom transformed into an archipelago by rising seas. However, it also frequently delves into events from 2014, bridging a vast historical gap.

3. What is the central mystery in 'What We Can Know'?

   The core mystery revolves around the disappearance of a poem titled "A Corona for Vivien," written by Francis Blundy in 2014. Its contents, and the circumstances of its vanishing, become the obsession of a future scholar, Tom Metcalfe.

4. What are the main themes explored in this new Ian McEwan book?

   The novel explores profound themes such as the nature of memory, the elusive quality of truth, the long-term consequences of climate change, the power of language, and the complexities of human relationships across time. It also touches on the meaning of history and legacy.

5. Is 'What We Can Know' considered a work of science fiction?

   Ian McEwan himself has described 'What We Can Know' as "science fiction 'without the science'," indicating its futuristic setting and speculative elements, but with a focus on human and philosophical inquiry rather than technological advancement. Critics classify it as climate fiction and dystopian fiction.