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The Children Act
- Narrated by: Lindsay Duncan
- Length: 6 hrs and 15 mins
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The Children Act
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Summary
Fiona Maye is a leading High Court judge, presiding over cases in the family court. She is renowned for her fierce intelligence, exactitude and sensitivity. But her professional success belies private sorrow and domestic strife. There is the lingering regret of her childlessness, and now her marriage of 30 years is in crisis. At the same time, she is called on to try an urgent case: for religious reasons, a beautiful 17-year-old boy, Adam, is refusing the medical treatment that could save his life, and his devout parents share his wishes. Time is running out. Should the secular court overrule sincerely held faith? In the course of reaching a decision Fiona visits Adam in hospital - an encounter which stirs long-buried feelings in her and powerful new emotions in the boy. Her judgment has momentous consequences for them both.
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What listeners say about The Children Act
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Amazon Customer
- 26-04-16
Excellent
Thoroughly enjoyable read. Gripping narrative. Raises interesting dilemmas that challenges your own thinking. Ian McEwan at his best. This book is a must read!
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4 people found this helpful
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- Cole
- 26-03-15
Interesting
Interesting book beautifully written. The voice used to depict the boy was distracting as it was far too childish and therefore the wrongness of the attraction was more evident.
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2 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- SJC
- 26-08-18
Mesmerising
This is a super narration by Lindsay Duncan. Set aside the 6 hours to listen in one go! Every word written and then spoken with precision.
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Sue
- 07-08-15
One of the best McEwan novels
Ian McEwan's amazing story - beautifully written. Narrator perfect. I have recommended this book to my book group.
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2 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Caroline B
- 01-03-15
Superb
If you like this author already this is the usual superb writing but rather poignant and moving. Beautifully observed as always.
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2 people found this helpful
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Overall3 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story3 out of 5 stars
- greyhound
- 30-08-15
Not sure where this was going!
I was never sure where this was going and I don't think he author knew some of the time. Rambling on and almost a series of short stories with no gap in between.
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2 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- ammee
- 14-01-23
loved it!!!!
I’m a medical student and this book gave me so much insight. I couldn’t stop listening!
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- Annie
- 25-02-20
The Children Act.
We meet, Fiona, a High Court judge, on a night when a sudden gulf opens up in her marriage. Her husband leaves the marital home, to go to his mistress. On the same night she gets a call about an urgent case.
A seventeen-year-old boy, a Jehovah’s Witness, is refusing treatment that necessitates a blood transfusion.
During the case she visits him in hospital. There is a connection between the two & she returns to court with her judgement. Should he have this blood transfusion?
It is an interesting build up to the plot & the conclusion to which we are led.
There was just something, a ‘je ne sais quois,’ missing for me.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- M. Clark
- 10-09-14
A KIND NARRATIVE
If you could sum up The Children Act in three words, what would they be?
Fascinating, thought provoking.
What other book might you compare The Children Act to, and why?
Apple Tree Yard, only because it deals with a professional woman, who outwardly has her life under tight control.
Have you listened to any of Lindsay Duncan’s other performances? How does this one compare?
Lindsay Duncan is perfect although when portraying a 17 year old she is a touch patronising.
If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?
Who judges the judges?
Any additional comments?
McEwan always educates with his books and this is another example of exceptional writing along with scrupulous research. I think Ian McEwan must be a kind and thoughtful man.
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10 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
- Ms. C. L. Vane
- 08-05-15
Breathtaking
This is a complex wonderful read that explores ageing, childlessness, the price of a career, religion and the challenge of playing the piano really well
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3 people found this helpful