Bleak as ever, McEwan is at his most autobiographical in 'Lessons'

'Lessons' isn't only McEwan's arguably most personal work so far, but also much more extensive. Photo: Penguin

The topics are weighty: Sexual abuse, the contradiction between art and life and the impact of global catastrophes on everyday lives. The latest from British author Ian McEwan casts a wide net.

Sex, passion and death have always played a major role in the works of British novelist Ian McEwan.