Lessons: McEwan’s epic explores what we learn as we move through life

Is it confidence or age that makes writers want to embark on a cradle-to-grave epic? To plot – and also, for such is life, to plod – through one individual’s existence, searching for meaning in headlines as well as whispers? While reading Lessons, I thought of a quote from the late cultural commentator and author Clive James: “Little books are the things to write at my age, I’ve decided. Avoid the big ones, go for ...