IAN McEWAN
Act is complex novel dealing with many issues. Fiona Maye, a 59-year-old High Court judge, faces one of the most complex decisions of her career; a hospital petitions against Jehovah’s Witness parents who refuse a life-saving blood transfusion for their 17-year-old son. Adam Henry and his parents believe that the Bible expressly forbids “mixing your own blood with the blood of an animal or another human being.” As a judge, she prides herself on bringing “reasonableness to hopeless situations.” But she is going through a personal crisis. Her husband told her her he wants to have an affair. “I need it. I’m fifty-nine. This is my last shot. I love you, but before I drop dead, I want one big passionate affair.” She goes to see Adam in the hospital and finds a bright, creative and sensitive young man. He reads her some of his poetry. He play the violin and she sing to his music. Then she must decide whether to override his parents wishes and force a transfusion on this young man or let him die.
Well worth the read.
