I was intrigued by the premise of exploring binary opposite views of the world and hoped this book would cleverly dissect them and the reasons behind these views, depolarising them. These binary opposites were represented by June and Bernard, through whom McEwan seems to have done the opposite to what I had, perhaps naively, expected. Instead of cleverly and skilfully exploring these issues McEwan digs little farther than the surface and what we are left with is offensive and predictable dualism (a scientific male, an emotional female etc.) and no real conclusion or indeed thinking point to end on. The book is undeniably well written, but the plot or subject matter does not meet with the high standard of language or style. Structurally, some readers may find "Black Dogs" almost nauseating as we our thrown into chronological disorder, from decade to decade with little or no warning. McEwan's reputation as a master of suspense is upheld here but in vain, as the turning points and conclusions of the book are complete anti-climaxes. Not only may one feel they can't comprehend the significance of these events (because they are so menial or unrealistic), there is also the idea that McEwan perhaps had a deeper vision he has failed to communicate.