by Ian McEwan

Joe Rose and his girlfriend, Clarissa, whilst on a picnic in the Chilterns, witness a hot-air balloon out of control. Joe and four other men run to save the boy left in the balloon. The balloon surges upwards and the men let go apart from one who is carried high into the air before he falls and plunges to his death. Joe returns to his life as a rational, scientific professor but he constantly recalls the accident with feelings of self-reproach. Joe has to also deal with Jed Parry, one of the fellow rescuers, who becomes obsessed with Joe. Clarissa, however, believes that Jed is a figment of Joeís imagination.

Compelling suspense thriller: 3/5

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