“A soul that will not be satisfied” — The problem of human restlessness

The novel 'Saturday' by Ian McEwan is set on February 15, 2003, and follows the day of Henry Perowne, a successful neurosurgeon in London. The story begins with Perowne witnessing a burning plane in the sky, which sets off a series of events filled with unease and reflection. As Perowne goes about his day, he encounters various challenges, including a minor car accident that leads to a confrontation with a thug named Baxter, and a family reunion that is interrupted by a terrifying visit. The novel explores themes of personal satisfaction, the fragility of happiness, and the impact of global events on individual lives. It is noted for its elegant prose, careful dissection of daily life, and interwoven themes, and it won the 2005 James Tait Black Memorial Prize for fiction.