Ian McEwan Discusses Politics and Future in New Novel

Renowned British author Ian McEwan recently shared his thoughts on contemporary politics and societal anxieties during his appearances at literary festivals, including the Edinburgh International Book Festival. Reflecting on his experiences, McEwan expressed a profound sense of concern regarding global leadership and chaos. At 77 years old, he remains a pivotal figure in literature, drawing large audiences to his events, such as approximately 1,000 attendees in Edinburgh and 500 in Co Clare earlier this year.

Central to McEwan’s discussions is his new novel, What We Can Know, which is structured in two parts. The first part is set in the year 2122, featuring an academic named Tom Metcalfe who is on a quest to uncover a lost poem by the fictional poet Francis Blundy. The narrative begins with a dinner party in 2014, where Blundy reads “A Corona for Vivien,” a collection of sonnets, before presenting the only copy to his wife. The poem subsequently vanishes, and Metcalfe believes he holds the key to rediscovering it.

The second half of the novel, while intentionally undisclosed, underscores the stark contrast between perception and reality, aligning with the book’s title. Set against a backdrop of early-22nd-century Britain, McEwan uses the narrative to project various possibilities for the next century, ranging from the whimsical to the alarming. For instance, he imagines acorn coffee becoming a popular beverage while also depicting universities relocating their archives to higher ground amid rising sea levels. Although climate change plays a role, McEwan asserts that the narrative transcends this single issue, emphasizing a broader exploration of societal fears.

“I’ve been puzzling for years how we write a novel about climate change,” McEwan remarked. “People don’t need to be warned, because it’s already happening. Dystopias can cause false comfort.” He continues, “The only way I could see back into the subject was to write from the point of view of the future, looking back with anger and scorn but also with energy.”

The novel presents a world that views contemporary comforts with envy while grappling with the implications of historical actions. McEwan’s concerns extend deeply into the political realm. He stated, “I’ve been following politics for over 50 years, and I’ve never felt such anxiety about the chaos, the lack of leadership.” He pointed out the alarming proliferation of nuclear capabilities and the resurgence of tensions among nations, particularly noting the volatile relationship between India and Pakistan.

“Shortly after I finished the final proofread of this novel, India and Pakistan were at it again – two nations armed to the teeth with nuclear weapons,” he said. “It’s an open question whether we get through the 21st century without an exchange of [nuclear] weapons.”

As McEwan digests the current political landscape, he reflects on the unpredictable nature of leadership, particularly in the United States. “Every day from that direction there’s something that shocks me profoundly,” he noted, specifically referencing Donald Trump’s unexpected praise for the leader of North Korea.

While some may argue that perceptions of world decline are exaggerated with age, McEwan remains cautious. He acknowledged the importance of self-skepticism and historical awareness. “Kermode’s point was that we want to make sense of our lives, and it doesn’t suit us to think we were born in the middle of things and we’re going to die in the middle of things,” he explained. “But I can’t shrug it off. I think there’s a sense that we’re somewhat out of control.”

Despite the novel’s unsettling themes, McEwan maintains a glimmer of hope. The narrative suggests that humanity has the capacity to endure and rebuild, even in the face of collapse. “Each time we fail or calamities overwhelm us, we will come back from a slightly higher place,” he writes.

Within the book, McEwan also explores personal losses, particularly through a character suffering from advanced Alzheimer’s disease. He draws from personal experience, having witnessed the impact of dementia on family members and friends. “If you watch someone slowly lose their memory, and therefore their identity, you have a really close analogy of how important it is to have some historical sense,” he said.

As What We Can Know delves into complex themes, it also touches on the significance of education in a democratic society. McEwan expressed concern that those with minimal education may be more susceptible to manipulation, stating, “You do need some historical sense. You do need to understand how we might be wrong about things.”

Despite the challenges presented by today’s world, McEwan remains an optimist regarding the future of literature. “We haven’t bettered the novel yet,” he remarked, countering claims about diminishing attention spans. He believes that engaging with a novel provides meaningful connection, regardless of the distractions of modern life.

As he concludes his reflections, McEwan emphasizes the enduring value of storytelling in navigating both personal and societal complexities. What We Can Know is set to be published by Jonathan Cape, further solidifying McEwan’s legacy as a significant voice in contemporary literature.