"Nutshell" is a 2016 novel by Ian McEwan. The book is a contemporary retelling of Shakespeare's "Hamlet," narrated by a fetus still in his mother's womb. The novel is a unique and inventive exploration of the human condition, from the perspective of an unborn child.
The story takes place in modern-day London, where the fetus listens to his mother, Trudy, and her lover, Claude, plot to murder the fetus's father, John Cairncross. Trudy and Claude are having an affair, and they want to inherit John's wealth. The fetus is trapped inside his mother's womb, unable to intervene in the plot, but he can hear and understand everything that's happening.
As the plot unfolds, the fetus becomes increasingly aware of the world outside his mother's womb. He listens to audiobooks and podcasts and develops a strong sense of intellectual curiosity. He also becomes increasingly concerned for his father's safety, as he realizes that Trudy and Claude's plan is nearing completion.
Despite being a fetus, the narrator of "Nutshell" is an intelligent, articulate, and philosophical character. He contemplates life, death, and the human experience from his unique perspective, providing readers with a fascinating and thought-provoking look at the world.
The novel has been praised for its inventive and creative narrative structure, as well as its engaging characters and witty dialogue. "Nutshell" is a powerful and compelling novel that explores themes of love, betrayal, and the human condition, from a wholly unexpected perspective.
