My Purple Scented Novel was originally published by The New Yorker in 2016, and now released in print as a prettily bound short story (only 34 pages), to mark McEwan’s 70th birthday.

The story follows two artist friends, Parker and Jocelyn, who have led almost parallel lives of literary struggle and success. But with time comes resentment, and by old age neither reads the other’s books anymore and what was once healthy competition in their youth has descended into something darker.

For much of the story, our narrator, Parker, reminisces fondly about the past. But we learn early on that there is betrayal bubbling beneath the surface.

The writing-about-writing angle is nothing new, but McEwan’s whimsical, spirited style moves the story along. The world of publishing, as embodied by his characters, is pretentious and conceited, with success resting on reputation and endless marketing.

My Purple Scented Novel is bright and light – some of his earlier works earned him the name ‘Ian Macabre’. But it still bears his careful characterisation and restrained yet lively prose. It’s easily devoured on a short bus ride or over morning coffee.

Reviewed by Emma Harvey