Super Short Summary

Amsterdam by Ian McEwan is a darkly satirical thriller that follows two friends, composer Clive Linley and news editor Vernon Halliday, who make a pact to euthanize each other if either falls terminally ill. Their friendship deteriorates after a dispute over publishing compromising photos of British foreign secretary Julian Garmony, leading each to plot the other's murder, resulting in tragic consequences. The book addresses themes such as morality, revenge, and the impact of sensational journalism and includes sensitive topics such as terminal illness, unethical behavior, and sexual identity exposure.