Enduring Love
McEwan, Ian
The story begins on a windy spring day in the Chilterns when the calm, organized life of science writer Joe Rose is shattered when he witnesses a tragic accident: A balloon with a young boy trapped in it is tossed by the wind, and in an attempt to save the child, a man is killed. The afternoon, Joe reflects, could have ended in more tragedy but for his brief meeting with Jed Parry, who has joined Rose in helping to bring the balloon to safety.