I enjoyed this tremendously....the first time, I think, that McEwan has written (intentionally) a genuinely funny novel. Some of the set pieces (the frozen 'object') - the packet of crisps incident - are as funny as anything in Kingsley Amis - and I mean that as a compliment. McEwan actually seems to be channeling a latterday Amis père in this book in his central character's world view, however there is, I perceive a serious substance to the story too. The characters are all well drawn - the serially randy Beard is particularly well done.
McEwan's observance of the New Mexico scene - with which I am well acquainted is spot-on as is the portrait of contemporary London.
Curiously, two intelligent women that I know, hated the book - but as I heard this second-hand I wasn't able to find out the reasons. Must have been Beard's behaviour.....