In Ian McEwan's novel "Nutshell," the narrative revolves around the complexities of life and existence, emphasizing the importance of the present moment. The protagonist reflects on life’s realities and nuances, illustrating how we often become trapped in our aspirations for the future or regrets about the past. McEwan’s writing challenges readers to recognize that the ultimate truth of existence is that we are constantly in the now, regardless of our distractions.

This perspective invites introspection about how we experience life. By centering our awareness in the present, we can grasp the richness of our immediate circumstances. The notion that "it’s always now, always here" serves as a reminder to appreciate life’s fleeting moments and understand that our focus should be on the here and now, rather than an imagined future or a distant past.