Atonement
By Ian McEwan
- Release Date: 2002-03-12
- Genre: Literary Fiction
Description
NATIONAL BESTSELLER • A symphonic novel of love and war, childhood and class, guilt and forgiveness that provides all the satisfaction of a brilliant narrative and the provocation we have come to expect from the acclaimed Booker Prize–winning, internationally bestselling author.
On a hot summer day in 1935, thirteen-year-old Briony Tallis witnesses a moment’s flirtation between her older sister, Cecilia, and Robbie Turner, the son of a servant and Cecilia’s childhood friend. But Briony’s incomplete grasp of adult motives—together with her precocious literary gifts—brings about a crime that will change all their lives.
As it follows that crime’s repercussions through the chaos and carnage of World War II and into the close of the twentieth century, Atonement engages the reader on every conceivable level, with an ease and authority that mark it as a genuine masterpiece.
Don’t miss Ian McEwan’s new novel, Lessons.
Reviews
Meh
3By Claire FraenkelFirst part was so boring. Second part was interesting but depressing. Third part was interesting but annoying because the main character is an egomaniac jerk. Epilogue was eh. I still hate Briony because she doesn’t seem to change much. She goes from a kid who only sees the world revolving around her to an older almost-adult kid who’s ego is only a littler smaller. At least she learns what she did was wrong.Brattish
3By read1stPart 1, tedious, mostly about a 13 yro and could have been written by a 13 yro. Part 2, interesting, moving, I got absorbed in the details, did a different author come on board? Lastly London 1999, the same brattish 13 yro as an adult and still self centered. Atonement? Hardly! A sad story of one against whom a horrible crime was committed and justice never being pronounced on the culprit. Though supposedly inwardly there is remorse but I failed to see it. The author does display the self deception into which one can be immersed when one is totally self absorbed. For me, too much narrative, not enough dialogue.Fab
5By mrffy listensAt his very bestBriony’s novel
4By Trish42760From the beginning Briony was my least favorite of the characters in the book. I hated her complicity in the trials of Robbie and Cecelia. I did like the ending except for the realization that Robbie and Cecelia were both killed in 1940 and never able to realize their redemptive love. If, as Briony’s character stipulates the novel would not be as pleasing to the audience should she not create a different ending in the book to be published after her death, why does she not let us believe they had a happy life ever after? I hate creative license—I prefer novels to be tied up wth a big red bow of happiness!Atonement
5By axdrewAn absolute, beautiful read.Awesome
5By RacnicchaI was not looking forward to reading this because I was not a huge fan of the movie, and do not usually like romance-focused stories. However this book is far from just a romance, it is a very adventurous novel. I think people in the medical field, like myself, will especially enjoy it. It is now in my top 3 favorite books of all time.100 Words or Less
5By JRubinoOn a deeply personal level, this is an amazingly beautiful novel. The language and tone are perfect. The characters and settings are painted in vivid detail. And the emotional impact is devastating. I’ve been a McEwan fan for awhile, but this novel transcends with its overall scope of life and betrayal down to its moments of individual truth found in a simple sentence. This is exactly the type of novel that makes us all wish to be writers.Profound
5By Vienna MusikBrilliant novel by one of the greatest authors of our time. So powerful the ending will amaze you. Loved it so much purchased more of his works- I recommend them all!Great
5By Tiffers10705I watched the movie first but I still liked the book much better loved it good readAtonement
5By jjcamsSure Brilliance!
