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Search - Atonement
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Book Description:
Ian McEwan's symphonic novel of love and war, childhood and class, guilt and forgiveness provides all the satisfaction of a brilliant narrative and the provocation we have come to expect from this master of English prose.
On a hot summer day in 1935, thirteen-year-old Briony Tallis witnesses a moments flirtation between her older sister, Cecilia, and Robbie Turner, the son of a servant and Cecilias childhood friend. But Brionys incomplete grasp of adult motivestogether with her precocious literary giftsbrings about a crime that will change all their lives. As it follows that crimes 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.
On a hot summer day in 1935, thirteen-year-old Briony Tallis witnesses a moments flirtation between her older sister, Cecilia, and Robbie Turner, the son of a servant and Cecilias childhood friend. But Brionys incomplete grasp of adult motivestogether with her precocious literary giftsbrings about a crime that will change all their lives. As it follows that crimes 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.
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Other Versions of this Book: Hardcover, Audio CD (Unabridged), Hardcover, Audio Cassette (Unabridged), Audio Cassette (Abridged), Audio CD (Abridged)
Top Member Reviews
Jessica M. (
11 member(s) found this review helpful.
I tried to read this book a few years ago, but I couldn't get into it. I must say, I'm glad I tried again. This time around, I couldn't put the book down. It's a beautifully written story, and the author perfectly captures the emotions of the characters and the moods of the situations. I can easily see why this was on Time magazine's list of 100 all-time novels. It was one of the best books I have read in a while. It's a captivating story and remarkably well-written. McEwan is a literary genius.
Matt B. (
9 member(s) found this review helpful.
In the first part, we are inside the head of a 13-year-old woman-child with introspective literary leanings. After that strange terrain, we guys find more recognizable ground: retreating with the British Army to Dunkirk and being strafed, scared, hungry, lonely. This part rocks. In the third part we witness the fall-out of a lie that changes the lives of everybody near its telling. Finally, in the last part, a short part, oh the irony. Each part has its own appeal since McEwan writes pretty and lucid prose, at a good pace, for thinking adults.
5 member(s) found this review helpful.
This is one of the best books that I have ever read.
Mr. McEwan's writing is incredible. His descriptions of places and characters put the reader right in the scene. The author squeezes out of us a whole range of emotions while reading this book. We go from love to hate to fear to hope and despair.
I can't wait to read his others.
Tracy T. (
5 member(s) found this review helpful.
I've just finished, and all I can say is... wow. Just wow. I stepped into this book (and the movie) knowing exactly what the ending was, but that didn't prepare me at all. Both movie and book made me cry about five times apiece. (Even on the second time I saw the movie.) You will genuinely feel for these characters-- you will hate Briony, you will empathize with Cecilia, but most of all, you will feel horrible for Robbie. Oh how I loved and pitied him! I credit Ian McEwan for giving a startlingly realistic depiction of the war and being able to evoke such human emotion. Read this book, or at the very least, see the movie. They're both excellent.
5 member(s) found this review helpful.
At first, this feels like one of those books that is well written, but somehow not entertaining enough. The insight into character is very true, very perceptive, but plot arrives at such a slow pace. And yet it's obviously very deliberate, very controlled writing. I enjoyed the old-fashioned character analysis and the way he handled the growing emotional connection between Cecelia and Robbie was beautiful. The way he made emotional catalysts equally as important as the physical to the plot line is quite remarkable. I think I liked the book--it's definitely one to contemplate more in the future. (They're making a movie of this soon and I honestly cannot imagine this will translate well to the screen--especially with the way it ends!)
Jennie B. (
4 member(s) found this review helpful.
Ultimately one of the best books I have ever read! Took a little while to get into and then the book just flies.
Kerry B. (
3 member(s) found this review helpful.
It is a quiet summer day in 1935 England. This otherwise peaceful day culminates in a single tragic event that entirely shapes the second part of the story. McEwan uses first half of book to describe this days happenings from many points of view. The replay of simple domestic activities through the eyes of one person after another slows the story at first. Story picks up intensity towards the end of part I.
The story is action filled WWII fiction in part II. The reason McEwan retells story from so many different points of view in part I becomes clear in last 50 pages. Recommended mostly for those who enjoy character driven fiction or European period writing.
Well written story, a Golden Globe winning film in 2007.
Kelly W. (
3 member(s) found this review helpful.
Once I got past the fist 90 pages, this book was absolutely wonderful. The setting up takes a while, but makes it so worth it because you can truly capture the mood of the characters. I could hardly put it down once I got into it.
Jo Anne C. (
3 member(s) found this review helpful.
A true masterpiece. Words can't do it justice. Truly captures an age in more ways than one. I was spellbound by this story from the first page, never knowing where it would take me, devouring every nuance, every breath the characters took, their very essences. I read it before I even knew a film was being made of it, and when I saw the film I was happy they had captured the spirit of the book, but no film will ever be able to portray everything that happens in this book.
Mary L. from PRATT, WV wrote on 9/16/2007...
3 member(s) found this review helpful.
Fantastic. He understands the psychology of his characters and gives great attention to detail.
Rate These Member Reviews
This is my all time favorite book. I found the characters fully fleshed and real. It took a bit to get through the beginning, but I was so happy that I did. It truly is all important and necessary, so if you're having trouble getting into the book I suggest you push yourself to do it. It's worth it. Ian McEwan is a modern master. A rare find.
I saw the movie first, then decided to read the book. I found the book to be very slow in the beginning and it struggled to keep my interest. But gradually it picked up until I found I didn't want to stop reading even though I knew how it ended. I enjoyed the book but I think I liked the movie better. Which is usually never the case.
Barb F. from SAINT LOUIS, MO wrote on 6/20/2008...Rather heavy - his writing is.....but at the same time, I like it.
I just could not get into it. It reminded me of the blah-blah-blah-ness of Middlesex and I didn't want to put myself through that again.
This book was horribly boring. I don't recommend.
I have to agree with firefly "This book was hard to get into. The author uses so much description that the plot gets lost at first. It does pick up as the book moves along, but it is still very, very descriptive. In the end, I can see why he wrote the way he did, but that doesn't mean the book improves in my estimation." Probably one of the 20 worst books I have ever read. 76 pages to get going, then it is only mildly interesting. Overall, persistence is the only reason I got through it. Ending is predictable, but equally lame. Got into a corner and did not know how to get out, so just erased the story.
Kathleen K. (I hated this book - my friend likened it to a 'literary m@sturb@tion' - he wrote it just to hear what he had to say.
Deborah F. from TAMPA, FL wrote on 5/24/2007...This book changed my life.
A lovely book. McEwan is a gited writer.