Ian McEwan's ATONEMENT is a masterpiece; over the course of approximately sixty years, switching from various time periods and moods of the life of three characters--Briony Tallis, Cecilia Tallis, and Robbie Turner--he explores the consequences of a childish misunderstanding. When she is thirteen years old, Briony witnesses a moment's flirtation between Cecilia and Robbie, who works for the Tallis family. Later, when she catches the two in a compromising position in the library, her mind begins to decipher the moment according to her own provocative interpretations. Her interpretation evolves into a horrid crime, which takes all three on a journey during which Briony seeks atonement, but is threatened by World War II and other misfortunes. Powerful, personal, and magical, the novel is a masterful celebration of the triumphs and trials of writing, love, and childhood.

This book is for all mature readers interested in a piece of prose that takes their breaths away; McEwan's novel is a classic.

In ATONEMENT, I especially liked the prose, the writing itself--the vivid descriptions, the characterization, the setting, the plot--all added to a rare reading experience.

Personally, I didn't enjoy, at short moments, the length of the chapters as they stretched through long periods of events that I didn't necessarily see making a large impact on the characters.

When I finished reading this book, I wanted to, first, cry; second, reread it from the first page; and, third, write.

This book made me feel proud to be a writer, but also definitely disheartened by McEwan's mastery; it additionally made me look forward to falling in love, as it can obviously expand over time.

Ian McEwan

1-It is a perfect example of grand writing.
2-The plot line and the characters are entertaining, as any piece of writing ought to be.

There is no reason not to read this novel.

The book is currently a major motion picture, also called ATONEMENT, and I recommend seeing it as well, as it was a fine portrayal--in regards to a movie's potential--of the novel.

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Created Jan 03, 2008 at 8:53pm • Submit your own review...