How something can never be unsaid, how a young girl's projection on a situation can ruin lives. Class issues, WW2, writing, great themes for a really good read. ( )

I usually make a point of not seeing a movie before I get a chance to read the book, but the opposite is true for my experience with McEwan’s Atonement. I rented the movie last summer from Netflix and as soon as the movie ended, I stared at the blank screen for a moment, blinked a couple of times in wonderment, and then hit play and watched it in its entirety a second time. Needless to say, I was completely entranced with the storyline and the cinematography. All of this is to say that after having such a wonderful experience with the movie adaptation, I began to worry that I’d ruined the possibility of having a good reading experience with the novel. I find it difficult to read a book after I’ve seen the movie since I have so many preconceived notions of the characters’ appearance and eccentricities locked into my head visually.

Never fear. I loved the book just as much as the movie. I actually listened to this book, mostly while driving, and I’m quite lucky I didn’t wind up in a ditch somewhere due to my complete inattention to my surroundings. I became so wrapped up in the characters, the story, and the heart wrenching consequences of one thirteen-year-old’s misinterpretation of a number of events and a rash decision. This was my first foray into Ian McEwan’s writing and it definitely won’t be the last. I was mesmerized with his writing style. The characters, especially that of the young Briony, were so well-drawn. She is so frustratingly self-absorbed and narcissistic in the beginning of the novel, and her imaginative whims that so many young girls possess lead to such a catastrophic turn of events. I’ll say no more. You must read it for yourself.

I don’t often reread books anymore due to the sheer quantity of amazing novels out there that I must get my hands on, but I can definitely say this is a book I will revisit, perhaps a few times, in the future. ( )

This book was really great. McEwan is such a talented writer; by switching the vantage point throughout the novel I gained an amazingly complete picture of all the emotions and the complex relationship dimensions involved. Wow. I am constantly amazed by this guy. I can't wait to read more of his stuff! ( )

The start was a bit slow for my taste, but after that: impressive. First book of McEwan that I read and I am blown away. Psychological insights are very skillful. Story structure too: well crafted, but not predictable. I like the way the author played with my expectations; leading me one way and then making a sudden turn.

The book has a certain meta character (this is very popular nowadays it seems: "hey, this book is actually about this very book"). It is done in a very casual way, never appearing like a trick. Come to think of it, this is very much like the "found diaries" from the 19th century. ( )

A multi-layered novel that follows the different perspective of each character: Robbie, Cecilia, and Briony. Although Briony eventually atones for her false accusations, the reader feels for Cecilia and Robbie's lost love and misfortune.