Helpful Score: 23
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.
Helpful Score: 16
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.
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.
Helpful Score: 13
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.
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.
Helpful Score: 13
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.
Helpful Score: 13
I only wish I could call this book an easy read. To me, Atonement was a struggle, only because I knew such an emotional book could only end in heartbreak. I found Atonement hauntingly beautiful, and though I finished it three or four days ago, I find myself constantly thinking about the questions the book raises. My first Ian Mcewan, but definitely not my last. I am also planning on reading No Time For Romance, by Lucilla Andrews, whom Mcewan borrowed from to bring Atonement together.
Helpful Score: 10
I wanted to like this book (purchased it to read before I saw the movie). Parts of it were good, but overall, it just didn't provide any satisfaction. The themes were interesting ones, but the characters just never resonated with me. I felt like I struggled too much to "wade" through it. Just a nitpicky thing, but I got distracted several times by odd punctuation in the use of commas. At times it seemed well-written with lovely prose, but overall I have to say I didn't care for the book.
Helpful Score: 10
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!)
Helpful Score: 9
Not sure about this book. It received so much hype that I feel a little disappointed. The beginning part of the book rambles on about the youngest of the girl's and sets the stage for her accusation. Although this set the stage for her over-active imagination, I felt that this was much too long and I lost interest numerous times. The book did hold interest at certain points but would then turn around to the drawn out portions. It seemed very detail oriented about things that were not major events in the story. Glad I finished it and was kinda OK but took a while to get through.
Helpful Score: 8
Wonderful book, if you can get through it. It is quite slow, especially at the beginning. But do push through--you'll be rewarded!
As much as this book is called a "love story," romance is merely a vehicle to get at the novel's bigger themes: family, mistakes, the written word, (self) forgiveness. A must read!
As much as this book is called a "love story," romance is merely a vehicle to get at the novel's bigger themes: family, mistakes, the written word, (self) forgiveness. A must read!
Helpful Score: 8
Fantastic. He understands the psychology of his characters and gives great attention to detail.
Helpful Score: 8
Ultimately one of the best books I have ever read! Took a little while to get into and then the book just flies.
Helpful Score: 7
I was really set on reading this book. The beginning was slow, it definitely was hard to get into.. but once it picked up. It was a great novel. the fact that someones world can be turned upside just because of another persons view of an encounter.
Helpful Score: 6
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.
Helpful Score: 6
I can't decide whether I liked this book or didn't. The language is very flowery - so much so that you can skim entire pages and not miss what's going on. It was very easy to put down, but I was compelled to finish it. The story seems a little improbable - I understand that it was a different time, but I can't imagine the police taking the word of a child over the victim herself (who was unsure), and without investigating further. Some of the imagery is pretty stunning, and it was a good story, but probably not one I would re-read, or go out of my way to recommend. It reminded me of a play - not necessarily a bad thing. It would translate well to the theatre. Maybe I'm in a minority in my opinion about the brilliance of this book, but I was very lukewarm on it.
Helpful Score: 5
This book won rave reviews for its literary style. The story takes place in Three sections with an Epilogue. It is slow moving in some places, but looking back it is fascinating to put all the pieces together from the author's viewpoint once it is complete.
The historical slant is also interesting as we see the war in Europe from differing perspectives. I believe the author has achieved something unusual in putting himself in the place of a 13 year old girl and moving us forward with the story.
I found it hard to get into and slow in some places, but very fast moving in others. I can see why it was made into a movie (which I understand is pretty faithful to the book) and also why Mr. Mcewan was acclaimed.
The historical slant is also interesting as we see the war in Europe from differing perspectives. I believe the author has achieved something unusual in putting himself in the place of a 13 year old girl and moving us forward with the story.
I found it hard to get into and slow in some places, but very fast moving in others. I can see why it was made into a movie (which I understand is pretty faithful to the book) and also why Mr. Mcewan was acclaimed.
Helpful Score: 5
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. It is a good story - very emotional once it gets going, with a plot twist or two that really do add depth. I'm glad I read it, but I can't say I recommend it.
Helpful Score: 5
Clever indeed! The author patiently sculpted the narrative with beautiful imagery and sensual artistry on an English estate. I found it to be purposeful, from cover to cover. It stands out as a significant work of art compared to contemporary literature which is mostly superficial. There are penetrating themes that lie beneath the story lines: shame, guilt, cognitive development, truth, perception, social class, forbidden love, and more. I will savor this novel for years to come.
Helpful Score: 4
Beautiful novel of love, loss and regret. McEwan is a master at setting tone. Pace maybe slow for some, but that is exactly his intent, especially in the first part, to build suspense and conflict. Highly recommend this book for excellent writing and interesting characters.
Helpful Score: 4
This book was beautifully written, I just couldn't get into the story. I'm not sure why, it just never pulled me in.
Helpful Score: 4
Meh. Is the best work I could come up with. Atonement in my opinion wasn't fantastic and it wasn't horrible. I've read worse books, but I've definitely read better. The book was better than the movie I thought as there's a lot of thought and inner monologue going on which the movie has a harder time capturing. So if you are debating between the two, my recommendation would be to read the book. The story is very saddening, disappointing, and in general a downer. Just a fair warning
This is a hugely incredible book, but not for everyone. Many people I know who saw the movie first did not like the book. I love both the book and the movie. Atonement is deep and multi-layered, and is not light reading. Interestingly, readers come away with different impressions of the resolution of the story. Most of McEwan's work is too creepy for my taste, but this is one of my favorite books ever. I've read it several times, and each time something new is revealed.
Helpful Score: 3
what an exquisite book. Lush and detailed, this story follows the lives of a family in turmoil after a young girl mistakes the flirtations between her sister and the gardner as a crime. As she names the accused her actions haunt her for the rest of her life.
There are moments in this book where the descriptions of what was happening literally made me cry. McEwan's ability to describe another's thoughts and feelings leave you with a complete understanding of everyone's motives. The ending is haunting, leaving you to wonder what might have been.
There are moments in this book where the descriptions of what was happening literally made me cry. McEwan's ability to describe another's thoughts and feelings leave you with a complete understanding of everyone's motives. The ending is haunting, leaving you to wonder what might have been.
Helpful Score: 3
The fluid, intellectual writing of Ian McEwan, which drives a superb and deeply-felt plot, makes "Atonement" a must-read for any person. I could hardly believe the book was written recently - it feels as though the author wrote it while living the life presented in the book himself! A human tale of mistakes, jealousy, true love, and the way in which we enter into these emotions and how we deal with them later, written in a period-exact style. I absolutely recommend this astonishing book - DO read it. You will recognize many of the inner turmoils of the characters and will more-than-likely be thinking of this book long after you finish it the first time. The movie is wonderful, too!
Helpful Score: 3
I could not get past page 48 in this book and many of my book club felt the same way. His writing style is very descriptive, but to the point of stalling the action of the book. Sorry, but I have to say I hated this book and will NEVER read another book by this author.
Helpful Score: 3
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.
Helpful Score: 3
with all books that have been turned into movies...i must say DO NOT watch the movie first. always read the book...it was beautiful. much more in depth, obviously, than the movie, and more touching.
Helpful Score: 3
A VERY slow go in the beginning, but fortunately picks up in the middle. If you are the type that likes Jane Austen's books more than the movie versions, read this book. If you like the movie versions better, maybe watch the movie instead. Can't say I've ever read a book quite like this one before. Saying anymore would probably give away too much, which is probably reason enough to read it.
Helpful Score: 3
Basically, there were only about 100 pages of this book that I really enjoyed.
I felt that the first 100 pages could probably have been summed up in about 10 pages. I had to push through them, and I only did that because I've heard other people say the first part of this book can drag on.
I thought the author was WAY too wordy and descriptive. Descriptions are great, but I don't need full descriptions of every single little detail of everything throughout the entire book. It actually got to be annoying towards the end. There were times when I realized that I'd read at least 5 pages, and the story had gone nowhere because all I had read were pointless details (in my opinion).
It's not a bad book, and I did like parts of it, but for me, the parts I didn't enjoy outnumbered the parts I did enjoy.
I felt that the first 100 pages could probably have been summed up in about 10 pages. I had to push through them, and I only did that because I've heard other people say the first part of this book can drag on.
I thought the author was WAY too wordy and descriptive. Descriptions are great, but I don't need full descriptions of every single little detail of everything throughout the entire book. It actually got to be annoying towards the end. There were times when I realized that I'd read at least 5 pages, and the story had gone nowhere because all I had read were pointless details (in my opinion).
It's not a bad book, and I did like parts of it, but for me, the parts I didn't enjoy outnumbered the parts I did enjoy.
Helpful Score: 3
Good plot ideas, but I wasn't a huge fan of the writing style. I honestly only finished it because I hate to leave books unfinished. There were few places where I was so engrossed that I couldn't stop reading. Most of the time I was just reading for the sake of finishing. The last chapter may well have been my favorite.
Helpful Score: 2
This is one of those books that you remember for a long time. A 13-year-old girl witnesses an act and constructs her own immature interpretation of it, with disastrous consequences for one man. As she matures, she realizes her error and tries to atone for it by becoming a nurse in wartime. The opening section is a bit slow at times, but the rest of the book is a real page-turner.
Helpful Score: 2
I was really surprised at how much I disliked this book. It's one of those rarities where the movie was more enjoyable to me than the book. I couldn't even finish it because it just dragged on and on and the author was so redundant about the little girl and her fixation on her writings that it just bored me to tears.
Helpful Score: 2
This book was beauitfully written. It was haunting yet sad in some parts. I agree with other ratings that this story carries with you days, weeks and in my case months later. I love this book and look forward in reading more by this great author.
Helpful Score: 2
Just finished this book for my book club. I found it very boring. Very long verbous paragraphs. I will say the last third of the book is much better than the early portion. I didn't find the characters interesting. The war scences were good. Wouldn't recommend it to anyone.
Helpful Score: 2
This book is beautifully written. Like some others have said, it is a little slow in parts, but it's done for effect. The story is heartbreaking and really makes you feel for all of the main characters.
Helpful Score: 2
Beautifully written study of how personal interpretations can color how we tell a story.
Helpful Score: 2
I really wish I'd read the book before seeing the movie... The book is devastatingly beautiful, and it really sticks with you long after you've finished.
Helpful Score: 2
This book was a great book for a book club. Lots of discussion especially about the second part of the story. The first part, told by a young girl, kind of drags but it really picks up in the second part and makes the story very readable.
Helpful Score: 2
This is a beautifully written book. Throughout the whole, despite the constant change in point of view, I found the details rich and the prose extraordinary. I could feel the heat of the day, the silk of the dress, everything.
It is not a fast read, but instead one to be enjoyed languidly and at leisure.
It is not a fast read, but instead one to be enjoyed languidly and at leisure.
Helpful Score: 2
McEwan's writing style held little appeal for me. I much preferred the movie as it was not as bogged down...
Helpful Score: 2
When I first started reading this book I thought the author was using too many words and not saying anything. It took awhile to get into. I've read books that use less words to say more. Overall it was a good story. However, I'm not in a hurry to read other books by this author.
Helpful Score: 2
This book reminded me of looking at a very beautiful painting - rich, descriptive language, but not a lot happens, and what does happen is in the imagination of one despicable little girl. I don't want to ruin the ending, but it's really not worth getting that far in the book anyway.
Helpful Score: 1
Symphonic novel of love and war, childhood and class, guilt and forgiveness -- brilliant
Helpful Score: 1
What a lovely read. That said i must also say, What a sad and frustrating read. Sad, because as children, things can be said and done that they have no idea of what will happen because of their words or deeds. Frustrating because i wanted evrything to turn out differently. I do realize in life this does not happen the way we want all so often. I must also tell you that i saw the movie, it was wonderful, but the book is always better. This is a deep novel and will leave you almost breathless. One i really would read again and again, as there is alot to pick up each time the book is opened.
Helpful Score: 1
We read this in an AAUW book club. Great discussion! How a child's lie can change the lives of many people.
Helpful Score: 1
The first half and the last half of this book were absorbing, but the middle section where Robbie Turner goes away to fight in the war seemed out of place and a bit drawn out.
Really wonderful. This is one of the few books in recent years that I have read multiple times. McEwan creates characters very well; he does particularly well at creating believable children.
Helpful Score: 1
One of the best books I have read in a long time. Memorable story and characters.
Helpful Score: 1
Very moving story, very sad though. But beautifully written, I couldn't put it down.
Helpful Score: 1
Be prepared for an all-nighter! Impossible to put down.
Helpful Score: 1
This is one of the best books I've read in a long time. I sat down and read it front to back without moving much -- I highly recommend it to anybody, and I cannot wait for the movie to come out very soon!
Helpful Score: 1
Well written novel about the devastating consequences of a well intentioned action. It takes a few chapters to get engrossed, but then I couldn't put it down.
Helpful Score: 1
The story was interesting enough that it held my interest, but I wouldn't say it was one of the best books I've ever read. The story itself is very good, but there were parts when I think I just glazed over what was going on. Certain areas of the story I figured out long before they were revealed. Both my sister and brother-in-law tried to read the book, but neither got through it. Having said all that, I would not, however, recommend the book to a friend - the story is very slow moving.
Helpful Score: 1
This book was horribly boring. I don't recommend.
Helpful Score: 1
Very good book, definitely worthwhile to read.
Helpful Score: 1
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.
Helpful Score: 1
Enjoyed this story, the first of his I've read, and can't wait to see the movie. It's about a brattie girl who makes up a story about her sister and her sister's boyfriend, and the life changing course that this "rumor" causes. Shows her growing up and facing the mistakes she has made.
Helpful Score: 1
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.
Atonement is set in 1935, when 13-year-old Briony Tallis is a girl on the cusp of womanhood. Based on events she sees but doesn't quite understand, she becomes the reason an innocent man, (Robbie, her older sister's beau) is convicted of a crime that occurred on her family's estate. Years later during World War II, Briony is trying to atone for her guilt by working as a nurse tending to the mountainous piles of wounded that are arriving from Dunkirk, where Robbie himself is fighting. This is the faint outline of a novel about childhood, love, and war by acclaimed British novelist Ian McEwan that has garnered high praise from all quarters. The New York Times calls Atonement "his most complete and compassionate work to date." FROM ReviewsofBooks.com
Helpful Score: 1
I wasnt quite sure if I liked this or not when I finished it. I rented the movie
( and the movie was actually better than book surprisingly) and gained a much bigger appreciation for the book. The story itself is very good but the writing is a little drab. And I couldnt help but strongly dislike Briony, the main character.
( and the movie was actually better than book surprisingly) and gained a much bigger appreciation for the book. The story itself is very good but the writing is a little drab. And I couldnt help but strongly dislike Briony, the main character.
Helpful Score: 1
A wonderful, fully developed story & great depth of characters. Parts of it are almost mysterious & haunting. A great story about love & betrayal.
Helpful Score: 1
The story is good, but sad. A tragic love story! A story of two people in love and not being able to be together. Torn apart by being falsely accused of a crime. And a little girl who has to live the rest of her life feeling guilty for something she did.
I enjoyed the story, but didn't actually care for the author, Ian McEwan. He goes on and on, page after page describing one scene and I felt like "get on with it already, I get the picture!" I, personally, just didn't care for his style of writing.
I actually enjoyed the movie better, however, the book did help me to understand a lot of things in the movie that would have been confusing if I had not of read it. I do suggest reading the book first.
I enjoyed the story, but didn't actually care for the author, Ian McEwan. He goes on and on, page after page describing one scene and I felt like "get on with it already, I get the picture!" I, personally, just didn't care for his style of writing.
I actually enjoyed the movie better, however, the book did help me to understand a lot of things in the movie that would have been confusing if I had not of read it. I do suggest reading the book first.
Helpful Score: 1
I found the writing style a bit overdone, too descriptive, and it caused my interest to wane. The story is probably a good one, but I couldn't get past the sometimes elaborate verbiage.
Helpful Score: 1
Very very good. It had a great story line and came full circle at the end.
Helpful Score: 1
This book (and subsequent movie)received so much hype that I feel a little disappointed when I was reading it. The author just is so OVER detailed and just rambles on and on about that I had a VERY difficult time getting interested and staying interested, that I found myself skimming a lot of the time. Towards the end, it did get a wee bit better and I was beginning to be able to read and imagine and retain what was actually happening. I am one to not stop reading a book ... but I came VERY close several times. I haven't seen the movie, but I think that this might be one of those rare exceptions where the movie is better than the book.
Helpful Score: 1
After 1/4 of the way through, I just couldn't do it. It dragged so much. Whine whine whine
Helpful Score: 1
I was haunted by this book. I loved it. It left me feeling a bit empty after finishing it, because I did not want it to end.
Helpful Score: 1
Good story and good writting
Helpful Score: 1
Familiar-type storyline. It was okay but I felt the writing boggs down with too much descriptive narrative. However, there is an interesting twist at end.
Helpful Score: 1
There were a lot of things I liked about this book; not the least was how the author drew believable characters and gave me so many reasons to identify with each one. Young Briony, who loses herself in her fantasies, writing stories and plays to impress her family, particularly her older brother. And her later experiences as a trainee nurse, writing in her her journal every day as the only way to preserve her individuality in her institutionalized life. Her older sister Cecilia, agonizing over the few choices an independent woman has in 1930's Britain after college. Robbie trying to understand where his relationship with the child Briony went wrong. Somehow, McEwan turns what might have been a mundane tale in another writer's hands into a page turner. His writing is smooth, detailed and evocative, but never feels overwritten. he painstakingly constructs the viewpoints of various characters and de-constructs many miscommunications. He keeps the drama taught--Briony witnesses a sexual assault and fingers a family friend as the perpetrator--yet keeps the right amount of humor present, such as when Robbie sends the *wrong* love note to Cecilia. Only the ending felt a bit out of place and contrived, if unexpected. Highly recommended.
Helpful Score: 1
A very detailed and realistic account of (almost) every day life in 30's England which turns very surreal.
Helpful Score: 1
This was an amazing novel. I watched the movie and fell in love with it, and sought the book to get more info and just to read the original story. It was impossible for me to put this book down very long! I knew how most of the story was supposed to go and got a lot of details for these scenes, and much more. The ending was very different from the one in the film, although there are still some points in common. I cannot possibly recommend this book enough. It is a favorite and one of the most poignantly beautiful novels I have ever read.
Helpful Score: 1
One of the best books I've ever read. On a dark, pre-WW II night at a wealthy English family's estate, a pre-teen girl's jealousy of her older sister spurs her to make a shocking accusation, an accusation that in the end, along with the coming war, will forever alter the life of her sister and the man she loves. As the young girl grows and eventually nurses soldiers at a London hospital, she must come to grips with what she has done.
Helpful Score: 1
My bookclub had a good discussion w/ this book. Spooky ending.
Helpful Score: 1
I have tried to read this book several time and just couldn't get "into" it. A friend said that it doesn't get interesting until after the first few chapters.
Helpful Score: 1
I'm not a fan of Ian McEwan. No matter how many of his books I try to read I can't seem to get through them. The stories are inventive but he just gets so bogged down in details that the stories move to slow. Many people love his work but he just isn't for me.
Helpful Score: 1
A beautifully crafted book with a satisfying ending. Riveting, emotional and strong.
Helpful Score: 1
I read this book right when the movie came out and it was being talked about by everyone. Perhaps due to the high expectations this created, I found the novel very disappointing. The characters were mostly unlikeable and I found myself ambivalent to whether they ended up happy or not. It was well-written, but I didn't find the story or the characters engaging. I kept with it, expecting it to get better, but was not satisfied.
Really good book!! The first third of the book I thought was kind of dry and hard to get into, but once you get through that, the rest is great! At first, I got really annoyed with the abundance of description, it seemed sometimes that whole chapters were simply descriptions of people, places or events. After some time though, I started to appreciate his writing style and it made the book so much more enjoyable.
I read this book for a bookclub 2 or 3 years ago and I still find myself thinking about it. It is a wonderful, complex story and a great read.
First book I've read by McEwan, started a bit slow, but by the end I really loved it -- would like to read more of him.
I try never to see the movie before reading the book, but in this case i did see the movie first. I loved the movie, it had me in tears. It also made me pick up the book. Because i had watched the movie first i think i enjoyed the book so much. I already had an understanding of the what, when and whys of the story. This is a story that you must follow carefully and will not know just what has happened until the end if you only read the book, but as with the movie....once again i was in tears. I'm sappy for a read like this...i love them. Novel is a bit deep, i love the era and the layers building up to the climax, when you are finished, on the last page, you just go...Wow, never saw that coming. Awsome read.
I can't tell you how many times I picked this book up at the bookstore, because the story sounded good, but when I flipped through it, the prose put me off. I'm a chick lit kind of gal, and this book looked too...dense.
But, when I found a copy at my local friends of the library store, I decided to give it a try, because it only cost $1.
It took a LONG time to get into this book. By page 75, I still felt like I was waiting for something to hook me in. But it wasn't long before I was reading every chance I got, to see what would unfold next. Even the middle part of the book, the part that dealt with the war, held my interest, and I don't usually care for war stories.
BUT--and this is a big but--the ending just really irritated me to no end. I hated it. If I had not read the epilogue, I probably would have been left with a better view of this book. As it is, all I can think of now is how much I absolutely hated the ending. Although, I have to admit, I don't usually feel so strongly about a book, so even though it was a negative emotion, it still had a powerful affect on me, and I suppose that's the point?
I seriously doubt I'll read anything else by Ian McEwan.
Off to add the movie to my Netflix queue now, to see how well it was translated into film.
But, when I found a copy at my local friends of the library store, I decided to give it a try, because it only cost $1.
It took a LONG time to get into this book. By page 75, I still felt like I was waiting for something to hook me in. But it wasn't long before I was reading every chance I got, to see what would unfold next. Even the middle part of the book, the part that dealt with the war, held my interest, and I don't usually care for war stories.
BUT--and this is a big but--the ending just really irritated me to no end. I hated it. If I had not read the epilogue, I probably would have been left with a better view of this book. As it is, all I can think of now is how much I absolutely hated the ending. Although, I have to admit, I don't usually feel so strongly about a book, so even though it was a negative emotion, it still had a powerful affect on me, and I suppose that's the point?
I seriously doubt I'll read anything else by Ian McEwan.
Off to add the movie to my Netflix queue now, to see how well it was translated into film.
I liked this book, but it was a very heavy read and I felt it was very thought provoking. And kind of made me sleepy at times. But the last bit really pulled me in as well. Contradicty much?
Most people have probably seen the movie and have a good idea of what the story is about. Let me tell you folks, it is an even more sad tale on the page than it was on the screen. Naturally, you get more into each of the characters and I think this really brings you to either fall more in love with them, or despise them more than you did before.
To read the rest of my review, please visit:
http://www.dorolerium.com/?p=515
Most people have probably seen the movie and have a good idea of what the story is about. Let me tell you folks, it is an even more sad tale on the page than it was on the screen. Naturally, you get more into each of the characters and I think this really brings you to either fall more in love with them, or despise them more than you did before.
To read the rest of my review, please visit:
http://www.dorolerium.com/?p=515
Wonderful read - took me a little while to get into it, but I was glad I stuck with it through the first hundred pages or so.
Rather heavy - his writing is.....but at the same time, I like it.
Welllllll.....the first time I read it, I must say that I scanned it rather quickly looking for the meat of the story only realizing until after I had seen the movie, that my impatience caused me to completely miss the beat and nuances of this wonderful book. I picked it up again and could not believe what a treasure I missed the first time round. If you find it hard to get into, please go see the movie and then pick it up again. You will
clearly appreciate it much better. It is a gem of a book.
clearly appreciate it much better. It is a gem of a book.
This book wasn't something I would enjoy. However, many people loved it. I think it's a matter of personal taste.
Wow! I just finished this book last night and am still digesting it. This is a story of a misunderstanding that compounds on itself, leading to horrible repercussions. It was extremely well-written. McEwan draws you into the psyche of each character. I found myself sympathizing with almost all of them--even when I despised their behavior. I would recommend this to anyone that loves to be absorbed by excellent literature.
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.
A family story. A love story. A war story. All presented in rich descriptions of thoughts and deeds.
This is a moving story. I didn't see the recent movie but I can't imagine that they could do this one justice. It is so full of inner thoughts and feelings, something the movies aren't too good at conveying. I highly recommend this one.
Well-written and engaging, this book really takes the reader for a ride. Contrary to some reviewers, I had no problem getting into the story from the very beginning. This is a rewarding story and is highly recommended.
Excellent, beautiful book - takes a determined reader to stick to it long enough to get into the plot.
A little wordier than I usually like; but well done. It took a hundred pages or so to "get into" it, but it was worth it in the end.
One of the best books I have ever read by one of my favourite authors.
This is depressing. It was hard to get through. I understand McEwan's thought process but it did not hold my interest. I found myself hating it in the end. It was not what I expected. Very sad emotional story.
I actually saw this movie before I read the book (which is the opposite of what usually happens).
I thought the prose of the writer was lovely - absolutely beautiful. However, I did think that Part One of the book was very slow and tedious reading. I felt that if I had not seen the movie, I might not have gotten through it. It's rambling and seemingly pointless at times.
Once past Part One, it moves at a much more lively pace. I liked this book (although it is quite sad!) Would definitely recommend, just keep in mind you'll be trudging through the first bit.
I thought the prose of the writer was lovely - absolutely beautiful. However, I did think that Part One of the book was very slow and tedious reading. I felt that if I had not seen the movie, I might not have gotten through it. It's rambling and seemingly pointless at times.
Once past Part One, it moves at a much more lively pace. I liked this book (although it is quite sad!) Would definitely recommend, just keep in mind you'll be trudging through the first bit.
The story takes a little while to get going, but is really a very good read.
I don't usually enjoy books unless they are set in the modern day, however, this book gave me the detail to imagine the characters and the home they lived in. Admittedly, the middle was a bit slow, but the beginning captured me, and the last third of the book I couldn't put down.
I never watched the movie, but I cannot imagine it being as good as the book. It is beautifully written with powerful imagery. The middle was a little slow at times, but it was overall a wonderful read!
One summer day in 1935, thirteen year old Briony Tallis witnesses the flirtation between her older sister, Cecilia, and Robbie Turner, son of a servant. But Briony's incomplete grasp of adult motives and her precocious imagination bring about a crime whose repercussions Atonment follows through the chaos and carnage of WWII and into the close of the twentith century.
I really enjoyed this book. I am in a small book club and one of the other guys suggested it as a club book. It has a few "twists" in it. It was fun to read and very interesting to talk about.
Booker Prize Finalist. "symphonic novel of love and war, childhood and class, guilt and foregiveness" Set in England in the years before and during WWII.
Didn't even make it to the end, not at all sure what all the fuss is about with this one. It dragged beyond belief!
good read...love it
This is a well-written book, rather unsentimental -- self-conscious and insightful about the power of a novelist. I did not particularly care for any of the characters so was not as touched by the series of tragic events that take place. There is incredibly graphic and documentary coverage of the what it was like to be a nurse in London at the beginning of WWII. It's a phenomenatl read, and even though it involves a love story it is not a tearjerker for that reason. Love and War, Peace and Deception.
This is an incredibly well-crafted story you won't soon forget.
Most people love this book. Ian McEwan is a very well-liked author and this is supposedly one of his best books. It just didn't suit my tastes.
compassionate work - seductive and redemptive.
Well written. Extremely close to the movie
Excellent writing! Great storyteller!
The insatiable desire to kiss and touch a lover...the ache from that unfulfilled want is the centerpiece to McEwan's "Atonement."
Not one of my favorites. Thought it would be just be wonderful based on reviews and awards, but, yeah, in my opinion, not the case. I guess I didn't like it because it was much more character driven than plot driven. The beginning is very slow, goes into detail about the character's thought processes.......I did read it through, but all in all, dull and depressing.
While I loved the movie, the book is better because the characters are truely brought to life.
The author has a knack for discribing the details around the characters. I will admit, at times, can slow the story down, but you get a true sence of what is going on.
The young girl's imagaination is quite vivid. You understand more clearly through the book, then the movie, why the young girl did what she did.
Read it and you will understand what I mean.
The author has a knack for discribing the details around the characters. I will admit, at times, can slow the story down, but you get a true sence of what is going on.
The young girl's imagaination is quite vivid. You understand more clearly through the book, then the movie, why the young girl did what she did.
Read it and you will understand what I mean.
I appreciate that the critics loved this book...BUT I didn't. I can only recall a handful of books that I have not finished once I started. I just couldn't stay with it. I found it choppy, and the story line didn't flow for me. I hope the next person appreciates it more than I.
I bought this book at the airport to read on a business trip. It was a pretty quick read. It is not the kind of book I typically choose, but it is a good story. Would be good for a book club selection.
One of my favorite books. This is a beautiful yet tragic love story.
This book gets off to a _very_ slow start. Things don't really begin to pick up till about 1/3 of the way through, but after that, I found it very compelling and interesting. I haven't seen the film yet, but I wonder how they could have captured all the drama, which mostly takes place in the hearts and minds of the characters. I bet that, like many book adaptations, the movie probably tells only surface narrative, leaving aside all subtlety. Unlike some of the other readers here, I found certain scenes to be movingly romantic. I also enjoyed reading more about what life was like for Londoners during the war. I would recommend it if you feel you have the self-discipline to pull yourself through the first part of the book--I almost didn't make it, but I'm glad I slogged through it to get to the good stuff.
This is a great book set in the 1940s and very close to the movie. It is a definite tear jerker and sad twists to the story.
I saw the movie first and then read the book. They are equally beautiful works of art. The book, of course, brings so much more of the story to life. The depth of the characters, the twists and turns of the story line are all so wonderful that I was very sad when the book ended.
A Booker Prize finalist. A NY Times Book Review Editor's Choice.
This book hurt my heart and I'm not sure I will watch the movie. It's fair to say the story haunted me. It stayed with me for a long time after I finished it and that's the mark of a truly good book IMO. Sad and lovely.
The story is told of her life changing mistake as a young girl who dreams of being a writer in upper-middle-class interwar England, the effects on herself, family and friends, and her own effort to achieve atonement over the coming century, which leads to an exploration on the nature of writing itself.
The novel bears the name of its primary theme. Throughout the work, the reader can see the characters search for atonement. "I gave them happiness, but I was not so self-serving as to let them forgive me," Briony says at the end of the novel. Briony recognizes her sin (i.e., wrongfully accusing Robbie and ruining his and Cecilia's chance at a life together) and attempts to atone for it through writing her novel. She does not grant herself forgiveness; rather, she attempts to earn atonement through giving Robbie and Cecilia a life together in her writing...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atonement_(novel)
The movie Atonement didn't follow the book exactly, but the book did detail all that really happened.
The novel bears the name of its primary theme. Throughout the work, the reader can see the characters search for atonement. "I gave them happiness, but I was not so self-serving as to let them forgive me," Briony says at the end of the novel. Briony recognizes her sin (i.e., wrongfully accusing Robbie and ruining his and Cecilia's chance at a life together) and attempts to atone for it through writing her novel. She does not grant herself forgiveness; rather, she attempts to earn atonement through giving Robbie and Cecilia a life together in her writing...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atonement_(novel)
The movie Atonement didn't follow the book exactly, but the book did detail all that really happened.
Could not get into this one no matter how much I tried.
I got stuck and could not finish it---someone else should enjoy it because the reviews were great.
New York Times Book Review Editor's Choice
Selected Best Book of the Year
Winner National Book Critics Circle Award
Selected Best Book of the Year
Winner National Book Critics Circle Award
Every sentence was wonderfully writtren and important to they story. So glad I found this author at PaperBackSwap. Will definetly be reading more of his work. National Bestseller. Booker Prize Finalist.
The story was so devastating that I had to put it down. If you are tender hearted, and if reading a sad book has, from time to time, ruined your day, then you might want to think twice about this one.
I couldnt get into this book at all and then I saw the movie, which was also dissapointing.
One of that year's most acclaimed novels. If you haven't read it you should. I always give extra points to an author who attempts to write a character completely different from what they themselves are. Ian McEwan does this beautifully, telling a story from the point of view of a young girl and never faltering.
Much better than the movie!
Good book that follows a family through twists and turns, deception and chaos. An easy read.
Beautifully written and a true pleasure to read!
One of my favorite books. World War I and II era novel, told through several different perspectives, following the story of a family and its dissolution. Focuses most closely on the life of the youngest girl, Briony, who has to grow up quickly, first due to an event she witnesses and fails to comprehend when she's young, and then due to her participation in the war.
In this novel, when Ian McEwan writes a sentence, it stays written.
I had some trouble getting into this one, liked the middle, didn't like the end. Overall, an "ok" read.
Great book. The movie was well done, but the book is, too.
Interesting book, can't wait to see the movie to understand the ravings. IT started out slow, but mid-way things picked up and it was a very good book.
Another in my string of dislikes of Somebody's Book List books. I was reading this for a book club; I wouldn't have chosen it for myself. I didn't make it much past Chapter 4. Perhaps it's just that I don't care for 'literary fiction', by authors like McEwan who have clearly spent too much time with their dictionary and thesaurus, as his character Briony does.
I loved this book so much, I had to get a second copy to pass on.
Serious book. Makes you think.
McEwan is a master; the Economist review: "Atonement is a work of astonishing depth and humanity...worthy of the Booker." This is the story of a family, and three young people, caught up as victims of a young girl's scheming imagination.
Brilliant, gripping, couldn't put it down.
I tried to get into this book - I really did. But just could not get interested. Hoping the movie will be better for me.
I honestly believe this may be the slowest-moving book ever. It was very good, but very slow. Plus, Briony, the protagonist, is not the most sympathetic character in the literary world.
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.
I have to agree with about half of all the readers reviews (on this site anyhow)and half of my friends, This book was ridiculously obscure to the average reader. I tried several times myself and it is about the least approachable books I have ever picked up. And I have read and enjoyed several of McEwans books,they usually have very interesting plots and are hard to put down, so really it surprises me. I especially liked "The Cement Garden".
I read a vast variety of books and I consider myself a disciplined reader,it's almost an insult!
I read a vast variety of books and I consider myself a disciplined reader,it's almost an insult!
This book was difficult to get into, but overall a fair book.
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.
Starts out well but half in way gets odd.
The time frame jumps around -future -past - way far future-past. And at the end you discover that the Atonement is all made up and the people are long dead. The Selfish girl becomes selfish old woman, who did nothing to save the man she send by false accusation to war to die or her sister who went to war to find him.
The book graphic describtion of the wounded is also disturbing.
I'm a bookworm but this book (even though it may speak to some readers) really missed me this time.
There are better books out there, pass this one unless you have the stomack for it.
The time frame jumps around -future -past - way far future-past. And at the end you discover that the Atonement is all made up and the people are long dead. The Selfish girl becomes selfish old woman, who did nothing to save the man she send by false accusation to war to die or her sister who went to war to find him.
The book graphic describtion of the wounded is also disturbing.
I'm a bookworm but this book (even though it may speak to some readers) really missed me this time.
There are better books out there, pass this one unless you have the stomack for it.
Beautifully written but often slow novel about how a child's misinterpretation of an adult moment and a thoughtlessly spiteful act can echo down decades.
The character of Briony Tallis is brilliantly drawn -- a precocious child of 13, the adored baby of a nouveau riche British family, Briony is also a budding writer whose melodramatic tales of foolish love, betrayal, and ultimate happy-ever-after are praised by her family. When she sees, but does not hear, an exchange between her older sister and the sister's potential suitor, she misunderstands the flirtation for threatening behavior on the part of the young man. Thinking she is protecting her sister, Briony falsely accuses him in an act that destroys the young man's future and puts him on the front lines in Britain's disastrous retreat from Dunkirk.
This is not an easy read. It's dark, and the characters aren't always likable. The descriptions of the Dunkirk retreat and the scenes set in the London hospitals that receive the survivors, is brutal. Still, McEwan's prose drives the story and demands that the reader hang on for the denouement.
The character of Briony Tallis is brilliantly drawn -- a precocious child of 13, the adored baby of a nouveau riche British family, Briony is also a budding writer whose melodramatic tales of foolish love, betrayal, and ultimate happy-ever-after are praised by her family. When she sees, but does not hear, an exchange between her older sister and the sister's potential suitor, she misunderstands the flirtation for threatening behavior on the part of the young man. Thinking she is protecting her sister, Briony falsely accuses him in an act that destroys the young man's future and puts him on the front lines in Britain's disastrous retreat from Dunkirk.
This is not an easy read. It's dark, and the characters aren't always likable. The descriptions of the Dunkirk retreat and the scenes set in the London hospitals that receive the survivors, is brutal. Still, McEwan's prose drives the story and demands that the reader hang on for the denouement.
A lovely book. McEwan is a gited writer.
0n a summer day in 1935,thurteen-year-old Briony Tallis witnesses the fliration between her older sister,Cecilia, and Robbie Turner,the son of a servant.Briony's incomplete grasp of adult motives and her percocious imagintion bring about a crime that will change all their lives.
A real snoozer with a cheap story line. Lame.
Classic Ian McEwan.
Could not finish. Not my style of story. A real chick book. Can't even describe the story line.
I could not get into this book. It really dragged for me. Very confusing and all over the place.
FROM THE PUBLISHER
Ian McEwans 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.
Ian McEwans 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.
Grat story!
My book club was enthusistic
This book changed my life.
couldn't get into it so never got past the first few pages.
This comes from the inside cover. On the hottest day of the summer of 1935, 13 yr old Briony Tallis see her older sister Cecilia strip off her clothes and plunge int the fountain in the garden of their country house. Watching Cecilia is their housekeeper's son Robbie Turner, a childhood friend who, along withe Briony's sister, has recently graduated from Cambridge. By the end of that day the lives of all three will have been changed forever.
Booker prize winner and national best seller.
Excellent condition
I had an order for this book on 1/17/07. I have been doing inventory at work and just saw the order. Now it isn't on my list so I can't mail it. Sorry. I still have it and will send it.
I had an order for this book on 1/17/07. I have been doing inventory at work and just saw the order. Now it isn't on my list so I can't mail it. Sorry. I still have it and will send it.
