Atonement

by Ian McEwan

Mass Market Paperback, 480 pages

English language

Published Nov. 6, 2007 by Anchor Books.

ISBN:: 978-0-307-38884-1
OCLC Number:: 182807564

(74 reviews)

On a 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. But Briony's incomplete grasp of adult motives and her precocious imagination bring about a crime that will change all their lives, a crime whose repercussions Atonement follows through the chaos and carnage of World War II and into the close of the twentieth century. (back cover)

50 editions

hwebb reviewed Atonement by Ian McEwan

Review of 'Atonement' on 'Goodreads'

3 stars

Often too stylistically written for its own good, but a worthwhile read.

Ellemir reviewed Abbitte by Ian McEwan

Review of 'Abbitte' on 'Goodreads'

5 stars

A great book, one of the most interesting and depressing novels I ever read. Unfortunately I made the mistake of watching the movie first (not knowing about this book at that time), which spoiled part of the novel and especially the ending for me. That's the reason for changing the rating from 4 stars to 5, adding this book to my alltime favourites.

I was drawn into the book right from the beginning - the pre-war setting with its lush and carefree atmosphere, spoiled by the events during the course of a day, then the darker and more brutal scenery during the war - the author did a great job here.
The characters were great as well. The motivation for their deeds (and for the things they didn't do) were understandable and there was a lot of character development. The actions that seemed to be out of character were explained by the ending. Going into depth more would spoil the book for those of my friends who might be planning to read it (if they haven't read a synopsis somewhere else or seen the film).

I still sometimes think about some of the questions the book posed for me. Is there really a thing like atonement? Is it possible to forgive someone who spoiled the entire lifes of other persons, even if she did it without fully understanding what she was doing? A really good book - and definately on my list to reread.

David F. Mendes reviewed Atonement by Ian McEwan

Review of 'Atonement' on 'Goodreads'

5 stars

Almost too good. At a point in the book I had to put it aside for a few days not to be crushed by it. Its characters were living with me even weeks after I finished reading it.