Atonement by Ian Mcewan Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Atonement
Book Review: Which to experience first....
Summary: 5 Stars
Should you read the book first or watch the movie?
Really, you could choose either. I read the book before seeing the movie, and it was one of the best reading experiences I've ever had. The prose is lush but not overdone, the characters finely drawn, and the plot leaves nothing to be desired. I'd never read a McEwan book before, and now I'm a bit skeptical that any of his other books could even come close to this brilliant work.
As for the film: it, too is lush and brilliant and an experience in itself. I don't know that I've come across a movie that remained so true to the book in both action and spirit.
If you're an avid reader looking for an excellent story with memorable characters and an ending that will be on your mind for days, read the book first. If not, then watch the film. Of course, if you're reading this review you probably have a strong interest in reading. So read the book.
Book Review: Atonement a love story
Summary: 4 Stars
A beautiful story, for the romance in all of us. A nice diversion since I usually read thrillers and sci-fi.Book Review: Gorgeous
Summary: 5 Stars
"Atonement" was an absolutely beautiful novel.
McEwan is very gifted at characterization- that's probably what I liked the most about the novel. Also, I felt he was extremely adept at getting his audience involved emotionally with the story. (Right after I finished reading I had to call my fiancee to make sure he wasn't dead or something.)
I can see why some readers might not enjoy his style, as it's somewhat complex and a little hard to follow at points, but I think it's well worth it to muddle through the parts that are a little convoluted. He's not at all pretentious when you get down to it; his writing style is just different than most modern authors' styles.
"Atonement" is a romance at heart, but there is much more than the love story going on (despite what the movie trailer made it look like). It's just all around a good read. If you're looking for an easy one I wouldn't bother, but if you're looking for something to make you think, then I'd at least borrow it from the library. I bought it after that.
Book Review: Atonement blows me away
Summary: 5 Stars
I truly believe there is no better book. "Atonement" is so beautifully written, there are no down parts, no slow parts, no boring parts. The author could be talking about paint drying and you still wouldn't be able to put the book down. One sentence just flows into another so much that you're pulled forward, and you're on your way. McEwan is now one of my favorite writers.
Of course it's not for everyone, though. Nothing is. If you enjoy simpler books and quicker reads, then you may not enjoy it. This book will make you think. You have to like that. Atonement is for someone who wants something meaningful, something that explores human emotion, and something that isn't afraid to break your heart in the end. Don't read it if you're one of those people who feel "tricked" at endings that don't turn out the way you expect or want. The ending of this book changes everything, so much, in fact, that I had to reread the entire thing over with the ending in mind to grasp everything from that new point of view. I can't emphasise enough that this is one book you shouldn't go without reading. Wonderful.
Book Review: You'll Love It or You'll Hate it
Summary: 1 Stars
Personally, I hated it. The writing was beautiful, the characters were alive and realistic and the story was believable yet moving; and I hated it. It was difficult for me to get into and while some moments seemed to drag on for 50 pages, others seemed to pass in a paragraph. I found myself skipping over pages and saying to myself "Ok, I get it already, move on". This was my primary reason for disliking the book, my other reasons are based more on personal taste so I won't bore you with them. Basically, I can put up with a lot for a good ending. Atonement's ending lacked... well, an ending.