Atonement by Ian McEwan Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Atonement
Book Review: Beautiful Writing
Summary: 4 Stars
Let me admit that this is my first Ian McEwan novel and that I read it primarily for two reasons: first, it was on the required reading list for school, and second, I'd heard good things about the movie adaptation and I have a personal rule about reading the books before watching the movies. That being said, I was also aware of McEwan's reputation as England's best author today and was curious to see if it was true. While not the absolute best novel I have ever read, ATONEMENT is very skillfully written and I can now see what all the fuss is about.
McEwan's style has the feel of a classic (I certainly prefer it to Steinbeck's, at the least) and an eye for detail that I feel some other modern writers are beginning to do away with. Though recently books have been becoming increasingly more plot-centric--with the events happening so fast there's little room for description, which suits our ADD culture very well--Atonement stops to take note of the nuances in thought, in vision, to describe the sounds and smells of war, and to give each character a distinct, recognizable personality through development of inner dialogue. The plot itself starts out strongly. The beauty of the first few chapters cannot be matched, unfortunately, in the later ones. As the characters grow up and away from the fateful, disastrous summer night (which I will not summarize because countless other reviewers have already done a fine job) the plot grows a little more shaky and uncertain. It's certainly a great story, but McEwan really put in his best work at the outset, and this is so wonderful that it casts a shadow over the rest. The only part I had real problem with was the last chapter, in which the narration suddenly switches to first person. I personally have no taste for first person point of view, so it was a jarring conclusion to an otherwise wonderful novel, I thought.
I will continue to read McEwan's work. His prose is top quality and more beautiful than anything I've read in a good while. I recommend the novel heartily, with the warning that it's not a feel-good summer read. While the plot will break your heart, the literature will hopefully lift it. I've also watched the movie and must say that visually, it too, is a work of art. 4.5 stars.
Book Review: Beautifully written, yet unsatisfying
Summary: 3 Stars
I wanted to love this book, instead I just "kind of" liked it. Yes, the writing is elegant and descriptive, but the story doesn't realize it's potential. There is much left unsaid, and your curiosity is never satisfied. I found myself wanting to learn about these characters, and instead, I got a lot of information about scenery. Very long drawn out descriptions of scenery.....
Often, I would put this book down for days at a time, then pick it up again. When I realized I was almost at the end of the book and still really hadn't found out much about the main story line, I was a little disappointed. A good portion of the book was dedicated to the battle scenes, which were not very clear. I found myself spacing off while reading it, thinking about housework I had to do and what-not.
I think you can have "good writing" and still tell a compelling story. I don't think this book hit on both of those aspects. One for sure, but not the other.
Book Review: Best read before seeing the film
Summary: 4 Stars
Having read reviews of the movie, I decided to read the novel first. I'm glad I did, although knowing there was a surprise ending gave a good portion of the surprise away fairly early in the book. I would definitely recommend reading the book prior to seeing the film.
McEwan keeps your interest riveted throughout the shifts in time and place that occur in the novel with strongly etched characters, and deep philosophical ruminations. It's a rewarding literary journey, but I have to admit feeling sad, and empty at the end..intellectually enlightened, but emotionally drained.
Book Review: Book or Movie?
Summary: 5 Stars
I just saw the movie and, although I enjoyed it, I must say I found the book far superior. The incredible descriptions of both local and characters immediately drew me in, as did the fascinating story and expertly-crafted plot. I previously heard the author speak and, never having read any of his books, immediately went out and purchased "Atonement." I have always enjoyed novels set in the 1930s-1940s dealing with the themes so prevalent in that time--desperation, tragedy, triumph, passion, and the indefatigueable spirit of the human heart exemplified by that generation. World War II provides the canvas for a range of emotion the author explores in rich, engrossing detail. Now that I have seen the movie I want to read the novel all over again.Book Review: Boring beyond belief
Summary: 1 Stars
I'm no stranger to long, involved novels; as a matter of fact most of my favorites are 400+ pages with plots so multi-layered and characters so complex you'll need to take notes just to keep up. Although the genre I read the most is `mysteries,' I'm not wedded to just one type of book so, tried "Atonement" mostly due to all the hype.
The first half or so of the book seemed alright--I wasn't keen on the paragraph-long sentences and the overwrought descriptions of just about everything, but not a big deal; figured I could live with it. However, when I reached Part II (Robbie's Dunkirk exploits), that's when it became a struggle for me to even continue. Nothing so far had impressed me, but as I've experienced many times before, there are authors who will work the reader hard, but the payoff will be worth it. So onward I went to ---- what? The most inane denouement I've ever read. I actually felt cheated and this is a feeling I don't often get with my reading. And this is the twist/ending that practically everyone was saying was brilliant?! I actually re-read the last section just to make sure I didn't miss anything; perhaps some nuance that slipped by me, etc. Nope. Read everything, understood everything, and still felt cheated. Deflated doesn't even come close to describing what I felt.
Those greater than I, I'm sure, will be eager to comment on what a nitwit I am for "not getting IT," it being what the rest of the civilized world gets and Philistines like me don't. So be it, I welcome whatever comes with graciousness, but stand by my one-star review.