Nov 23 2008
“Atonement”: A Review
Last week I started reading Ian McEwan’s Atonement.
I posted my thoughts on this beautifully written book part way through, and promised to do so again when I finished (click here to view previous post).
Admittedly, Atonement begins slowly; however, one-third into the novel, the reader is sucked into a whirlwind of suspense. During this time, I was unable to put down the book.
The second half of the story differed very much from what I expected. I can’t say I enjoyed the subject matter as much as the first half, but that’s personal preference. By contrast, many readers would prefer the second half to the first.
The ending was effective and unexpected. However, I may have ruined it for myself by concocting my own theories on how it would turn out (and some of my theoretical endings were more exciting).
There is absolutely no doubt that McEwan has written a magnificent piece of literature that will stand the test of time. If you decide to try Atonement for yourself, I recommend you persevere to the end.
It’s well worth the read.
Browsing the bookstore,I’ve picked up ‘Atonement’several times. Each time I’ve put it back on the shelf. Today I’m going to get it. Thanks for the review.