paperweightdean's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
beatrice_k's review against another edition
5.0
I've been in love with the art of storytelling ever since I was four and my father recounted the story of the tortoise and the hare to my brothers and I--complete with character voices and wild hand gestures.
The magical power of a well told story is presented in Ian McEwan's Atonement. The writing is smooth, the transitions seamless--even as the points of view shift among different narrators.
If you're a writer, you'll love it. If you're a reader, you'll love it.
The magical power of a well told story is presented in Ian McEwan's Atonement. The writing is smooth, the transitions seamless--even as the points of view shift among different narrators.
If you're a writer, you'll love it. If you're a reader, you'll love it.
maddysbookcase's review against another edition
5.0
In World War II England, a 13 year old girl is stuck between childhood and adulthood - this mix of immaturity and self-development leads to a devastating misinterpretation and accusation thus changing the course of life for many of the major characters. The twist at the end and Briony’s lifelong, but little too late, attempt of ‘atonement’ was such a memorable moment for me. I still remember the feelings of shock, bewilderment and amazement that such clever and thought evoking writing was even possible – when I first read this some 17 years ago as a young 14 year old reading her novel that wasn’t young adult fiction. A book that will always have a special place in my heart.
notjustyourpastorswife's review against another edition
emotional
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
atippmann's review against another edition
2.0
This book was quite laborious for me and I certainly didn't feel enthralled in the story often. My favorite parts were the war parts but even those were just ok. I can acknowledge that McEwan is a talented writer, but I guess he just wasn't my style.
rikkekofoed's review against another edition
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
rachel_reece's review against another edition
3.0
Oh wow SUPER sad. For most of the book, I thought it was a lighthearted, romantic novel. But when I got tired of that and looked ahead to the end, I realized its a really clever, well put-together novel about how consequences are irreversible. I see why the movie would be rated R. There's some language, and the sensuality in the beginning was a little much for me. The ending really made the book for me--it brought the whole plot full circle, and I think it's brilliant, however sad.
catereads's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
showd's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75