Reviews with content warning for Gore - Atonement

I think the book could have become an entirely new level of impactful if the cast of characters was more diverse. I hated the narration in the first part, and I thought most of the second part was boring, but I enjoyed the third and fourth parts. I thought the imagery of the soldiers in the hospital was really gripping. I thought the part with Luc was really sweet. I also really loved the character of Robbie. Even though it made me angry and sad, I thought the ending was really well done, and it is definitely a book that has stuck with me.

Content Warnings

thinwhiteduke's review against another edition

Go to review page

challenging mysterious sad slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.25

Though I can see an interesting story within it, Atonement is a slog to read, with an ending which ruins most of the book

Content Warnings

myreme's review against another edition

Go to review page

challenging emotional reflective slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Content Warnings

anna_99l's review against another edition

Go to review page

dark emotional reflective sad slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I firmly believe that 'Atonement' is only of the few cases where it is acceptable to say that you prefer either the movie or the book. However, this does not take away from McKewan's writing in the slightest. This is not a book for those that are looking for a fast paced novel - half of the novel takes place in one afternoon. Rather, the book is very character driven.

I find Atonement so compelling because it reminds me that no matter how sorry you are about a past wrong, oftentimes our desire to repent cannot be actualised. There are some wrongs that cannot be righted and we have to live with our own actions. This makes me appreciate the gravity of my actions more, although I don't think I would have every acted like Brioney regardless of whether I had read the book.

Content Warnings