A review by lostinthelibrary
Atonement by Ian McEwan
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This is one of the best character study books I have ever read. The characters all do things on the scale from questionable to awful but they are so well developed that you understand their multi-layered motivations.
The atmosphere is also incredibly immersive whether in a sleepy summer country house, a busy hospital or the banks of Dunkirk. Each setting is powerfully evoked in, at times, uncomfortable ways and this combined with the characterisation, really put you in the perspective of the characters.
Finally, the writing was just so perfectly crafted and changed throughout the book to mirror the characters and their perspectives. Descriptive sections were used sparingly but effectively and it was overall a joy to read.
A worthy classic and my first 5 star book of the year!
The atmosphere is also incredibly immersive whether in a sleepy summer country house, a busy hospital or the banks of Dunkirk. Each setting is powerfully evoked in, at times, uncomfortable ways and this combined with the characterisation, really put you in the perspective of the characters.
Finally, the writing was just so perfectly crafted and changed throughout the book to mirror the characters and their perspectives. Descriptive sections were used sparingly but effectively and it was overall a joy to read.
A worthy classic and my first 5 star book of the year!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, War, Injury/Injury detail, and Blood
Moderate: Sexual assault