Atonement
by Ian McEwan
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Book Reviews of Atonement
Book Review: Deep
Summary: 3 Stars
Very well written, even though the story itself is less than the writing/prose. I can see this being a book in the list of literature in college must reads. I constantly felt like I was getting ready to write a book report on the foreshadows and metaphors within. However, the story keeps you going, much like the Great Gatsby. Beautifully written and easily transposed into the ah-ha's, I've felt that way before! The story itself is sorrowful and yet I am still wondering what was true and what was fabricated by Briony. Perhaps I was looking too hard for the inside scoop. This book is for a literary respective, not necessarily a story driven reader. I like both, so therefore, I enjoyed it, but not everyone will like reading it more so than watching the movie.Book Review: Excruciatingly long-winded
Summary: 3 Stars
I thought the story was good, but it could have been accomplished in about half the pages. When I read a book, I read and read and read until it is finished. I read the last Harry Potter book in three days, and it only took that long because I had to take care of my three kids. It took me nearly three MONTHS to finish this book. The first half, the majority of which was written through the perspective of Briony, was excruciating. I understand that it was supposed to be the dreamy, imaginative thoughts of her character, but really....it was simply painful to read and pointless. The rest of the character perspectives were so much better. And as far as the ending, I'm still not entirely sure what really happened?!?!?Book Review: Simmering
Summary: 4 Stars
There's no doubt that Ian McEwan is a terrific writer. His prose...the interplay between the intricate thoughts of the characters and the descriptions of the settings are beautiful..I loved that line about Cecilia's dress worshiping the curves of her body. Those war scenes..like a piece of a Heironymous Bosch painting. So many other great bits too, but to me, I find it part of the English writing tradition to have a stew of simmering passion, often detached over-wrought and intellectualized, just below the surface which carefully never spills over. Words never said. Somber looks exchanged. Clipped cryptic meanings. Me, I happen to like things a bit more messy and expansive. Still, I enjoy Ian McEwan's measured pleasure.Book Review: Much better than the movie
Summary: 4 Stars
Atonement is a beautifully written novel that operates on many levels. First and foremost it does NOT operate well as an action novel. The action is very slow and staged. If you like a good action-packed book, this one is not for you. However, if you like a nuanced novel with psychological insights and intrigue, you will probably really appreciate Atonement. It is written in four very different and distinct styles which depend on the narrator and time period portrayed. Sometimes the descriptive passages get a bit overwrought, especially in the first (and longest) section, which is written in the words of a precocious teen aged girl. These passages make the first part drag a bit, but they are not intolerable.Book Review: Cramped, overwritten book
Summary: 2 Stars
I won't offer a plot summary that can be found in other book reviews. I'll offer my frank opinion that this book is over-rated and destined for the literary dustbin. "Atonement" is a cramped miniaturist piece that aspires to something greater, particularly in its commentary about written narrative, but ultimately, the major plot points boil down to the warped opinions of an adolescent mind. Lies, false accusations, fanciful opinions, need for drama--all products of a prepubescent's girl's mind. And unfortunately, a rather likable student is sent to war, separating him from his true love, because everyone is too willing to believe the idiotic opinions of the teenage girl Briony.