A review by lexarobinson
Atonement by Ian McEwan

adventurous emotional funny hopeful reflective sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

Not a book I would rush to reread, but I didn't dislike it either. In writing, the plotline manifests very well, as a film, not so much. Briony's character development is well written, although I do think McEwan lends her slightly too much sympathy when you consider the repercussions of her actions on her family and Robbie, who is dogpiled on due to his lower social status. Even so, the other characters are pretty likeable, to the extent you want Briony to get her atonement for their sakes - a morally ambiguous novel that was worth the time I spent reading.
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