A review by anna_99l
Atonement by Ian McEwan

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.
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