Atonement
(Ian McEwan)
McEwan is without a doubt one of the greatest British authors to bridge the millennial divide, and 'Atonement' is his most skilful and complete work to date. If you are a male who ever wondered what it would be like to be a pre-pubescent female, a child of peace interested in the experience of a soldier, or just someone who takes delight in dissection of human nature, then this book is absolutely a must!
The life of the main character, Briony Tallis, provides the framework for this post-modern look at relationships, passionate and familial. There are literally dozens of miniscule details woven into the plot by the author, obviously requiring great effort : who would have thought that a particular type of vase, or a certain shade of hair could cast doubt upon a person's entire life?
This is not simply a work about one person, it is what would be an ensemble piece if ever made into film. The characterisations are superb, if occasionally a tad fulsome, and there isn't a turn of phrase or a detail about their lives which seems out of place. If one didn't know better, it would be easy to presume that it was based on a true story.
Although we receive hints throughout the work it is not until the final gripping pages that we can entirely comprehend the meaning of title, or indeed for whom the 'Atonement' is intended. It is a heart-breaking, thought-provoking and truly inspirational work that has a profound effect on everyone who reads it. Even if you have read other bits of McEwan's work and disliked it, this MUST be read!
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- Winning
- How To Do What U Love
- In The Land Of Second Chances
- Little Earthquakes
- The Stand
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