Atonement

by Ian McEwan
Atonement cover
Good Books rating 4.44
Literary Fiction
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £9.99 Hardback • £14.99
Bookshop
Format • £9.49
Amazon
Format/Price Check
Technical
  • ID: 628
  • Added: 2025-09-18
  • Updated: 2025-12-31
  • ISBN: 9780099507383
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 2007-01-01
  • Formats: 136
  • Reviews: 4

Atonement by Ian McEwan is a powerful exploration of the consequences of a single, irrevocable action. Thirteen-year-old Briony Tallis, a fledgling writer, witnesses a moment between her older sister Cecilia and their housekeeper's son, Robbie, and misinterprets it in a way that leads to a false accusation of a heinous crime. This accusation not only tears apart the lives of Cecilia and Robbie but also haunts Briony for decades to come. The novel delves into the complexities of human relationships, the weight of guilt, and the elusive nature of atonement./n/nThe story is told through multiple perspectives and spans several decades, from the idyllic English countryside in the 1930s to the chaos of World War II and beyond. McEwan's prose is both lyrical and precise, capturing the nuances of each character's emotional journey. Atonement is not just a tale of personal redemption but also a meditation on the power of storytelling and the ethical responsibilities of writers.

Reviews
Read Watch Drink Coffee · 2024-02-17
heartbreaking 4.75

The novel is described as a heartbreaking and thought-provoking story that delves into themes of guilt and regret. It is seen as a powerful and impactful read.

Read Watch Drink Coffee finds Atonement to be a deeply moving and thought-provoking novel that explores the themes of guilt and regret with great depth. The reviewer highlights the novel's ability to strike a powerful emotional chord, making it a memorable and impactful read. The story's multi-layered narrative and its exploration of human emotions are particularly praised.

Quick quotes

    A multi-layered story of guilt and regret, it's a heartbreaking and thought-provoking story that strikes a powerful blow.

    The novel's exploration of guilt and regret is both profound and affecting.

    Atonement is a deeply moving and impactful read that stays with the reader long after finishing.

Stargazer Online · 2023-02-12
thoughtful 4.50

The novel is praised for its layered complexity and the depth of themes it explores. It invites extensive discussion on various interpretations and connections.

Stargazer Online highlights the cleverness and depth of Ian McEwan's Atonement, noting its rich thematic content. The review emphasizes the novel's ability to provoke thought and discussion, making it a compelling read for those who enjoy analyzing literary works. The intricate connections and interpretations within the story are particularly noteworthy, adding layers of meaning that enhance the reading experience.

Quick quotes

    The layered novel is exceedingly clever and there is much to be discussed with respect to themes, concepts, connections and interpretations.

    Atonement is a masterclass in storytelling that invites readers to delve deep into its layers.

    The novel's complexity makes it a rewarding read for those who enjoy thoughtful analysis.

Julia's Bookshelves · Julia · 2021-08-06
heartbreaking 4.25

The story centralizes Briony and her lie, with other characters filtering their frustration through her actions. It is a heartbreaking and thought-provoking exploration of guilt and regret.

This reviewer focused on how the entire story revolves around Briony and her lie, with other characters' frustrations filtering through her actions. The exploration of guilt and regret is heartbreaking and thought-provoking, making it a deeply emotional and impactful read. The reviewer appreciated the depth of the characters and the way their stories intersect, creating a powerful narrative.

Quick quotes

    McEwan's entire story centralizes Briony in this crime because she told the lie, and the other main characters filter their frustration through her.

    It is a heartbreaking and thought-provoking exploration of guilt and regret.

    The depth of the characters and the way their stories intersect create a powerful narrative.

Beep · 2020-12-21
Satisfactory 4.25

The ending is tear-inducing yet strangely satisfactory, with the book offering a more bearable conclusion than the film. McEwan's writing is praised for its emotional depth.

The reviewer finds the novel's ending both tear-inducing and satisfying, noting that it is easier to bear than the film's conclusion. They appreciate McEwan's ability to craft a deeply emotional story that resonates with readers. The reviewer highlights the emotional depth and the satisfying resolution of the novel, making it a compelling read. The way the story unfolds and the emotional impact it leaves are particularly noted as strengths.

Quick quotes

    It's tear-inducing, but it's strangely satisfactory. I found it easier to bear than the film's ending, which is perhaps why McEwan does what he does best.

    McEwan's writing is both emotive and profound, making 'Atonement' a deeply moving experience.

    The novel's emotional depth and satisfying conclusion make it a standout piece of literature.

Appears in Lists