Atonement (edit title)

• Rated 5 stars

“I read this book three years ago, when i was still in college, but its voice and atmosphere still reverbertates, like an unforgettable childhood afternoon. I havent met anyone who i could discuss this book with and i hope through this site i'd find not only one but some. -- Before I got to read Atonement, i have just been vaguely introduced to the stream of consciousness technique. I have not read any of Virginia Woolf's back then and to be honest i didnt know what kind of a technique that was. But when I read Atonement, I felt that I, as reader, was made constantly updated to every nuance, every minor shift and turn of a character's thought s and emotions. Its narrative is very inviting, creating an intimacy that allows the reader a personal involvement to the point of feeling a "personal stake" at the characters' fates. I believe this is because a lot of times, the narrator enters the characters deepest sensibilities and raw, honest impressions. Somehow, the characters, and consequently the events, are cut-open for public disection through a stream of conscious, sensitive accounts. Perhaps this is what stream of consciousness is, i thought to my self. Oh well, that's what i felt it was at least. Once I get to read more books employing this technique (like Joyce's Finnegan's Wake) I'd go back to this. : D -- Atonement is a beautiful quilt of love story, war story, of the absurdity of childhood "fantasy worlds", and the consequences of lies, past shame and burden. It was (ultimately) told in the eyes (and mind) or Briony, the girl whose lie begets the tragedy that befalls the two other main characters, Cecilia and Robbie's, love affair. --- The love story is somewhat reminiscent of Heathcliff and Catherine's, minus the gothic melodrama. But Cecilia and Robbie's love is unique compared to many i have read before. Their love started with an aggressive yet pretentiously stoic feel, found among the young, defiant, proud-but-secretly in-love. Then, when they had been deeply scourged and roughly weathered by their tragedies, they developed that matured, passionate affection made fragile by the distance. What i found most endearing in their love story is that, it was made sweeter by the fact that they were never really together to experience the reality of a relationship. It too, was built and strengthened on mere fantasies. It was as beautiful and perfect as a wish. --- The war story on the other hand had a similar effect to that of reading letters from war archives. It was a narrow but sharp emotional glimpse of the war, making it more personal that it is historical. The consequence is that the war was made merely a backdrop to the bigger picture of love but in essence, it wasnt betrayed; it was portrayed in full-dimension (even as a miniature) making an appearance of a passing, yet imposing storm. I remember shivering in vicarious fear and hopelessness brought about by the gripping humanity of Robbie's war experiences. --- I would refrain from any spoiler and either way, i cannot dwell on details but I must say I remember feeling betrayed by the "inevitable twist" at the ending. Yet in retrospect, I also loved the book for that. It truly gave meaning and a reverberating reality to everything making me want to read the book again, to look for that sign, any sign that i must have missed, that will confirm the "truth" that I wanted to hold on to. If you've read this and you've fallen in-love with Cecilia and Robbie you'd understand. --- Anyway, i have just gotten news that this book was recently adapted into a film (which was featured in the Cannes) of the same title, with Keira Knightly as Cecilia. I hope Keira did her justice. I must re-read the book before i get to see its movie. Wish i have more time though. : D ”

• Rated 3 stars

“I liked the first section but it took me awhile to like the other sections.”

• Rated 0 stars

“Can't wait to see the movie!”

• Rated 0 stars

“Thirteen-ear old Briony falsely accuses Robbie of raping her cousin Lola. The book is divided into 3 parts. Part I is the event. Part II is Robbie in France as a soldier. Part II is Briony as an elder being honored for her novels.”

• Rated 3 stars

“Over-rated !”

• Rated 5 stars

“I absolutely loved this book! And I love McEwan. It did break my heart, but that's part of the beauty of it.”

• Rated 0 stars

“I knew it was time to ditch my book club when most members didn't like this book. They have no taste.”