Atonement

Thankfully, I saw the movie after reading the book. They did a great job putting it on film; it was visually gorgeous! I can understand, however, not wanting to plow through the book when you know the story. I'm sure it just doesn't seem necessary to finish. ....and maybe it isn't.

I am of the unfortunate position of having watched the film first. This is no poor reflection on either the film (which is excellent and moving) or the half of the book I have read so far (also very good, if a little heavy and slow at first). Rather, I could not, knowing what will happen, continue to read past Briony's confession. (Indeed, I couldn't even get up to that point). Maybe someday I will forgive Briony enough to finish the rest.

I read this book a while ago and haven't seen the film as yet. Hope it does the book justice. If memory serves me right, I struggled to get into the novel and for the first fifty or so pages wondered what I was ploughing on for, but after that, no complaints at all, and the ending was simply perfect. Haven't read any other McEwan, but have just bought On Chesil Beach to see what I make of that one. He seems to be someone people either love or hate.

I feel that I want to discus this book at length. I have avoided reading it for a long while. But now the film is out, I felt that it was time.

This book has had a profound affect on me. Beautifully written it is, but it's exploration into absolution via art is mesmerising. The epilouge left me breathless and raging. At odds with the old author who is slowly dying.

It is a masterpiece.

Just finished it -- absolutely wonderful. Highly recommend it to everyone.