43 pages • 1 hour read
Atonement
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Book Brief
351
Novel • Fiction
England • 1930s
2001
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In Ian McEwan's Atonement, thirteen-year-old Briony Tallis, an aspiring writer from a wealthy family in 1930s England, misinterprets a series of events involving her sister Cecilia and family friend Robbie Turner. After witnessing their intimate moment and mistakenly believing Robbie attacked her cousin, Briony falsely accuses him of rape, leading to his imprisonment and separation from Cecilia. The story spans decades, revealing Briony's lifelong quest for redemption through her writing, while exploring the devastating impact of her actions on everyone's lives.
Melancholic
Bittersweet
Contemplative
Mysterious
Emotional
Reviews & Readership
532,539 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Ian McEwan's Atonement is praised for its intricate narrative structure and rich prose. Reviewers applaud its exploration of guilt, redemption, and the impact of one misunderstanding. Some critique the plot's pacing and an ending that divides readers—some find it poignant, others unsatisfactory. A compelling, thought-provoking read overall.
Who Should Read Atonement?
A reader who enjoys deeply emotional and intricately plotted literary fiction would appreciate Atonement by Ian McEwan. Fans of complex narratives and themes, similar to those in Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë or The English Patient by Michael Ondaatje, would be particularly captivated. McEwan's exploration of guilt, love, and redemption resonates with such classic works.
532,539 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Robbie Turner
Robbie Turner
The son of a working-class family, Robbie is ambitious and intelligent, having graduated from Cambridge University, and maintains a deep, complicated connection with Cecilia Tallis.
Cecilia Tallis
Cecilia Tallis
Briony's older sister who is a recent graduate of Cambridge University, Cecilia undergoes personal growth and clarity about her feelings toward Robbie Turner following a pivotal argument.
Paul Marshall
Paul Marshall
An affluent and privileged man, Paul Marshall contrasts sharply with Robbie Turner, as his wealth shields him from the repercussions that others face.
351
Novel • Fiction
England • 1930s
2001
Adult
18+ years
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